To get into the attic, you must climb a stepladder, then hoist yourself up through the hole—a simple task if you happen to be Tarzan or a champion gymnast. In this article we are going to discuss two types of attic ladder, how to install them and who can install them. Use the same procedure to connect the cable from the drum on the other side of the stair. I would like a professional to install an attic ladder in my garage We already have roof access in the garage - but the hole is not big enough so it would need to be cut to the correct size for the ladder. Remove the cleats and trim off the shims. Generally, installing a drop-down ladder takes no more than a few hours. Without loft boarding, attic floors can’t take our weight. It pays to invest in an insulated hatch cover. Using the pilot holes located near the fourth tread, mount cable holders to the side of each stringer. An attic ladder is a great way to make the attic easily accessible. Attic ladders come in all shapes and sizes, some that look like proper staircases while others look like ladders. Slip the collapsed staircase into the attic, then drop it down so that it rests on the cleats. FAKRO attic ladders are pre-assembled and include the frame, hardware, and ladder, and are ready to install. Place attic assembly on supports. For example, if you already have an existing setup and your ladder needs to simply be replaced, it could cost $300 to $450 as long as no modifications need to be done. How to install an attic ladder is a tough factor until you are unaware of the real instruction. Location of the Ladder . Cut out the framing around existing hatchway opening with a reciprocating saw. We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. FAKRO attic ladders are available in various rough opening dimensions and can be retrofit to existing openings or accommodate a new build. Adjust the tension on the cables until the staircase glides smoothly up into place and closes without slamming shut. 7. To get into the attic, you must climb a stepladder, then hoist yourself up through the hole—a simple task if you happen to be Tarzan or a champion gymnast. Buy the ladder according to the ceiling height. Ensure that you have the right size ladder and that there's suitable landing space in the attic for safe mount and dismount from the ladder. You can either make one from rigid foam board, or buy a premade from. Installing an Attic Ladder There are three steps to installing an attic ladder: Making the opening in the ceiling. Some have handrails and some do not. Attach the header-guide frame between the two sets of drums; it will be used later to hold the upper end of the staircase in position. Do not disassemble it to install. Secure the drywall ceiling to the new framing with nails or screws driven up from below. Get the latest This Old House news, trusted tips, tricks, and DIY Smarts projects from our experts–straight to your inbox. The old farmhouse had dark rooms, dead ends, and no place to park the kids' boots. They need to be licensed and insured before starting work for you. Cut out the ceiling joist and any wood blocking that's in the opening. The cost of installing a pulldown attic stair depends on many factors, such as how your house is configured, the existing conditions of your attic opening, attic ladder prices, etc. And if you cut the bottom section too long, the stairs will not unfold all the way. Reinforcing the opening. But the real point remains in the technique and the step which you have to follow for made the job successful. Installation requires two people. Slip the stair treads into the angled dadoes milled in the two stringers. Do not disassemble it to install. Trim the ends of the stair stringers to the proper length and angle with a circular saw. If you know the rules and steps then you can easily set up it. This folding attic ladder is completely assembled and is ready for installation. Grab the top of the stringers and squeeze them in until the slide bars on the header-guide frame slip into the channel grooves on the outside of the stringers. Tom Silva demonstrates how to hang a pegboard in a garage or workshop and organize tools with it. So stop worrying about how to install an attic ladder, and let Lowe’s coordinate your attic stairs installation. Install casing, or other wood trim, to the ceiling around the staircase opening. Do not attempt to remove or replace before installation. Copyright © 2020 This Old House Ventures, LLC. The little extra time and cost it requires will give you and your homeowner peace of mind. This attic ladder is quite easy to install, and it is made out of good quality wood! Who installs attic ladders? Many older homes have a small hatchway in the ceiling. A built in attic ladder Lowe’s will coordinate your attic ladder installation service to remove your old attic ladder, handle your new attic stair installation and haul away the old unit. The challenge, however, is finding a simple and safe way to gain access to the overhead space. Then use a wrench to tighten the threaded ladder rods that pass beneath each tread. Installing a sliding staircase for a solid route to storage. Fasten the staircase to the joists with 4-inch lag screws. In the case of these products, you get what you pay for; more expensive models are better made and generally have a higher weight capacity. That’s not a problem with one of these compact, ultra-efficient units that heat water as you need it. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Make sure the ladder weight is not too much for the attic floor to handle. 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