Installing An Attic Staircase

In many homes the only access to the attic is a small crawl space in a closet or garage ceiling.

Installing an attic staircase.

Snap chalk lines onto the ceiling to represent the rough opening of the attic staircase. Peek into the attic to make sure there aren t any ducts wires or pipes in the way. If you re planning to convert the attic for additional living space. Make the most of all of that space in your roof with an attic ladder.

Place attic assembly on supports. Labor costs vary by individual or business and range from 240 to 425 for the entire project. Cut out attic access opening photo by karim shamsi basha. Here are a few important things to keep in mind before you install an attic ladder.

Installing new attic stairs. 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. Whether you already have an existing cavity in your roof or need to create a new one t. Installation requires two people.

Installing a pull down attic ladder is essential for safer easier access to your attic. So stop worrying about how to install an attic ladder and let lowe s coordinate your attic stairs installation. Things that would increase prices include removal of an existing set of stairs structural modifications and the moving of wiring air ducts and piping. 12 slip the collapsed staircase into the attic then drop it down so that it rests on the cleats.

Fasten the staircase to the joists with 4 inch lag screws. Contact lowe s today to help with installing attic ladders or. We ll show you how to cut out frame the opening then install a fo. Tap shims around the staircase to center it in the opening.

Do not extend the legs to the floor yet. This step is necessary regardless of whether you re expanding an existing hatchway or creating new attic access. Read and follow the manufacturer s instructions for your attic stair model. While it might seem like a big job an attic ladder installation is something you can handle if you just take it step by step.

Pull down the stairs and drill pilot holes through the side framing of the staircase and into the joists. Labor cost to install pull down attic stairs. Certain steps specific to your model may not be covered here. Make sure you have someone helping from the garage level so you don t get stuck in the attic.

Improper installation may result in serious injury. Pull the stairs down until the hinges are extended image 1.