Problem: You have lots of storage space in your attic, but you aren't using it because you hate to drag out a ladder and squeeze through your access panel every time you want to put something up or take something out.
Solution: It's easy to gain access to your attic if you have attic stairs.
Equipment list:
measuring tape
drill, with assorted drill bits and a Phillips driver bit
crowbar
safety glasses
reciprocating saw
ratchet
miter box
hammer
circular saw
* Your ceiling joists are placed either on 16" or 24" centers. Check the measurements before you purchase your attic stairs.
* It's usually best to install attic stairs in place of an existing access panel. However, you can install them almost anywhere.
Install the stair assembly
- Remove the access panel, and pry off any trim pieces. Make sure the area between the joists is free of obstructions such as plumbing or electrical wiring.
- Remove any framing between the joists. Use the reciprocating saw with a flexible metal-cutting blade to cut through any nails holding the framing in place. You may need to pry the framing away from the joists to provide a gap for the blade.
- Mark the stair measurements onto the ceiling. Make sure the marks are between the joists.
- Cut along the lines with the reciprocating saw. Support the edges of the drywall as you cut; otherwise, the drywall could break and tear off. You may want to cut the drywall in small sections.
- Use drywall screws to fasten the edges of the stair opening to the ceiling joists.
- Install temporary 2"x4" support ledges on each end of the stair opening. The ledges will hold the stair assembly in place so that you can secure it in position.
- Install 2"x8" headers between the ceiling joists beside the stairs. The headers will help support the weight of the stairs.
- Tie the stair assembly together, and have someone help you to lift it into the attic and set it on the temporary ledges.
* For extra safety, drive screws through the stair frame into the joists. Drive the screws only part of the way into the joists; they will provide additional support while you adjust the position of the stairs.
- Use wooden shims to square the stairs and fill any gaps between the frame and the joists.
* The shims will remain in place and be trimmed flush later.
- Have an assistant lower the stair door without unfolding the stairs.
- Pre-drill pilot holes for lag screws, and then use a ratchet to screw the frame to the joists.
- Remove the temporary screws from the frame.
Cut the stairs to size
* Attic stairs are usually long enough to accommodate different ceiling heights. Most stairs will need to be trimmed for a custom fit.
- Unfold all but the bottom section of stairs.
- On the next-to-last section, measure the distance to the floor from both the front edge and the back edge.
- Unfold the last section, and transfer the measurements. Place the stairs on a stable surface, and cut them to size with a circular saw.
Finish the project
- Remove the temporary support ledges.
- Use finish nails to install trim around the edges of the stair opening. Miter the corners of the trim for a more professional look. Leave 1/4" clearance between the trim and the stair panel so that the stairs open easily.
- Set the nails, fill any nail holes, and apply touch-up paint if necessary.
Resources Imperial Folding Stairs (Model #: MPS805)
Memphis Folding Stairs Inc.
P.O. Box 820305
2727 Faxon Ave.
Memphis, TN 38182-0305
Phone: 901-458-1161
Toll Free Phone: 800-231-2349
Fax: 901-458-7487
Email:
Info@memphisfoldingstairs.com
URL:
www.memphisfoldingstairs.com
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