How to Install Attic Stairs: The process is easy and can be done by anybody.
A: While it is easy to install attic stairs, particularly if you follow the correct DIY instructions below, you must never attempt to climb up on an unattended attic ladder without wearing the proper protective gear. It is best to hire an expert to do the actual installation of your new attic stairs.
B: If you have a ladder already installed, you have two main options for how to install attic stairs correctly. You can choose to use the existing ladder or install a new one. Many home-owners believe that you need to start from the bottom of the house and work your way up, but this simply isn’t true. You can install the first step directly above the finished basement floor.
How to Install Attic Stair
C: To ensure that you are not injuring yourself while installing the treads for your new treads, it is important that you wear protective gear. This includes rubber soles to absorb the shock from the steps as well as thick-soled shoes with steel toes. To mount the top step, attach the lower end to the bottom step with the short run of pipe. Use a level to ensure that the top and bottom are level. Secure the bottom step with a drywall anchors kit.
D: If you are attaching the treads to the exterior trusses, start by drilling holes in the drywall first. You will then anchor the brackets with drywall anchors. When installing attic stairs that attach to the outside of the house, make sure that the brackets are mounted flush to the trusses. You will want to use steel tongue-and-groove brackets for this task.
How to Install an Attic Ladder – Attic stairs
E: Remove any existing trim on the house. Attic staircases are usually suspended from the ceiling so you will need to locate a hole in the ceiling before mounting the new attic stair lift to the wall. Drill through the ceiling and attach the braces to the braces. Use a level to make sure that the treads are level and the brackets are seated square with the trusses.
How to Replace a Pull-Down Attic Staircase
F: Once you have installed the new attic stairs, make sure that the brackets are seated square with the trusses and that the bottom of the stairs is flush with the ground. Screw the bottom end of the stair lift into the ceiling. Attach the top end of the stair lift to the exterior doors or other opening where attic access door is located. Attach the handrail at the top of the stairs to the exterior opening. Finish by attaching the handrail at the bottom of the stairs to the bottom of the attic access door.
G: You have now learned how to install Attic Stairs correctly. If you have purchased an Attic Stairs kit from the manufacturer, they should supply you with a detailed product list. Review this list and identify any questions or concerns that you may have before completing the kit.
How to Remove OLD Attic Ladder – How to Install NEW Attic Ladder – Step-By-Step Instructions
H: Now you can remove the trim from the outside opening of the garage. Attach the track to the opening and bolt the track onto the walls within the attic. Remove the old trim and install the new trim and track. Attach the doors and other opening to the exterior and secure them with Brackets and tie down with Brackets and Wooden stakes.
How To Install Attic Pull Down Stairs
I: Most people do not consider the possibility that the track they are installing may become loose. It is easy to be so focused on just doing the actual installation and forget to check the stability of the track. If the track does become unstable, do not be tempted to continue as it could pose a hazard to your family. You may want to consider removing the broken track to ensure the highest quality customer experience.
J: Do you know how to measure for Attic Stairs? Without a good set of measuring instructions you have no chance of installing the tracks in a safe manner. If you have installed a conventional Attic Stairs system and you find that the stairs are not sitting straight. You are probably off track a little and need a rough opening measurement. It is not very difficult to obtain a rough opening measurement but make sure you get it from a reputable source.
How to Install A Pull Down Attic Ladder
K: Last but certainly not least, keep your eye on the place where you are mounting the stairs. The track and the stair trim may seem perfectly aligned but if one of these slips out of alignment you will have trouble getting the second piece into its proper place. This will require a little bit of work and patience but will be well worth the effort. If you are installing a sliding Attic Stairs system make sure you use enough bracing to hold the track into place. This is especially important for older wooden tracks that tend to lose their rigidity with age. Do not forget to use the correct bracing size to match the size of the stair runner.
