Diy Install Attic Stairs

Step 1 cut out attic access opening photo by karim shamsi basha.

Diy install attic stairs.

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. This guide will explain how to build a staircase in your home. If the ladder legs are too long fold the ladder at the lowest joint and measure from the hinge to the floor image 1. Pull the stairs down until the hinges are extended image 1.

Installing an attic ladder or fold down stairway is a doable diy project that could take just a few hours. Make sure you have someone helping from the garage level so you don t get stuck in the attic. Snap chalk lines onto the ceiling to represent the rough opening of the attic staircase. While the cost of doing this work yourself reduces the cost of the project from about 650 to 220 a professional licensed contractor should complete the job from needing a second set of hands to making structural changes and modifying existing piping wiring and air ducts this work is full of potential pitfalls and requires specialized.

In this video this old house general contractor tom silva explains how to install attic stairs. Cut around ceiling trim with a utility knife. Place attic assembly on supports. Many ladders as well as staircases come as pre assembled sets that you can get for delivery to your residence or grab at a local structure supply shop.

Make sure there s enough headroom above the attic floor so the staircase can close properly. Use a reciprocating saw to cut joists and nails holding any joists that must be removed. Use a hacksaw if the ladder is metal and a wood saw if the ladder is wood images 2 and 3. It also has a full length handrail for added safety.

Ready made options are available from industry manufacturers but building stairs from scratch is a less expensive option that leaves room for customizations. A straight flight of stairs is a diy project that many homeowners can perform with the right tools and a little guidance. Attic stairs installation can make accessing previously unused storage space a breeze. Some ladder kits provide these to make installation a little bit easier and all inclusive for diy homeowners.

Mark rough opening of new fold down staircase on the ceiling joists in the attic. Do not extend the legs to the floor yet.