How to install an attic ladder is a challenging factor until you are unaware of the fundamental instruction. Since fitting an attic ladder into your ceiling would not take more than two hours. In that case, you need to know the proper way.
Meantime, the real point remains in the technique and the step.
However, attic ladder installing involved in 3 points. These includes:
- How to install a new attic ladder
- How to replace an old attic ladder
- How to fix broken attic ladder and again install it
In this article, we have focused on the 1st point. Consequently, teaches you how you can install an attic ladder or loft ladder by yourself. Following our easy step and you will get success.
Plus, we have added a few extra tips. You should know these before starting your project.
Let’s get started with the definition of an attic or loft ladder.
What is an attic ladder?
An attic ladder which also familiar as a loft ladder. It gets popularity as an alternative staircase. Yes, this ladder is installed or fits into the floor’s ceiling beneath the attic. It is established to avoid an expensive staircase or for smooth flooding facilities.
Besides, it allows the user to save space and use it just at the needed time. You can easily fold it and conceal it into your ceiling. And for this, you don’t need any extra space. However, an attic ladder is made of different materials. The most common are- metal, wood, aluminum, fiberglass and a few more.
The attic ladder installing method
Although how to install an attic ladder depends on what type of attic ladder you want to install. But here, we have added the basic guidelines. It will suit every sort of attic ladder installing process. First, keep your eye on the necessary tool or instrument you have to arrange to start the process.
- Attic ladder (main thing)
- Pencil
- Drill machine
- Hand saw
- Measuring tape
- Screwdriver (slot and Philips’s head)
- Hand gloves (optional)
- Hammer
- Dust mask (if you have an allergy to dust)
- A utility knifes
- Protective eyewear
- A step ladders
- One helping person
- Nail bar
- Chisel
Step-1 Assemble all instruments or tool
You already know what sort of instrument you need to execute the job. Now it’s your turn to assemble the entire necessary tool. So that you can find all immediately when you need it.
Step-2 Selected the installation space
The next move is to determine the location to insulate the attic ladder. However, you must install the ladder below the ceiling or attic hatch. Despite that, you need to select the perfect place.
A perfect place means the space is free from pipes lines, additional beams, or any joists and electric lines. Here one thing must be considered, try to select the prominent area for installing the attic ladder.
Likewise, ensure enough space to put the step ladder and move quickly with your helping person.
Moreover, choose a space where you can install an insulation cover. No matter you install the insulation cover right with your attic ladder or later. It is indeed a needed object when you have an attic place.
Step-3 Preparing the space
After you have done steps 1 and 2.The next significant step is preparing your selected space. And for doing so, you need a step ladder and measuring tape. Firstly, you need to measure the attic ladder you want to install.
Then stand on the step ladder, measure the ceiling or attic hatch, and mark the width and length of the attic ladder on it with a pencil. Be sure you wear your hand gloves, protective eyewear, and a dust mask.
Step-4 Start cutting the ceiling
In step 4, you have to start cutting your measuring location. Take the hammer, unity knife, chisel, and hand saw.
Initially, create a small hole and then make it larger. Using the hammer and hand saw. Cutting the ceiling as you marked, which you have done at step three. Be aware there is no pipes line, electric line and other obstacle-created objects.
Step-5 Create position and framework for attic ladder
From step 4, you started to create a hole. Now, you have to make a proper position for your attic ladder. In case you need to cut the ceiling outline using the hand saw. Then start creating the framework around the ceiling using the nails, drill machine.
Here is one thing you need to be careful. There should be a 1-inch gap between the attic ladder and ceiling frames. This gap will prevent the ceiling from dropping off and keep it safe in use.
Step-6 Secure the frame and add temporary broad
Although the 1-inch gap secures the ceiling from dropping off, you also need to secure the attic door frame. To do this, you have to use a drill machine and screwdriver. Drill the screw around the attic frame to secure it firmly.
The next move is to place a temporary broad at the end of each opening. Use a nail bar for this temporary broad fitting. And be aware this broad should only cover the frame, not the door. This board will help you to hold the ladder before completing the installation.
Step-7 Get the ladder into a ceiling or attic hatch
The most crucial part of the whole method has come. In this situation, you need a person to help you. Carefully pull the preassemble attic ladder into the ceiling with the help of the person who should stand beneath the roof.
Now put the weight of the attic ladder previously add temporary broad until finish the proper installation. Then attach the attic ladder to the ceiling frame and secure it with a screw and nail by using a drill machine.
Make sure you fit it tightly. And if needed, add some extra screw or nail over the farm to make it perfectly tight and secure.
Step-8 Trim the extra gap
When you have done with the proper fitting, you need to trim the extra gap of the attic door. Pack the gap around the attic door using woods or logs. It will shrink the hole. And make the door steady and secure.
Step-9 Adjust the attic ladder length
In step 9, you have to carefully pull the ladder staircase from the ceiling. And adjust the correct length of the ladder. Unfold the ladder leg and measure it to the attic hatch from the ground. And if needed, cut off the bottom step to get the proper length.
Step-10 Add accessories
You need to add some accessories to give the entire installation process a professional finish at the last step. Yes, you can add a pair of plastic feet for your ladder feet to make them stable. At the same time, it secures the feet.
After completing all the steps, you need to dispel the temporary broad.
Well, done! Your attic ladder installation is finished.
For the visual description, you can check our included video below.
Extra Tips for perfect installing an attic ladder
- Remove your old attic ladder before installing the new one
- Before starting the installation, read the product functionality carefully
- Try to select a comprehensive location for placing the ladder
- Before going for the final installing check out the ceiling obstacle position
- Ensure you have correctly measured ladder weight capacity before buying and climbing
- Don’t forget to take ladder height measurements before approaching to shop
- Install your attic ladder at a 61-degree angle.
Precaution for avoid accident
- Must use protective eyewear
- Wear hand gloves
- Put a dust mask on your face
- Maintain 3 points of contact (two-hand one leg or one hand two-leg on the ladder while climbing)
- Never carry too much weight at a time.
- Keep your child and pets away from the attic ladder or place
- Inspect your ladder regularly to ensure it is fit
Frequently Asked Questions about attic ladder installation
1. Is it easy to install attic ladders without professional help?
Answer: Yes, it is easy if you have DIY work experience. Besides, when you follow the correct method, the installing will be easy.
2. A wood or aluminum attic ladder, which one is best?
Answer: Both wood and aluminum ladder are good in a few points. An aluminum ladder is lightweight, affordable and almost maintenance-free.
On the other hand, a wooden attic ladder is more durable but heavier and expensive. So, it depends on your budget and needs.
By the way, you can also frame your attic ladder. In that case, see our how to build a loft ladder article.
3. How to choose the right attic ladder length?
Answer:Use a measuring tape and take measurements from your attic door panel to down the floor. You will get the right attic ladder height idea.
4. How much it cost to install an attic ladder?
Answer: The cost varies for a few factors. For example, labor, accessories, material etc. You can estimate the average price between $200 to $700. For details, check our attic ladder installing full cost article.
Final words
In the end, the question of how to install an attic ladder undoubtedly meets an absolute answer. Since we have shown you the step-by-step instruction. Hopefully, now you can install the attic ladder by yourselfquickly and efficiently. Best of luck!
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