Installing An Attic Stair

Cut around ceiling trim with a utility knife.

Installing an attic stair.

When you find it remove the insulation from the area and determine. Mark rough opening of new fold down staircase on the ceiling joists in the attic. Remove joists and other obstructions. Installing a pull down attic ladder is essential for safer easier access to your attic.

In many homes the only access to the attic is a small crawl space in a closet or garage ceiling. Cut out the ceiling joist and any wood blocking that s in the opening. In most cases you ll need to drill a pilot hole and install a hex head cap screw and lock nut to keep the foot in place. Using a reciprocating saw start your cut by lightly tapping the blade into the drywall and cut along the chalk.

Snap chalk lines onto the ceiling to represent the rough opening of the attic staircase. How to install pull down attic stairs cut out attic access opening. Measure 54 inches and tap the second nail next to the same joist image 1. Cutting and bracing a new hole.

Use a reciprocating saw to cut joists and nails holding any joists that must be removed. Make sure the foot pads touch the floor and provide a. Snap a chalk line between the two. In this video this old house general contractor tom silva explains how to install attic stairs.

Once you re in the attic locate the screw. Construct the opening. Measure and cut. Install the attic ladder feet as instructed by the manufacturer.

We ll show you how to cut out frame the opening then install a fo. Next using an electric drill pop a screw up through the drywall in the ceiling.