How To Measure For Attic Pull Down Stairs

Determine the area where you want to place your stairs.

How to measure for attic pull down stairs.

You should also measure the ceiling height. Standard size attic ladder kits are designed to fit between floor joists or trusses that have a 24 inch spacing on center. Place a tape measure at the left side of the attic opening on the inside edge of any trim molding but the outside of the actual attic ladder frame. You ll need at least three critical measurements.

Measure and verify the amount of space available to swing out the stair sections of your ladder this extends beyond your attic opening. For smaller attic openings with a minimum measurement of 18 x 24 you will need to measure the swing clearance inside the attic space. This means there is about 22 1 2 inches of open space between each joist pair. Place your ladder securely below the ceiling hatch and lock it in place.

So with a 24 on center and framing lumber being 1 1 2 thick the dimension between the inside edges of the two joists is 22 1 2 24 3 4 3 4. That s dimensions between the framing of your attic joists which is typically 24 on center. Have your helper below note the measurement. Extend the tape measure so that it reaches from the ceiling to the floor.

The length is simply the dimension between the two pieces of lumber that form the end of the opening. Installing a pull down attic ladder is essential for safer easier access to your attic. Hold the tape. The width and length of the rough opening and the ceiling height.

Leave room for extending the measuring tape. This is called the rise of your measurements and will determine how high your stairs will go. 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.

Stretch the tape measure over to the right side of the attic ladder door stopping at the inside edge of the trim molding on that side. When you find it remove the insulation from the area and determine. Cutting and bracing a new hole. Measure the height or rise of the space you want to make stairs.

Once you re in the attic locate the screw. Using a tape measure make measurements of the total height of the space you want to make stairs from the bottom to the top. Measure the rough opening s width and length in three different spots at the top and bottom of the framing.