How To Measure Rough Opening For Attic Ladder

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How to measure rough opening for attic ladder.

For a folding or sliding stair in a closet or other tight space you also need to measure how much swing clearance and landing length the stair will need when lowered. Place your measurement along the edge so that your measuring tape stays in a straight line. That s dimensions between the framing of your attic joists which is typically 24 on center. First if there is an existing stairway measure from the outside to the outside of the existing box frame.

Climb into the attic through the opening using a step ladder and mark the edge of the opening width on top of the joists at each of the short ends. You may have to trim to fit. Choose a stair that fits into the smallest of these measurements and is long enough for your ceiling height. Measure the rough opening s width and length in three different spots at the top and bottom of the framing.

How to measure your attic ladder for a replacement step 1. It s important to understand the opening size you have or will create to ensure you select the correct attic ladder product for your home. Do not measure the inside of the box frame and as that is not a true rough opening measurement. Measure the length from the hinged side of the attic ladder frame to the opposite side of the attic ladder frame.

Measure the rough opening in your ceiling both the width and length. Leave room for extending the measuring tape. Attic ladders are sized based on the rough opening. Close the attic ladder up fully and place a stepladder underneath it.

Place a tape measure at the left side of the attic opening on the inside edge of any trim molding but the. 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. The length is simply the dimension between the two pieces of lumber that form the end of the opening.

Have your helper below note the measurement. Conversely some homes have smaller openings or hatches. You can watch a video or read this short article about how to measure the rough opening for an attic ladder. 8 cut two boards that are the same size as your.

Extend the tape measure so that it reaches from the ceiling to the floor. Standard openings are 22 5 x 54 but some homes have wider openings. The next measurement will be for the length of the stairs.