What your attic probably does not have is a set of code compliant stairs.
How do you measure attic stairs.
Have your helper below note the measurement at the floor level.
If the springs are worn rusted loose or broken the integrity of the entire device is.
You can stand on the attic ladder to take the measurements if you feel it is steady enough to do so.
The total you get is how many stairs your future staircase will have so you can plan accordingly.
Choose a stair that fits into the smallest of these measurements and is long.
The door usually is counterbalanced to the ceiling with folding steel arms and two heavy duty springs.
Looking for a space adequate to this opening is your first step.
An attic stair which is actually more of a ladder is a fairly simple apparatus consisting of a folding series of steps attached to a door.
Extend the tape measure so that it reaches from the ceiling to the floor.
Your attic may presently have a fixed ladder a pull down ladder or no ladder at all.
Full size attic ladders usually need an opening in the ceiling that is at least 22 1 2 x 54 inches.
This gives you the measurement for folding attic stairs.
When it is time to replace your existing attic ladder it is easiest to replace the attic ladder with a new attic ladder of the same size.
The width and length of the rough opening and the ceiling height.
Swing clearance measure and verify the amount of space available to swing out the stair sections of your ladder this extends beyond your attic opening.
Basic space requirements for an attic ladder.
For smaller attic ladder openings with a minimum measurement of 18 x 24 you will need to measure from the finished floor to the attic floor.
Attic ladders are very convenient for homeowners.
If the rise is 42 inches 110 cm after subtracting 6 7 feet 1 8 2 1 m for headroom and you want larger stairs for example divide 42 by 6.
How do measure pull down attic stairs.
Measure the rough opening s width and length in three different spots at the top and bottom of the framing.
You ll need at least three critical measurements.
Also make sure there is a suitable landing space in the attic so you can safely mount and dismount the ladder while carrying items.
This article will explain how to measure your existing attic ladder opening to replace it with a new attic ladder of the same size.