How To Measure For Attic Pull Down Stairs

Measure the rough opening s width and length in three different spots at the top and bottom of the framing.

How to measure for attic pull down stairs.

Have your helper below note the measurement. 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. For smaller attic openings with a minimum measurement of 18 x 24 you will need to measure the swing clearance inside the attic space. Place your ladder securely below the ceiling hatch and lock it in place.

Standard size attic ladder kits are designed to fit between floor joists or trusses that have a 24 inch spacing on center. Installing a pull down attic ladder is essential for safer easier access to your attic. That s dimensions between the framing of your attic joists which is typically 24 on center. The width and length of the rough opening and the ceiling height.

We ll show you how to cut out frame the opening then install a fo. 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. Using a tape measure make measurements of the total height of the space you want to make stairs from the bottom to the top.

The length is simply the dimension between the two pieces of lumber that form the end of the opening. Determine the area where you want to place your stairs. This means there is about 22 1 2 inches of open space between each joist pair. Leave room for extending the measuring tape.

Hold the tape. How to measure for attic stairs 1. 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. Once you re in the attic locate the screw.

Extend the tape measure so that it reaches from the ceiling to the floor. 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. Next using an electric drill pop a screw up through the drywall in the ceiling. How do measure pull down attic stairs.

This is called the rise of your measurements and will determine how high your stairs will go. You should also measure the ceiling height. Note the measurement which is the width of the attic ladder.