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.
Attic stairs gap at hinges cutting to length.
In the house the only evidence of the stairs is a string dangling down.
Because of this a set of pull down attic stairs is the best way to reach the attic.
If the attic ladder looks like figure 10 then both of the legs are too long and need to be trimmed further.
Pull down attic stair hack add another step and length for stairs installed in ceiling between heights in standard stair sizes.
Trace the top edge of the bottom piece of wood on the side of the angled piece.
This line provides you with the angle you need to cut the feet on the attic stairs.
Never place stepladder or person in the path of the attic ladder s climbing section drop down area.
The screw should be between two joists.
Step 1 fully extend the folding section of the stairway.
Pull down attic stairs have coil springs at each side of the unit.
Attic ladder manufacturers traditionally have provided a product that must be cut to length upon installation.
One will be used as your stationary the other you ll cut header it off and put your attic stair in.
Step 3 before cutting the joist first brace it to prevent sagging as you re cutting it.
Position a stepladder to the side of the attic ladders climbing section drop down area.
If the ladder is not cut to the correct length the attic ladder will not be safe.
Trimmed correctly your attic ladder should look like figure 9.
When built correctly the stairs are concealed within the attic itself.
How to adjust the springs on attic stairs.
Cutting stairs to the proper length trimming the stairway opening atlas and superior models only trim the stairs only after the floor beneath the stairs is finished.
If the ladder is too short gaps will form at the hinge locations and the different sections of the ladder will be at different angles.
Position the two people one on the stepladder and one on the floor on either side of the attic ladder drop down area.
Verify that there are no gaps in the section and both feet are flat on the floor.
Drop a plumb bob from the header and measure out from it to find this distance.
Again be sure the attic ladder power arms are fully extended.
Adding or removing carpet or other flooring material will change the measurements for the length of the stairs.