How To Measure For Installing Attic Ladder

Measure the length from the hinged side of the attic ladder frame to the opposite side of the attic ladder frame.

How to measure for installing attic ladder.

Attic ladders are sized based on the rough opening. 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. Of course not every dwelling space has room for a full size access ladder.

Choose a stair that fits into the smallest of these measurements and is long enough for your ceiling height. Place your tape measure flush with the ceiling directly to the side of the attic ladder and drop the tape measure to the floor. How to install an attic ladder step 1. You can stand on the attic ladder to take.

Floor to ceiling height. 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. This may difficult to do by yourself so get someone to help you with taking this measurement. Attic ladder sizing standard attic ladders fit an attic opening of 22 x 54 and if you wanna supersize it you can get one up to 25 x 66 in aluminum or 30 x 54 in wood.

Measure and chalk a square measure 54 inches and tap the second nail next to the same joist image 1. You may have to trim to fit. Make sure there are no wires pipes or ducts above the ceiling near the marked cutting. Measure and verify the ceiling height which is the distance from the finished floor to the finished ceiling.

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. A step by step process to remove the old attic ladder and install a new one. How to install an attic ladder. The next measurement will be for the length of the stairs.

Close the attic ladder up fully and place a stepladder underneath it. Measure the rough opening s width and length in three different spots at the top and bottom of the framing. Using a carpenter s square line it up from the point of the nail and draw out 22 1 2 inches. Place a tape measure at the left side of the attic opening on the inside edge of any trim molding but the.

Measure the width and length of the attic access opening and compare the. Measure and mark the opening. How to measure your attic ladder for a replacement step 1.