How To Measure Rough Opening For Attic Ladder

The next measurement will be for the length of the stairs.

How to measure rough opening for attic ladder.

How to measure for attic stairs 1. Conversely some homes have smaller openings or hatches. 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. How to measure attic ladder rough opening sunset savings attic stairs cover box department of energy werner 8 ft 25 in x 54 wood attic ladder with 250 lb attic door insulation cover how to measure your access fs13560 aluminium attic ladder.

You may have to trim to fit. Extend the tape measure so that it reaches from the ceiling to the floor. Place your ladder securely below the ceiling hatch and lock it in place. The length is simply the dimension between the two pieces of lumber that form the end of the opening.

That s dimensions between the framing of your attic joists which is typically 24 on center. Leave room for extending the measuring tape. Hold the tape. 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.

Standard openings are 22 5 x 54 but some homes have wider openings. Place a tape measure at the left side of the attic opening on the inside edge of any trim molding but the. First if there is an existing stairway measure from the outside to the outside of the existing box frame. Choose a stair that fits into the smallest of these measurements and is long enough for your ceiling height.

Do not measure the inside of the box frame and as that is not a true rough opening measurement. Close the attic ladder up fully and place a stepladder underneath it. You can stand on the attic ladder to take. Place your measurement along the edge so that your measuring tape stays in a straight line.

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. Have your helper below note the measurement. How to measure your attic ladder for a replacement step 1. You can watch a video or read this short article about how to measure the rough opening for an attic ladder.

Measure the rough opening in your ceiling both the width and length. Attic ladders are sized based on the rough opening. 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.