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.
How do you measure attic stairs.
You ll need at least three critical measurements.
If the springs are worn rusted loose or broken the integrity of the entire device is.
The total you get is how many stairs your future staircase will have so you can plan accordingly.
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.
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.
What your attic probably does not have is a set of code compliant stairs.
The width and length of the rough opening and the ceiling height.
Full size attic ladders usually need an opening in the ceiling that is at least 22 1 2 x 54 inches.
Your attic may presently have a fixed ladder a pull down ladder or no ladder at all.
Also make sure there is a suitable landing space in the attic so you can safely mount and dismount the ladder while carrying items.
Basic space requirements for an attic ladder.
To convert your attic to living space you cannot provide access via a ladder.
You can stand on the attic ladder to take the measurements if you feel it is steady enough to do so.
The door usually is counterbalanced to the ceiling with folding steel arms and two heavy duty springs.
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.
This gives you the measurement for folding attic stairs.
Extend the tape measure so that it reaches from the ceiling to the floor.
How do measure pull down attic stairs.
For larger stairs divide by 6 and for smaller stairs divide by 7.
Measure the rough opening s width and length in three different spots at the top and bottom of the framing.
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.
Step 2 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.
Choose a stair that fits into the smallest of these measurements and is long.
Have your helper below note the measurement at the floor level.