Anyone replace existing attic stairs

[mikec35]

I knew it was just a matter of time that my creaking attic stairs were going to break. I was carrying a heavy tote up and was on the 3rd step when the side broke. I am trying to figure out the proper fix. It would be good if I could just replace the stairs vs. the whole unit since the frame is already in place and the ceiling facing side is painted/textured to match. Any advise on how to repair? Thanks

 

[nh_yota]

You need to be a little more specific - do you mean the folding stairs that pull down?

 

[nadogail]

Home Depot and Lowes both sell pulldown attic stairs.

 

[see pictures]

Buy one rated for 375lbs. Thats what i did after i broke mine in a similar fashion

 

[mikec35]

You need to be a little more specific - do you mean the folding stairs that pull down?

Yes- pull down attic stairs

 

[usa#1]

Buy the ones with the aluminum step treads.

 

[nh_yota]

Those retractable stair units are sold in standard sizes so it shouldn't be too hard to find one that's the right size and swap the guts over to the old frame.

I would just replace the whole thing and touch up the paint. Pry the trim off, cut out the old unit from the rough opening with a sawzall, put the new one in and slap on some paint. They usually come with trim but sometimes it's removed and replaced with trim that matches the rest of the trim in the house.

 

[Lynden]

Have you seen this video?

https://www.google.com/search?clien...5IBAzQuMZgBAKABAaoBB2d3cy13aXo&sclient=psy-ab

 

[Mr_fixit]

My pull down stairs had a steel rod every other step. One step gave way that didn't have a rod, so I put rods on every step. I also made a steel reinforced hinge. That repair way less work than replacing the whole assembly.