Attic Ladder Issue

[65Stang]

So, I am just finishing up the drywall in my garage and need to add an attic ladder for access. Ceilings are 10'. I am very short on money, so I check out Craigslist. Jackpot, 9'-6" (ceiling height) attic ladder for less than $70. New, not used, etc. So, here is my big mistake. As I work during the days and my wife is currently employment challenged I send her during the day. All excited today when I get home, open back of truck, yehaw! It's only designed for a max ceiling height of 8'-5". Just a little short....

So, I can't exactly take it back (not worth the trip and effort), is there a way to make it work or should I just re-sell it?

 

[krooser]

Make a small portable "landing"from 2x's and plywood... place it under the ladder when you need to use it.

Later on, when you're filthy rich, you can replace the ladder....

 

[rieferman]

I'd re-sell it and get the right size personally. It would drive me nuts otherwise. Also, don't send wife next time

 

[rsanter]

how about you go and look at one that is correct for you and see what the difference. if its only the last (botton) portion that is a bit longer then I would say you could do some woodworking to add on to what you have

bob

 

[Art From De Leon]

I would just make a little platform that you can set under it when you need to. The same platform will come in handy other times when working under the hood of your vehicle.

 

[IDASHO]

This is what I came up with for my 14' tall ceiling...

scroll down to the bottom of the thread.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23598&highlight=sneaky+attic

 

[porschedude996TT]

I struggled with attic ladders on my build and didn't want a wood ladder because they age and wood splits etc. So I made up my mind on a alum or steel ladder and found two alum ones at HD got them home and one was mismarked and was an 8 footer. Both went back and I ended up with Werner S2210. Number break down "S" for steel, "22" for 22" wide, "10" for 10' tall. I got them for $225. There is something a little deceiving about the pictures and something changed since the pictures were introduced. The frame appears to be steel all the way around the opening, but the ones that I got are wood around the opening. I called Werner and they said that some are made that way... It was a real strange telephone call.

Ok, long winded... But what are you going to store up in the attic and how often are you going to use the ladder. I went for the maximum durability which is the steel one.

 

[Rickster]

Yup, my PO had the same issue and added extenders to the ladder. Mine folds up just fine and has held up my big *** over the years.

 

[ddawg16]

are you kidding or what, where's your enginuity, bolt on a couple of extenders of same material to the legs and you're done- geeze

Henry.....regardless of your background or experience, it is frowned on for a newbe to be 'critical' of another.......you haven't earned the 'right' yet to be so vocal....

Stang.....while I don't blame you for your response....we try to avoid the direct name calling.....not productive....we are all here to help each other....

So.... everyone...kiss and make up....

 

[65Stang]

I struggled with attic ladders on my build and didn't want a wood ladder because they age and wood splits etc. So I made up my mind on a alum or steel ladder and found two alum ones at HD got them home and one was mismarked and was an 8 footer. Both went back and I ended up with Werner S2210. Number break down "S" for steel, "22" for 22" wide, "10" for 10' tall. I got them for $225. There is something a little deceiving about the pictures and something changed since the pictures were introduced. The frame appears to be steel all the way around the opening, but the ones that I got are wood around the opening. I called Werner and they said that some are made that way... It was a real strange telephone call.

Ok, long winded... But what are you going to store up in the attic and how often are you going to use the ladder. I went for the maximum durability which is the steel one.

Thought about going with an aluminum setup, but the opening is too close to the wall. I will most likely only use the access ladder about 3 or 4 times a year, and will just make a step-extension, if the wood ladder doesn't hold up over time, I'll probably figure it out. It's a Werner (SP?) ladder and I am not very impressed with the quality. It actually partially came apart during the installation and I had to screw it back together... oh well.

 

[JohnMcD348]

We had the same problem at our house and the builder actually had small 2x4 platforms built for all the homes in the neighborhood to make up the small difference in length. It's also good to have around the place to step up to reach things in and around the garage. Other times, my 5 year old just uses it for a seat.

 

[tvb]

Porsche Dude,

I was in the process of buying an attic ladder and found a lot of scary reviews on the S2210 model that you bought. There were numerous reported incidences of the hinges on this model breaking, with little use, resulting in serious injury to the user. Just do a google search with the search words: Werner s2210 broke.

Anyway, just thought that you should know. Not sure if the problem was ever resolved and that product is now discontinued. If you've had problems with this model, please call the consumer protection hot line at 1-800-638-2772 and report these problems so there may be a recall.

Good luck.

 

[Brad1234]

My garage has 10' ceilings also. The builder just framed an extension to the attic hole so that the ladder mounts lower than the ceiling.

 

[denis4x4]

I had to split the difference between an 11' ceiling and an 8' ceiling. Built a well and landing for the S2210. No problems after 5 years.

 

[Mark-in-NH]

This is what I came up with for my 14' tall ceiling...

scroll down to the bottom of the thread.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23598&highlight=sneaky+attic

Your creation is certainly some creative ingenuity. Pretty clever set up with the ladder and trap door. But how does it help the original poster solve his delema ?
As has been mentioned already, just build a simple platform to make up the difference you need. Throw some wheels on it so you can just roll it into place and then back out of the way when you need it. Just make sure that it can't roll out from under the ladder somehow whil in use.

 

[Kevin54]

So, I am just finishing up the drywall in my garage and need to add an attic ladder for access. Ceilings are 10'. I am very short on money, so I check out Craigslist. Jackpot, 9'-6" (ceiling height) attic ladder for less than $70. New, not used, etc. So, here is my big mistake. As I work during the days and my wife is currently employment challenged I send her during the day. All excited today when I get home, open back of truck, yehaw! It's only designed for a max ceiling height of 8'-5". Just a little short....

So, I can't exactly take it back (not worth the trip and effort), is there a way to make it work or should I just re-sell it?

I'd e-mail the guy that was selling it on Craigslist and give him the business for selling something 13" shy of what it should be.
Then I 'd probably just make a platform for the ladder until better funds come around for one the right height.

 

[onewaydave]

I'd build s well down 13" and mount and use the thing.
Dave.

 

[Buckled]

So, I can't exactly take it back (not worth the trip and effort), is there a way to make it work or should I just re-sell it?

Sell your wife. You won't need the additional storage.

 

[65Stang]

Sell your wife. You won't need the additional storage.

I tried, no buyers...

 

[65Stang]

I'd e-mail the guy that was selling it on Craigslist and give him the business for selling something 13" shy of what it should be.
Then I 'd probably just make a platform for the ladder until better funds come around for one the right height.

This sure is an old thread!

I made a small step ladder that actually sits on the attic ladder with folded up. So, that way I can pull the ladder down, grab the step ladder off it and place in underneath, unfold the attic ladder, and done. Works great so far and I expect I will only need to use it a couple times a year.

 

[Falcon67]

Sell your wife. You won't need the additional storage.

Coming up 13" short - she might sell YOU