Attic ladders

[TRC51]

OK, so I built my garage the way I should have. Trusses at 24" on center. Now my problem is the attic ladders I want to put in. Everyone of the ones I want to use (300lb capacity) requires a rough opening 25" wide. How in the wild world of sports do they expect anyone to install one of those.... cut the truss? I would really like to avoid that.

Second note, anyone have suggestions for some of the better attic ladders? I am looking at the Rainbow attic stairs but they are pricey:

http://www.rainbowatticstair.com/attic-stairs-products/star-folding-attic-stairs.cfm

 

[TRC51]

OK, so I just looked over my own link above. Looks like the S2254 would work fine for me. Duh.

I guess this has turned into a "suggestions for less expensive high end attic ladders".

 

[gatchel]

You could just space two of the trusses 25.5 inches apart and use blocking between the trusses to tie them together. Your druss designer should be able to provide you with the proper size and spacing of the blocking. That is what I was told to do on my build.

 

[GregN]

These are available at Lowe's:

http://www.wernerladder.com/catalog/results.php?category_id=1&type_id=3

I am going to use one of the Aluminum ones. I don't know which model yet, but I hope to put one in this summer sometime. I haven't used an Aluminum attic ladder yet, but I can't stand the wood ones!

edit: Here they are at Lowe's. Pretty reasonable. I was originally looking at Rainbow as well until I saw these at Lowe's.

http://www.lowes.com/SearchCatalogD...gId=10051&N=0&newSearch=true&Ntt=attic+ladder

 

[michael Mccoy]

I installed a steel and aluminum attic ladder from Werner with a steel frame that fit between the trusses.It's nicer than anything I saw on your Lowe's page but that was where I got it. $175
I like the look of Rainbowatticstair but the Werner looks sturdier.

 

[TRC51]

My build is already built, so I can't adjust the trusses at this point (as much as I should have when I planned this thing).

Greg,

Were you thinking of the Werner telescoping ladder? I just found that one earlier this morning on Amazon for a lot cheaper. Two things I worry about... having to carry anything straight verticle into the attic and 250lb capacity. I am only a 190lb man and I can't see carrying 60lbs over my shoulder very often, but it's that one time that someone big comes over and you need it to be stout. Over engineer everything I guess.

 

[little d]

trc51, i just installed a Werner, al2210, on a job. very impressed with it. i don't usely endorse products but, in this case i will. I'm 6', 220lb, and Ive been up and down this ladder a bunch, with no issues, squeaks, or wobbles.

 

[GregN]

I was thinking of the AL2210. I don't think I would like the telescoping one too much either. How much is shipping on the one on Amazon?

 

[TRC51]

Thanks littled... that's very helpful, actually.

The telescoping werner on Amazon was $230 with free shipping, but I'm not sure I like that option for reasons mentioned earlier.

On a second note, AL2210 can be purchased way lower at Lowes than Amazon (almost $200 cheaper). But, the part number on the Amazon page is A2210 (no "L"). I am wondering what the difference is.

I have always had a bias against the folding ladders, but I am starting to wonder if that is only because I have only come in contact with the wood models.


EDIT:
This is the A2210

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004RKCR/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[copterdoctor]

they don't rate ladders at their "breaking points"... if you're not gonna be lifting a bunch of heavy stuff over your shoulder very often, like you said, I wouldn't worry about it much...

 

[porschedude996TT]

I bought two Steel Attic Ladders on Amazon and the shipping killed one and the other ok. Damage to both boxes. They looked more like cardboard bags that were shredded. I don't think Werner intended these boxes to be shipped separately. I don't see the Steel ones listed anymore, I wonder why?

 

[JMURiz]

I have the Werner AA in my garage loft:

It's nice for what I need...a surface-mounted telescoping ladder.

In my house I have a Rainbow, it's $$ but worth it...not flimsy and nice sized steps.

Just figure out which one is better for your budget....I'm guessing you won't be hauling really heavy stuff up to the attic (that may sway the stair tread depth between the two)

 

[ScaldedDog]

I've got two Werner's - an S2210 and what I think is the AL2210. The former is steel but still flimsy, the latter is aluminum and pretty sturdy. I wish I had two of them.

Mark

 

[little d]

glad to help. i looked at the other one you mentioned, i don't see any differences, but I'm sure there are some. would it be better? i cant see how. oh ya, its got a shock absorber built into it, ya fold it up then just flip it up and it closes its self.

 

[jay50]

I originally was going to get the werner at lowes, but found a heavier rated ladder from another manufacturer(350lbs) at homedepot that I bought.

 

[portcity]

i dont know about brands or model numbers, because i just call the supply house and order by size. but they make them for 22.5" openings for truss situations, or any 24" oc application

 

[NUTTSGT]

I've been up and down some of the regular pull down attic ladders. Those Werners look like the cat's ***. I wish they would make them code in new home construction. It would beat the heck out of trying to squeeze through a little scuttle hole with a helmet and air pack.

 

[TRC51]

Jay50.... I looked at those from HD as well. I think their rough opening for a 10ft height is 25" though. I liked that one too and was going to just buy it and try something... but these days I research the death out of everything.

I think that Werner folding aluminum unit is tops on the list right now. The rainbow unit is what I want, and I usually try and get what I want, but it's just a little too much premium to pay for in this case. For the amount I am going to use it, just doesn't seem worth it.

For those with the Werner folding unit (AL2210), is it hard to pull down the steps?

 

[sstruckguy]

..I would strongly suggest getting the proper width step.(@22 1/2) I installed a similar model in my shop, except mine had a dampened mechanism (gas shocks) for an easy access and non-slamming closure.

Very easy installation and operation. The only reason I can think of, to cut roof joists in your installation, is to gain an extra 3 inches of step/width.(or you bought the wrong one) If you are wanting to store something that won't fit between a 24" on center access, I don't think you need to be packing that up a ladder. (of any width )

A similar thread is posted here as well:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=52033

 

[srmofo]

I just bought this one for my new garage. I have 10' walls and I had to build a wood "step" for the ladder to rest on because it is about 2" too short. Im assuming this is because of the slope of the floor. And I also read somewhere in the directions that it would be too short but I couldnt find anything taller without jumping in price significantly.

It has a 22.5 opening. I used lag bolts to install and drilled a few extra holes in the metal pieces of the frame for more sturdiness. Plus it has gas shocks instead of springs, much smoother operation IMO. Its pretty rigid, but you still have to keep your weight centered.


http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

EDIT- first one was doa, someone dropped it and the frame was busted, but the box looked ok, make sure you open and inspect before going home with it.