Broke My Garage Attic Steps

[harvero]

Well I finally got around to finishing up the sheet rock around the pull down attic steps I put in 8 years ago. I put these in when I first moved in order to store some of my parts in the attic. I had to open up the framing of the existing lift out access panel and I pretty much have ignored the fact the sheet rock needed to be patched for years. Well as luck would have it as I was climbing down the ladder after applying a layer of spackle to the repair the ladder broke.

Now I'm heavy, but I'm still at least 70lbs less than the rated 300 lbs.

I first I thought that I could rebuild the broken section with something a little stronger like oak. But maybe it would be better just to replace the whole ladder.

Since I don't want to mess with the opening I guess that I replace the steps with Aluminum model from Louisville that HD sells that rated at 350lbs.

 

[Jack Olsen]

I would go with oak replacement pieces -- 'cause I'm cheap. You could also put steel over it.

 

[DIC]

I hate fold down attic stairs.
Had a step break and fell thru four more steps on the way down....

 

[Fubar]

I would go with oak replacement pieces -- 'cause I'm cheap. You could also put steel over it.

With steel on it, it probably wouldn't stay in the upright (folded) position because of the weight...

 

[knucklebusted]

I had a set of Louisville Ladder steps in my garage when it was first built. They felt flimsy, like the hinge wasn't all that tight. I swear I think it had only three rivets in the whole thing. It made me nervous and it felt rickety. My contractor came back out and replaced them with another brand that feels MUCH more solid and doesn't rattle.

Just goes to show I remember the bad stuff way better than the good stuff.

 

[little d]

harvero, i just installed a werner, allum pull down. this thing is as solid as a rock. i dont usely indorce products, but like i said, this one has sold me.

 

[shovel]

I bought the HD models made with 2 x 4 legs and treads. It holds my big *** up very well, but hard for the wife to pull down and put up. Jack may have the best solution to replace the pieces with oak or hardwood.

 

[ScaldedDog]

harvero, i just installed a werner, allum pull down. this thing is as solid as a rock. i dont usely indorce products, but like i said, this one has sold me.

x2. The plain aluminum one is actually quite good. They have another that's more complicated, with black treads, that's not nearly as good. Heavier, less sturdy and less reliable. I have both, and wish I just had two of the former.

Mark

 

[Gizzy]

Mine are doing the same thing...soon to be replaced.

 

[ddawg16]

I don't think I'm going to every have that problem....

BTW....grab handles at the top of your stairs were a good idea.

 

[harvero]

Got my replacement stair about done now. These are rated at 350lbs.

 

[russlaferrera]

I repaired mine with aluminum plates down both sides.