Pull-down attic ladder

[Marky Mark]

Home Depot has pre-fab pull-down attic ladder kits, who here has installed one, and what is the level of difficulty? I have opposable thumbs, and some basic skills, is this DYI, or "hire someone who knows WTF he's doing"?

thanks

 

[sgtsarge]

I installed one last year. On a scale of 1-10 I would say it is around a 3-4. It is a fairly straightforward process. They come is several different widths to accommodate your existing trusses. Mine was new construction so I installed the framing when I installed the floor joists. The actual part of installing took about 45 minutes with two people.

 

[Stuart in MN]

The trick is to nail a couple boards across the bottom edge of the trusses. They can be anything, I used some 1x4s I had laying around. Then, you can slip the stair assembly on top of them and they'll hold it in place while you fasten it off.

 

[where2]

My buddy at work installed one single handedly a few weeks ago. I'm still trying to figure out how he pulled that off, since he's ~150-160lbs and not built like an ox. I expect he must have hoisted it up into the attic like flying a set in a theater...

 

[lotsoftools]

The trick is to nail a couple boards across the bottom edge of the trusses. They can be anything, I used some 1x4s I had laying around. Then, you can slip the stair assembly on top of them and they'll hold it in place while you fasten it off.

This is the way right here, really not too bad at all.

 

[jack bacon]

Make sure you get one that is rated for a heavy enough weight for yourself and whatever you might carry up the ladder

 

[cbracer]

You will likely need some shim plywood at a specific thickness if you use the dimensions listed on the instruction sheet. Get the width and lengths as close as possible. Nailing something under to hold it is a good idea. My contractor mounted mine, then I took it down and shimmed it correctly and put it back up.

 

[CNGsaves]

Also be leery of some models for sale on CL or Ebay as there was recall on a brand, but "new" ones still floating around for sale on CL/Ebay. IIRC these were wooden attic ladders.

I'd vote for minimum 300 lb aluminum capable ladder.

 

[Scott H in Wheaton]

I salvaged one from a foreclosed home in the area. It was laying on the ground and the frame was sprung on it but I dragged it home and nailed/glued the frame back together. Hoisted it up in the ceiling joists and got it fastened in place, then adjusted and trimmed the legs/feet to fit snuggly against the shop floor. Aluminum ladder, too. I agree on a scale of 1-10 it was about a 3-4.

 

[melliott28]

Make sure you get one that is rated for a heavy enough weight for yourself and whatever you might carry up the ladder

Weight capacity is indeed an important consideration. I installed a Werner compact aluminum model about 4 years ago and it has a weight capacity of 225. Back then I weighed about 185 - I now weigh 220 (thanks to a second kid and a desk job). Every time I have to put something in the attic that is more than a few pounds, I get a little nervous. I would definitely get a lot more weight capacity than you think you will need.

In reference to the installation, it was relatively easy. The directions were very clear and it only took me a little under 2 hours to install.