Installing temporary support boards will also make the installation process easier.
Framing attic pulldown stairs.
Build a finished frame out of 1x8s to fit snugly into the opening.
22 1 2 x 54 for the smallest pull down stairway.
Next using an electric drill pop a screw up through the drywall in the ceiling as a reference point so that when you go up in the attic you ll be able to locate it and find the general location of the attic stair.
Lower the frame down onto the cleats from above then fasten it to the framing with 16d nails or 1 4 inch diameter 3 inch lag screws.
Wood framing works particularly well for attics and is easy to install before an attic pull ladder kit.
In new installations a rough.
Fold down attic stairs provide convenient access to your attic without taking up space in the floor below the attic.
Roughing an opening for fold down attic stairs.
Construct the opening frame photo by karim shamsi basha.
You ll need at least three critical measurements.
Temporarily screw a pair of 1x3 cleats to the ceiling across the rough opening.
The width and length of the rough opening and the ceiling height.
I install pulldown attic stairs in half the homes i build.
Figuring out the angle of cut and the length of the lower stair section is the hard part and the installation guides aren t much help.
30 x 54 for the largest width pull down stairway.
Installing temporary support boards will also make the installation process easier.
Measure the rough opening s width and length in three different spots at the top and bottom of the framing.
25 1 2 x 64 often used for a longer pull down ladder attic access from a higher than standard ceiling.
25 x 54 most common small width pull down attic stair.
You ll then use the ceiling joists to determine the final location.
Determine the area where you want to place your stairs.