How To Measure For Installing Attic Ladder

Close the attic ladder up fully and place a stepladder underneath it.

How to measure for installing attic ladder. Measure the rough opening s width and length in three different spots at the top and bottom of the framing. Attic ladder sizing standard attic ladders fit an attic opening of 22 x 54 and if you wanna supersize it you can get one up to 25 x 66 in aluminum or 30 x 54 in wood. Make sure there are no wires pipes or ducts above the ceiling near the marked cutting. You may have to trim to fit.

For smaller attic ladder openings with a minimum measurement of 18 x 24 you will need to measure from the finished floor to the attic floor. Of course not every dwelling space has room for a full size access ladder. Place your tape measure flush with the ceiling directly to the side of the attic ladder and drop the tape measure to the floor. Measure and verify the ceiling height which is the distance from the finished floor to the finished ceiling.

Cut out the opening. Choose a stair that fits into the smallest of these measurements and is long enough for your ceiling height. The next measurement will be for the length of the stairs. Place a tape measure at the left side of the attic opening on the inside edge of any trim molding but the.

Snap a chalk line between the two nails image 2. How to install an attic ladder. Most attic ladders cover a range of ceiling heights so it s important to know the exact measurement you re working with. So with a 24 on center and framing lumber being 1 1 2 thick the dimension between the inside edges of the two joists is 22 1 2 24 3 4 3 4.

Attic ladders are sized based on the rough opening. How to measure your attic ladder for a replacement step 1. Place your measurement along the edge so that your measuring tape stays in a straight line. A step by step process to remove the old attic ladder and install a new one.

Floor to ceiling height. Measure the length from the hinged side of the attic ladder frame to the opposite side of the attic ladder frame. Measure and chalk a square measure 54 inches and tap the second nail next to the same joist image 1. That s dimensions between the framing of your attic joists which is typically 24 on center.

How to install an attic ladder step 1. Using a carpenter s square line it up from the point of the nail and draw out 22 1 2 inches. Measure the width and length of the attic access opening and compare the.