If you’re over a certain age (what that age is, we won’t say), you remember how terrible drop-down attic stairs used to be. They were loud, rickety, and difficult to use. The good news is that today’s attic stairs are much better than they used to be, and are definitely worth the time, money, and effort to replace. This guide will walk you through how to install or replace attic stairs so you can finally make the most of that hidden storage space over your head.
Choosing Attic Stairs
Whether you have a set of stairs already or you’re starting a brand new attic stairs installation, there are a few things to consider when purchasing your new stairs.
First, you have two options:
- Purchase a set of stairs that fits your existing rough opening: In this case, you measure the space between the joists and headers and find a set of stairs that fits within that opening.
- Adjust the rough opening to fit larger (or smaller) stairs. Find a set of stairs in a size that fits your needs and reframe the opening to fit it.
Another point to consider is the type of stairs. The most common type is a set of wood stairs that drops from the ceiling and unfolds in three sections. These stairs need to be cut to length to fit the ceiling height, but are typically the most affordable option. You can also choose a set of telescoping metal stairs that automatically adjust to the ceiling height. These options are often two to three times more expensive, but they do remove some of the work during installation.
One final consideration: Some attic stair sets feature insulated doors and air-tight seals. These kits are more expensive but prevent warm air from escaping in the winter and hot air from pouring down in the summer. Your other option is to purchase an insulated attic stair cover kit, which can help reduce energy loss.
How to Install Attic Ladder Stairs in an Existing Hatch or Opening
Installing a new set of attic stairs in an existing hatch or opening can be a huge step toward better organization and space utilization. But putting new pull-down stairs where none existed before is a multi-step process. Here’s the breakdown.
Tools:
- Step ladder
- Tape measure
- Utility knife
- Reciprocating saw
- Miter saw
- Hammer
- Drill/driver
- Drill bits
- Impact driver
- Circular saw
Materials:
- Pull-down attic stair assembly
- 2×8 lumber
- Temporary wall lumber (2x4s, if supporting a load-bearing)
- Joist hangers
- Construction screws or framing nails
- Wood shims
- Lag screws
- Scrap wood
- Temporary cleats (scrap 1x or 2x boards)
Step 1: Measure and Plan
- Set up your step ladder and access the attic through the existing hatch.
- With a tape measure, measure from the existing header (the board spanning from joist to joist) to determine if you have enough space for a set of pull-down stairs. You’ll need anywhere between 32 and 58 inches, depending on the ladder you choose. In most cases, you’ll have to enlarge the opening. In most cases, the width between the joists should be sufficient already.
- If you need to remove a header to expand the opening, it’s best to remove the header closest to a load-bearing wall. If you have to remove a header mid-span, support the ceiling from underneath with a temporary wall.
Step 2: Frame the Opening
- Use a utility knife to score the caulk around the trim and carefully remove it to avoid damaging the drywall.
- Cut and remove the old header with a reciprocating saw. Cut through nails and screws to make removal easier and avoid drywall damage.
- Measure the distances between the joists at the new header location and cut a 2×8 to length on the miter saw.
- If the opening is too wide for the new stairs, you’ll need a new side joist to take up the space. Measure the distance between the new header location and the header on the other side of the opening, and cut a joist to this length.
- Nail the new joist to the header, place joist hangers under the assembly, and drop it into place, tapping it into position with a hammer.
- Slide the joist hangers into place and fasten the new frame with nails or construction screws.
Step 3: Prepare for Installation
- To ensure the ladder will sit properly in the ceiling opening, install temporary cleats across the span. Place them toward the edges of the opening to ensure you can lower the door.
- Slide the new stair assembly up into the opening and place the frame down onto the cleats.
- Use wood shims at the corners to square the assembly in the opening and ensure it fits snugly against the joists on each side of the opening. Check to ensure the stair assembly is square by measuring diagonally from corner to corner on both sides. The measurements should be the same.
Step 4: Secure the Ladder
- Carefully lower the attic stair slightly so you can access the frame. Do not stand on the stairs yet.
- Using the drill and an appropriately-sized drill bit, drill through the reinforced corners of the frame, through the shims, and into the joists.
- Using construction lag screws, attach the frame by driving lags through the corners into the surrounding framing. Again, remember not to stand on the attic stairs yet.
Step 5: Fit and Trim the Stairs
- Unfold the middle section of the ladder and pull it down fully, keeping the bottom section folded.
- Hold a scrap board flush against the top of the rail on one side of the unfolded middle section. Touch the bottom corner of the scrap to the floor and mark where the scrap and the end of the rail meet. Do not cut it yet.
- Flip the scrap board over and, using another scrap as a guide on the ground, mark the angle for the cut.
- Cut the template to length and angle, then use it to mark both rails of the ladder’s bottom section.
- Trim the ladder to length with a circular saw and test the stairs to ensure they’re a solid fit.
How To Replace Attic Stairs
Replacing attic stairs is quite a bit easier than installing a brand new set. But there are still some specific steps to follow.
You will need:
- Step ladder
- Reciprocating saw (for cutting hinges and old fasteners)
- Drill/driver
- Drill bits (for pilot holes if needed)
- Socket wrench or impact driver (for driving screws if lags are used)
- Circular saw (for trimming the new stairs)
- New pull-down attic stair assembly
- Scrap wood (for stair-cutting template)
- Permanent wood shims
- Construction screws (for fastening the stair frame and hanging straps)
Step One: Remove the Existing Stair
- Start by disconnecting the lifting springs. These springs have a significant amount of tension on them, so it’s important to be careful when removing them. The safest way to do so is to bend the hinge to relieve the pressure and make removing the spring easier.
- Cut the hinges with a reciprocating saw to allow the stairs to swing freely.
- Cut the screws or nails holding the existing stair set to the structure, leaving the existing trim in place if possible.
- Working from a stepladder, carefully lower the stair out of the opening to discard.
Step Two: Lift the New Stairs into Place
For this step, make sure you have the tools you’ll need in the attic already.
- Slide the new stair set up into the attic and push it away from the opening.
- Carefully climb the step ladder and climb into the attic.
- Working with your feet placed on either side of the opening, carefully lower the new attic stair assembly down onto the existing trim.
- With someone below directing you, adjust the stair assembly so it’s square in the opening, using the trim as a guide.
Step Three: Fasten the Stairs in Place
- With the stair assembly square in the opening, attach the assembly to the framing using the hanging straps and construction screws.
- Permanently shim the stair assembly in place by placing shims between the stair frame and the structure.
- Fasten the stairs permanently by driving construction screws through the stair frame and shims into the structure.
- Climb down using the step ladder, not the folding stairs. Don’t unfold the stairs yet.
Step Four: Cut the Stairs to Length
- Extend the attic stairs by unfolding the middle section fully, leaving the bottom section folded up.
- Place a scrap board tightly against the side rail of the middle section. Set the lower end of the scrap on the floor, and mark the point where it intersects the bottom of the rail. (Don’t cut yet.)
- Flip the scrap board. With another scrap board acting as a spacer on the floor, align and mark the angle of the cut.
- Use this piece as a template: trim it to the proper length and angle, then transfer the marks onto both ladder rails of the bottom section.
- Finish by cutting the ladder to size with a circular saw and test the operation several times to ensure a successful installation.
When to Call a Pro
In most cases, a handy DIYer can handle an attic stair project, even if it requires some light framing. However, there are a few instances where calling a pro might be the better option:
If there isn’t an existing opening in the area you want to install the stairs, consider calling a pro. Haphazardly cutting ceiling joists can compromise the structure and create a very dangerous situation. Knowing how to support existing joists and where to place a new header to distribute the load is a job for someone with experience.
Also, if you don’t have someone on hand to help you lift the stairs into place and make sure you don’t get stuck in the attic, call a pro. If something goes wrong or your stairs aren’t aligned perfectly, it’s possible to block the door and get stuck in the attic. Even simply forgetting the stepladder is under the new stairs can make getting down from the attic impossible.
Finally, if you have high ceilings (over 8 feet), you should consider either working from scaffolding or hiring a pro. Lifting the new stairs from a ladder or climbing into a hatch at these heights isn’t safe, and it’s better to turn the project over to a professional.
Unlimited Attic Access Can Be Yours
Installing new attic stairs is the type of project that, once you finish, you’ll never regret. Being able to easily and safely access your attic whenever you need to means you can maximize your home’s storage and organization. With the right tools, this step-by-step guide, and a helping hand, you can reclaim your attic space today. But remember, when safety or structure is in question, don’t hesitate to call a pro.
