Installing A Drop-Down Attic Ladder

An attic ladder is a great way to make the attic easily accessible for storage space. Installing an attic ladder not a difficult task, although you will need help getting the ladder in place once you have created an opening for the new drop-down stairway. Generally, installing a drop-down ladder takes no more than a few hours in an afternoon.

Step 1 - Choose a Location

From the inside of the attic, determine where the door will be located. You should locate the door between roof rafters. Drive a nail through the ceiling drywall at the long ends of where you want to locate the ladder.

Use a drywall saw to carefully cut out the ceiling drywall from between the rafters.

Step 2 – Add Support Studs

Place a 2x6 inch lumber stud between the roof joists at each end of the ladder opening. Nail the studs into place on the joists. To add the ability to carry more weight on the ladder, double up the studs and nail a second set of studs into place behind the initial set.

Step 3 – Pull New Ladder into Place

With some assistance, pull the ladder stairs up into the attic space through the ladder hole. Nail a 1x2 piece of lumber on each side of the ladder opening as a temporary support while you secure the ladder into place.

Step 4 – Center and Plumb

Use shims to center and plumb the ladder into place. Nail the ladder into place, securing it on all sides to the frame opening. Remove the temporary supports.

Step 5 – Add Floor Supports to Ladder and Finish

Open the attic ladder so that it is fully extended. Measure the length from the floor to the bottom of the ladder. Cut 2 pieces of 2x4 lumber to the correct length to reach the floor. Attach these pieces to the end of the ladder with screws.