Does anyone now any tricks to use when installing a pull down set of stairs?

 

There are no tricks. Follow the instructions to the letter. That is the easiest way to install them. Good Luck

 

thanks Jack. From what I can gather it looks a bit more complicated than any other doorway installation. How many of my friends do you think I'll need to accomplish this task?

Phil

 

I don't know if you'd call it a trick. It's just the way I've installed pull down attic stairs for years by myself. The main thing it to install the trim (casing) first. Make sure the frame is square, then use wood glue all around and nail the casing to the frame making sure you have clearance with the door panel. (I also like to use biscuits on all the mitered corners.) Then, I wait until the glue sets (at least 30 minutes - depending on the glue) before positioning it in the opening and nailing it, trying to make sure it is in the center of the opening. Then, I open it up and shim the sides and install two 2-1/2" to 3" wood screws in each side and one in each end. This works really well for the lighter 22-1/2" x 54" units and 25" x 54" units. For a 30" x 60" unit, I have to rig up some sort of T-brace to hold one end for me.

 

where did you buy your attic stairs? i need to replace a very old set of folding stairs in a home i just bought. any recommendations? (my current rough opening is about 25x60)

thanks.

 

The 22 x 54 and 25-1/2 x 54 (corrected from my previous post - I said 22-1/2 x 54 and 25 x 54 earlier) come in different heights (for different ceiling heights) and are available at almost any home center (HD, Lowe's, etc.). I got the larger one (for a 30" x 60" opening) at a specialty place locally (Dallas - Hollywood Overhead Door Company). I believe the manufacturer is Memphis Folding Stair Company. However, I checked the MFS web sit and do not see anything larger than the 25-1/2" model. Perhaps they no longer make the 30x60 unit. I will check on Monday.

 

I bought mine at HD. It was 25x54. You might want to shorten the rough out of your opening.
On the installation, I had to have somone help me. The directions tell you to fasten two 1x4's to each end of the frame letting them extend 3/8" to 5/8" into the opening area. One guy goes upstairs and the downstairs guy sends the unit up through the opening. The upstairs guy recieves the unit and then lowers it into the opening so it rests on the 1x4's. The upstairs guy then nails it temporarily in place. After that the unit can be opened, shimmed and permanently fastened by screwing it into place. The whole installation took about 2 hours.
Good luck...

 

Turns out I overlooked the "Imperial" series of Memphis Folding Stairs on the web site. They can be special ordered through Lowe's. The 30" x 60" model is listed at $304.15 for the model for a maximum 8'9" ceiling height. They also make a 30" x 54" model ($289.80 for the 8'9" ceiling height model).

 

Since the orig. message is 3 years old, I hope the poster found their stairs already. But, if not, check out "attic stairs" on Google (what else) and you can find listings including "where to find a store." Of course, HD and Lows have tons of them.

 

Thanks.
I found 'em at HD(where else).