How To Measure Rough Opening For Attic Ladder

For a folding or sliding stair in a closet or other tight space you also need to measure how much swing clearance and landing length the stair will need when lowered.

How to measure rough opening for attic ladder.

Measure the rough opening in your ceiling both the width and length. Do not measure the inside of the box frame and as that is not a true rough opening measurement. That s dimensions between the framing of your attic joists which is typically 24 on center. Leave room for extending the measuring tape.

Hold the tape. Extend the tape measure so that it reaches from the ceiling to the floor. It s important to understand the opening size you have or will create to ensure you select the correct attic ladder product for your home. Place a tape measure at the left side of the attic opening on the inside edge of any trim molding but the.

The next measurement will be for the length of the stairs. First if there is an existing stairway measure from the outside to the outside of the existing box frame. How to measure for attic stairs 1. Conversely some homes have smaller openings or hatches.

You can stand on the attic ladder to take. Measure the rough opening s width and length in three different spots at the top and bottom of the framing. You can watch a video or read this short article about how to measure the rough opening for an attic ladder. Place your ladder securely below the ceiling hatch and lock it in place.

Have your helper below note the measurement. You may have to trim to fit. Climb into the attic through the opening using a step ladder and mark the edge of the opening width on top of the joists at each of the short ends. How to measure your attic ladder for a replacement step 1.

How to measure attic ladder rough opening sunset savings attic stairs cover box department of energy werner 8 ft 25 in x 54 wood attic ladder with 250 lb attic door insulation cover how to measure your access fs13560 aluminium attic ladder. The length is simply the dimension between the two pieces of lumber that form the end of the opening. Standard openings are 22 5 x 54 but some homes have wider openings. Measure the length from the hinged side of the attic ladder frame to the opposite side of the attic ladder frame.

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. Choose a stair that fits into the smallest of these measurements and is long enough for your ceiling height.