How to Install an Attic Ladder

Installing a pull-down attic ladder is essential for safer, easier access to your attic. We'll show you how to cut out & frame the opening, then install a fold-down attic stairs kit.
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[@bradleypike1097]

Not one drop of sweat or dust or dirt on the guy. This looks easy!

[@MrPaultiwanger]

LoL

[@majisdad8131]

😂😂😂

[@WTHuck-]

Ha ha ha

[@mohammedaslam8145]

No doubt. I bet you all missed the fact he had 3 fingers

[@MissCV]

Lol. I assure you, not this easy, nor clean.

[@poshko41]

What a beautiful attic. I wish this demonstration reflected my real life application.

[@DeVstatrOmga]

Cool. Now all I need is a friend. :(

[@justinpower236]

Another win for the comment section

[@oogieboy5874]

You can actually do it by yourself. When you install the temporary support boards move them more toward the center, away from the header, about 5 inches or so. Then tie a rope to the stairway, and climb into the attic. Pull the stairway up through the opening, and lower it down on the temporary support boards. After you secure the stairway into the opening from above, you cut the temporary supports with a hand saw and lower the stairway down to get out. Be careful to position your step ladder you use to get into the attic out of the way Locate it near the hinge side of the stairway so the stairway can be lowered without hitting your step ladder. Next tip....do this in the cool months!

[@77Avadon77]

You don't need a friend just hurt your back

[@marvi1991d]

I believe he said '' all you need you can find at Lowes''

[@romifitzgerald7333]

I feel you lol

[@erickonphoenix]

This is way better than the old hole we had in our garage roof that we propped a ladder up through to store stuff when I was a kid. I know this because I was the final placement operator in our medieval supply chain operation for attic storage.

[@daviddavis1322]

"You can do this by yourself" "Now get a friend" So we have determined that was a lie.

[@Engineer9736]

Just grab some snatch blocks and rope, tie one block to an attic joist right above the hole, other one to the stairs, apply rope... no friend needed 😊

[@zendog8888]

That is the cleanest attic I have ever saw. Mine has over 140 years of dust sitting in it. Almost looks like I walked into Edward sisor hands home.

[@michaelnelson2951]

GREAT SIMPLE VIDEO, THANKS

[@RC4X4]

Great video. Mine has been up for 10 years in the garage. Works great.

[@toddavis8603]

Excellent instructional vid sir.Lumber prices right now are sky high, so good thing we are not framing out a dormer!

[@koonelos]

Very useful, thank you

[@BigAlWillis]

did this yesterday removed old installed new. its challenging by yourself was pretty tough. highly recommend having two people.

[@cyanidetrece]

Why didn't you get mom to help you? Oh, wait. 😬

[@patrickbellefleur5508]

Yep almost broke the ladder.

[@danmarcu7554]

A great work and video, too! Thank you.

[@adilrafique4217]

Thanks for the great video 👍

[@heroknaderi]

Very helpful thank you very much

[@davidmcdaniel8053]

Awesome - thanks!

[@MrJoeFaaQ]

Great video, well done!

[@thisisawesome4074]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="327">5:27</a> Mark the hole and go straight to emergency care

[@binghamguevara6814]

ha ha. he almost drillholed his little finger

[@justmehavingfun]

Great video and very informative! But how did you get into the attic without making a hole first?

[@joshgore8256]

Next video is how to repair hole in roof

[@robert5]

My problem also. Plus I don't want to cut the joist I want the access ladder to line up and fit within the joist span.

[@Fordry]

​@@robert5I think generally the width between the joists is too narrow to really be useful.

[@shotgunnerB]

Very well made video! Thanks!!!

[@juaneato]

Thanks!

[@caesarleon1]

This is a surprisingly thorough video…

[@LucyJohnson]

Yes indeed, helpful!

[@BOBMAN1980]

The guy said this could be done in a weekend. What a croc! He got all this up in only 6-minutes.

[@daved1823]

Not sure if it was mentioned in the Video but DO NOT cut the Joist if its part of a roof truss ceiling.

[@mattharriss3835]

I just think that's a bad idea no matter what but I'm no house builder either.

[@hmoobdude5111]

"How to install a SECOND attic access" would be more appropriate

[@Fordry]

Well, if you don't have an access already that's a little odd. But if not you'd just use a stud finder to find the joists and then map out exactly where you'd want the ladder ahead of time and then cut a hold big enough to get through within the area the ladder will ultimately be so you can get up there.

[@Engineer9736]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="329">5:29</a> That was almost a hospital visit 🤪

[@julioyaxon2982]

Good job

[@rh6761]

That attic didn’t have a spec of dust in it. Mine must be the same :)

[@miked5106]

Did u notice not one drywall scew was sunk inti the section of joist he removed!

[@user-pf5xq3lq8i]

You know..i don't think he even has a garage.

[@acpmc76]

One can also unscrew the ladder from its orginal frame, bolt everything down with the correct measures, and then screw the ladder back on its frame. No friend needed.

[@acpmc76]

By the way I ended up hiring people to install my attic ladder. It was very very heavy and I did not want to end up dead as I have a ton of things to do yet.

[@sathyaarun4695]

@@acpmc76 Thanks Pedro..saved my life through this pandemic...

[@Engineer9736]

@@acpmc76 But if you're dead then you won't have to do those tons if things anymore 🤪. I guess your actual argument to not do it would be to not end up dead because that's no fun.

[@auctionmusic]

that is what i did. Makes puttng the frame up a lot easier.

[@ftlaud911]

Seems straight forward. Could be better. Need more support on the one side IMHO. Also one corner isn't flush to the ceiling. Realistically how most jobs would look!!

[@karpetcabin]

Yeah that doesn't look that good at all. He could have covered it with the decorative trim better.

[@scottsworld21]

Great informational video, very helpful, but it was not this easy. It was actually a very tough job. 3 Day job and now I can’t hardly walk I’m so sore. But I got it done.

[@philipocarroll]

Did you have a friend?

[@girlmastergeneral]

Finally a video that is well-produced and full of informative tips and tricks. Good job blows

[@robertocantero5538]

Nice video!!!

[@kellypetronis4869]

Screws one screw into the ceiling. Cut to: "Now that we're up here in the attic." How'd he get up there if there aren't any stairs?

[@Engineer9736]

press tab, type in noclip and hit enter, then hold the spacebar for a bit, hit tab and type walk enter

[@dragooz8859]

Pretty cool use of space. I have almost a full loft /attic in my garage. Opened at one end - accessed via a 6 ft ladder to put things/slide things up there. Would it make sense for me to install one of these mid-way out in order to access more of the loft space? I theory i could climb up on the open end, but I'd rather not walk all around up there. Dark, not sure where to step.

[@jonkuligowski1277]

i dont recommend that

[@Snakesht172]

Why not just add some decking and a couple of battery lights to make getting around easier?

[@MsPatriotfront]

Do not attempt to open the stair when it is held only by the temporary supports. First of all, you would have to place those supports with only about a 1/4" overlap on the door frame to allow the stair to open. That is insanely dangerous because the whole thing could easily slip off the supports and come crashing down. Put the temporary supports at least an inch into the opening for safety; you will not be able to open the door. So just place 2 wood screws through the frame on both ends, then remove the temp supports before opening. You can still make adjustments by adding a screw before removing one... much safer

[@BeBreezy-zg8fl]

Not really possible by yourself. I just used 4 L brackets to hold in place after putting up 2 boards initially to hold it up, so could then remove the boards and open.

[@markgraham5644]

How can you put wood screws through the frame before opening it? You need it open in order to access the frame.

[@shantor100]

​@@markgraham5644 exactly. He's assuming you have a helper below

[@kierangallagher5687]

Not really. The force of the ladder is transferred through the ladder frame into the joists and headers. You're fine it you can follow simple instructions or have any common sense at all.

[@patrickbellefleur5508]

@@kierangallagher5687 B.S. OP is 1000% correct. Tried that method and the ladder slipped and fell down, im lucky it didn't break. This is a 2 person job.

[@idipac]

Very helpful thanks i usted you video to install one ❤❤❤

[@lowes]

Give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back, Idriss! Good job.👍💙

[@HaloGTMaster94]

He knows it all

[@terryreyes1125]

Made it look so easy lol

[@jimmyjampantyloons1596]

My evaporator is in the attic, along with my attic fan that has decided it always needs to run. I wanna get attic steps installed but I know PSE&G have Osha requirements re: ladders. I need to know which one will be ok for service techs. Additionally, I'd planned to buy one @ Lowe's/Home Depot & have the install it (unless that's a bad idea)?

[@jeffmucha]

The pre-insulated ones are nice too. That one had a non-insulated door..

[@rodneywarren1905]

Yeah that bothered me. That attic door will lose heat like crazy!

[@user-zt6bt8dp2c]

Cleanest attic I’ve ever seen

[@Sparty1966grad]

So if you are cutting a 22.5x54 inch opening, you don't mention about taking the width of the 4 boards you will have on the ends into account? So, you would cut the joist roughly 60 inches (4-2x6 widths)

[@sessionbox4256]

It's 22.5 x 54 internal measurements. So he would measure from. The joist that is staying across 22.5 mark a line and then to the right of that line(outside the 22.5) he would put his timber in

[@user-oh5xb5mm2f]

It is good

[@100fredkrueger]

I have to remove my current ladder because my new hvac system is a little too wide to fit with the ladder in. So I will have to put it back up when they are done. Hopefully it ain’t too hard.

[@n2ocharged]

I would love to know what ladder system they were using with the struts like that... I don't like what I have now with the springs and my hinges just got bent so I need to replace the hinges.

[@johnnyb8930]

Any comments on the fire rating of the attic ladder in the garage? Would it get flagged by an inspector as not meeting the garage fire rating requirement?

[@billytheweasel]

Excellent thinking, good catch...BUT! Only if there's occupied space above does it need 5/8" Type-X sheetrock with 6" screw spacing. It's not an actual fire separation, just the IRC code prescriptive design. Often, if there's not a room above, the 5/8" rock goes on the wall separating the garage and house. and it has to go all the way up to the roof sheathing.

[@kevbeer1]

I havent read up but I think this is a violation of the fire barrier.

[@thetristateagent]

went to <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="230">3:50</a> to realize why it was played so much. Realized you didnt mentioned at all the newly added 1by framing and mounting the attic access hinges

[@flippmogaming1]

How did he get into the attic to find the screw without the ladder....😂🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔

[@RYU583]

Step one.... be Chris Angel

[@mynameisnotimportant2854]

By teleporting

[@AshiStarshade]

By having a long folding ladder.

[@Engineer9736]

@@AshiStarshade The point is of course that there is no apparent entry to that attic (before the video). But i guess there was one anyway. Otherwise the guy wouldn't have gotten up there.

[@michaelranger4452]

Attic access is usually by a trapdoor in the hallway or closet of the house. Here he is installing an extra entrance in the garage.

[@joeesposito5101]

I wish my attic was that clean, roomy and well lit. Good video though

[@ryanhurbi]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="352">5:52</a> just imagine the ladder collapsing and breaking off

[@wildhorses6817]

Yes, my door was not attached to stairs but was installed with two hinges which broke and the door fell down. Fortunately it did not damage anyone nor were there cars inside the garage at that time. I am still trying to figure out what to replace that heavy wood door piece with. Maybe Sheetrock with Reflexit insulation????? IDK The contractor who installed won't come back to replace the door and hinges. Now, I have a large Hole in the attic ceiling. Trying to figure this out myself. Frustrating.

[@crystalb1553]

If attic door is in garage, doesnt it need to be fire safe? Our home has same door as video and home inspector said the door was too thin, not fire safe.

[@fahadash]

When you are cutting the joist, do you not make the structure weak?

[@janinemandraccia5551]

What product did you use

[@raekc4839]

Does the ladder have to fold out in same direction which joist run?

[@77Avadon77]

Yes

[@ciphercode2298]

You can mount the unit to run either parallel or perpendicular to your joists,but it only opens and pulls down in one direction.

[@sunandthamoon]

What about the screws sticking out.? Screws and washer?

[@ladiesgentswegothim]

I have the same concern. Our main attic door/ladder had all these long as hell bolts sticking out the sides that I had to dremel down, otherwise they'd tear clothes and flesh.

[@diegudr]

you skipped the entire part where the guy in the attic attached the arms to the frame. I would have been helpfull if you handed the camera up there so we can see how it was done and that each side was fastened evenly.

[@18winsagin]

Not near enough cussing, dropping tools, wires in the way, hacksaw blade breaks, and you're not pissed off and in a bad mood, what's wrong with this picture!!

[@bmlsb]

Funny😂

[@mikerenshaw1363]

I know even when I nail in a nail I somehow I turn it in to a day project

[@slice-o-life]

Editing? Lol

[@disastergarage4261]

...insert evil laugh... now why did he have to save the drywall???!!! he didnt need to go into the attick once .. cut the dry wall out and b done with it... and 1 person can do it lol !

[@mynameisnotimportant2854]

🤣🤣🤣

[@tommiekeen2314]

How far from the wall does the hinge side of ladder need to be at the top?

[@mattiemadison1234]

I think I can do this!

[@user-rh8zv2yb8j]

Great video, but why is there insulation on the floor of the attic above the garage?

[@JohnSmith-hr2pb]

Depends on Climate or if you just want to insulate a garage. Had a house in Florida with an insulated attic above the garage. Live in Maine now, and it's code in many towns to insulate the garage attic for homes built after 2015.

[@kosankrazy4143]

Use a wire rod then u can go up farther so u can spot it easier

[@nofurtherwest3474]

I want to try this - may I ask you how to make it look nicer if it's being installed in the main hallway? I don't want a string hanging down and I want it to kind of blend in with the ceiling, not have that fake wood look.

[@shawnk1297]

@@nofurtherwest3474 on the first point, if you’re tall enough (or don’t mind getting a stepladder to get into the attic), you can just pull the remaining rope through before tossing the ladder back up. The result is just leaving the wooden end piece poking out of the door, instead of a dangling eyesore. I do this in 8’ and 10’ ceilings and it really makes it less noticeable.

[@jasongevatosky2523]

Even with the right tools I'd screw it up somehow. I suck at this kinda stuff.

[@nofurtherwest3474]

The key is to give yourself lots of extra time. Go slow. If you make a mistake then stop, go back and try again.

[@t.g.7700]

Why did he not install double headers longwise? I am installing the same ladder perpendicular to the ceiling joist so would I still only double up the short ends or opposite of what this guy did?

[@C.Double.]

You double the short ends being thats where the weight of the ladder is taken, then that transfers the load across to the uncut joists.

[@grinding4gillz127]

@@C.Double. thanks Cory.

[@SteS]

You *should* use a double trimmers on the joists along with double headers. You can bolt a same sized C16 grade timber using M12 bolts to the existing along with dog teeth connectors between the two. Architectural technician here.

[@C.Double.]

@@SteS Talking out of your ass...

[@SteS]

@@C.Double. yeah Cory. Great ignorant response. I consulted with an engineer friend with 20 years experience. If anyone is talking shite, it's you.

[@seyijames7439]

I’m blown alway.

[@sigma_z]

What type of lumber should be used?

[@joaquinsuarez6090]

Regular pine. Not treated wood.

[@SteveofArms]

None; Biden's America doesn't allow you to afford it.

[@adanlopez243]

Wow cuanta paciencia 😂

[@huntervalls8690]

The braces he placed across the opening prior to cutting the joist - Are they permanent, or can they be removed after installing the double headers at either end?

[@howiehelaine]

temporary until headers are installed

[@scott31274]

My garage ceiling is 10'6" do i need to jump to a 12' ladder kit or will the leveling legs be enough to make up the difference on a 10' ladder kit?

[@lowes]

Hi Scotty, this mainly depends on your material (wood or metal). If it's metal, you will either replace it with a 12ft ladder or get a sheet of wood that compensates for the gap. If it's wooden, we recommend installing an extension step to the ladder and ensuring its level with the floor surface. The 10ft kits are 10.3', so it's only a 3" extension. Hope this helps!

[@leslieburridge2087]

Are there any installers near North Tyneside

[@PureMagma]

Wish there was a link to the pull down ladder...

[@lowes]

Hey there, +PureMagma! Here's the link to our attic ladders: low.es/2ycZwhJ Is there a specific one you're looking for?

[@abigailcook7400]

​@Lowe's Home Improvement can you cut the wooden ones to size?

[@simonbrown5209]

“This is where you’re gonna need a friend to help you” *easily does that step alone*

[@sergeantseven4240]

That hatch door needs to be 2-hour fire rated inside the garage doesn't it? that doesn't look like it is...

[@billytheweasel]

Excellent thinking, good catch...BUT! Only if there's occupied space above does it need 5/8" Type-X sheetrock with 6" screw spacing. It's not an actual fire separation, just the IRC code prescriptive design. Often, if there's not a room above, the 5/8" rock goes on the wall separating the garage and house. and it has to go all the way up to the roof sheathing.

[@dylanbyrne4048]

Can the ladder be taken off and put back on again easily?

[@piercepixels]

LOL - it FOLDS... so... no.

[@Engineer9736]

@@piercepixels Maybe he meant for the installation process. So there will be 2 lighter parts to be lifted up, instead of 1 heavy one.

[@samsonn25]

Wonderung how he got into the attic. In the beginning

[@neil340]

million dollar question

[@marsponce3370]

Attic crawling space. . They just added an attic stair ladder .... All houses have access to the attic and crawling space .... Cheers ...

[@justinchamlee3327]

There's another set of stairs somewhere else in the house...... most houses have one inside and one in the garage.... why are people so dumb....

[@samsonn25]

@@justinchamlee3327 most houses dont even have garages . smh

[@charlies.5777]

Conventional ladder?!😀

[@llamaface6229]

How do you close it from the top

[@iTzPiShPoSh]

I think I am just going to hire someone to do it. It would take me forever to do this. Plus I don't have the right tools. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[@renezepedarepreza7576]

Simple project....

[@Tony-px9pi]

You need to make sure there is fire rated drywall connected or you will never pass an inspection.

[@billytheweasel]

Excellent thinking, good catch...BUT! Only if there's occupied space above a garage does it need 5/8" Type-X sheetrock with 6" screw spacing. It's not an actual fire separation, just the IRC code prescriptive design. Often, if there's not a room above, the 5/8" rock goes on the wall separating the garage and house. and it has to go all the way up to the roof sheathing.

[@kurtwebb2079]

Did I miss you saying how much joist to cut to length you mention

[@brianhorton1721]

How bout where u need to install ladder across the joint instead of with the joist

[@casbahdude]

are the deck screws ok as fasteners?

[@bobbygetsbanned6049]

No, they are not structural. You have to use nails or structural screws.

[@nightmusic1one27]

I used to use lag bolts 4 on each side, it's more work but I sleep at night

[@rigobertoespinoza1685]

Use lag bolts or drill a hole through the joist and throw in some bolts with a lug nut/washer on the back. Like my friend said you will sleep better at night knowing its done right and not a hack job.😂

[@noahholt482]

coat hanger would be eaiser than finding a screw

[@EboslyPortal]

Where can i buy those folding ladder?

[@cyphi1]

Lots of places. Google it

[@williamhphillips8608]

😀

[@emilghengeaua355]

There is there another video to really show how to screw the leather ansambley to the frame hole ?

[@hlias0551]

I don’t have a ladder to get up there 😂😂🤦‍♂️

[@fayezalmekhlef8915]

Very good please can you send me the link to puy this ladder thanks

[@jasminemiller4636]

So how much does it cost for us to hire a Lowe’s pro?

[@urdecisionisurs]

What kind of ladder is this?

[@charlies.5777]

Werner®.

[@rajeshbabusomisetty1039]

How much rate please in Andra Pradesh

[@dougschadel8094]

Just that easy

[@laasta2]

How you get into the attic before you install the access? I'm stuck on this step

[@user-pf5xq3lq8i]

There's this new invention called a "ladder".

[@auctionmusic]

that attic door frame is not installed correctly. Why? Because the 1 hour fire burn is now violated with that wooden door in the garage. And if a fire starts in the garage bad things can happen, like the house burns down very fast and people die, or, the insurance company does not pay out because of the fire code violation of the wooden attic door. Solution: Insert/recess the door frame 5/8 inch. Then affix a 5/8 sheet of sheetrock, type X firecode, to the wooden door so when the door is up the sheetrock on the door is even with the ceiling. A small space about a 1/4 inch or less around the door opening is ok. I found all this out as a DIY installing the same type of attic access door. Alternative is to get a firecode pulldown stair unit, which start out at about 1500 and up. The sheetrock is cheaper and just as effective.

[@chrisbeaubien1090]

Another option is continue the 1hr fire wall separating the house from garage in the attic.

[@Shanonmcnab576]

Remember codes are different depending where you live.

[@lucyt4378]

How long does it realistically take two inexperienced people (1 carpenter but never did one of these + an inexperienced helper) to do this?

[@patrickbellefleur5508]

Same situation here. Realised today that this is a two person job.

[@davidcookmfs6950]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="55">0:55</a> Why the screw? I would think to just drill a hole and look for where the light comes through into the attic from below.

[@bobbygetsbanned6049]

Probably because he had insulation above it. You can just stick a screw driver through dry wall.

[@Engineer9736]

Does it matter much whether you use a screw or drill a hole? Rhetorical question..

[@davidcookmfs6950]

@@Engineer9736 Yes. It is easier to see the light come through the hole from below into the attic than it is to find a screw in the dark. The abundance of light in this video is a set design matter for professional video production and not realistic in most homes.

[@mynameisnotimportant2854]

That attic is clean asf 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@sybaseguru]

Shame you didnt check for water pipes and cables before driving that first screw, I always use a small screwdriver as it goes thru plasterboard but doesn't damage pipes and cables

[@C.Double.]

Water pipes and electrical should not be laying right on the top of the drywall in any case. Unless you are using 4 inch screws it isnt a problem.

[@Engineer9736]

@@C.Double. You never know what people have done to a house. Better double check instead of assuming that codes have been followed.

[@C.Double.]

@@Engineer9736 Again, inserting yourself into something you don't understand... I said " Unless you are using 4 inch screws it isn't a problem".. which means... if you aren't using them you wouldn't puncture anything... if you are, then you need to check. A little reading comprehension goes a long way.

[@chriscroush]

@@C.Double.The guy said that sometimes building codes aren’t followed. This means that wires and/or pipes and/or duct could be laying directly on the sheetrock. I know I’ve seen it several times. The irony here is that you mentioned the reading comprehension of someone else when it was you that lacked reading comprehension, 😂.

[@C.Double.]

@@chriscroush this entire comment thread is talking about screwing into either a buck frame or a joist from underneath, hence the 4" screw comment... yes, sometimes there is wire or duct on top of drywall.... but If you are screwing just into drywall and expecting that to hold anything then that is an issue unto itself. Again... Reading comprehension, not just mine, but the previous comments as well.

[@aurelioferreiraofficial]

he makes it look so easy and fast 😂😭

[@Jericho_bella]

Thank you gonna head to home depot to buy one oh and can’t forget my ridged tools while I’m there