Attic stairs installation this old house

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When it's pulled down, it meets the floor at a comfortable degree angle. It also has a full-length handrail for added safety. Make sure there's enough headroom above the attic floor so the staircase can close properly. Snap chalk lines onto the ceiling to represent the rough opening of the attic staircase. This step is necessary regardless of whether you're expanding an existing hatchway or creating new attic access.

Peek into the attic to make sure there aren't any ducts, wires or pipes in the way. Then cut out the rough opening with a drywall saw. Cut out the ceiling joist and any wood blocking that's in the opening.

Leave the header from the hatchway in place and use it to form one end of the rough opening. Nail a new header between the joists on the opposite end of the rough opening to complete the framing. Secure the drywall ceiling to the new framing with nails or screws driven up from below. Temporarily screw a pair of 1x3 cleats to the ceiling across the rough opening. Build a finished frame out of 1x8s to fit snugly into the opening. Remove the temporary 1x3 cleats.

Mount the door panel to one end of the finished frame with the continuous hinge provided with the staircase. Check the swing of the door, making sure it closes without binding and that it fits flush within the frame. Next, screw the left-hand spring drums to the 1x8 frame directly above the door hinge and up against the header.

Mount the right-hand spring drums on the opposite side of the frame. Attach the header-guide frame between the two sets of drums; it will be used later to hold the upper end of the staircase in position. Screw a small cable pulley to each side of the finished 1x8 frame; position each pulley 20 inches from the header that's opposite the door-panel hinge. Attach each small pulley with three 1-inch-long screws.

Bore pilot holes first to avoid splitting the 1x8 frame. Slip the stair treads into the angled dadoes milled in the two stringers. This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to stabilize an unsteady staircase post. Use a stock runner or two to add a splash of color and cushiony comfort to bare wood stairs.

In this video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows how to make attic stairs safe and sturdy. Installing a sliding staircase for a solid route to storage. Bring new life to damaged corners. Truncated treads cut the run in half. Cookie banner We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from.

By choosing I Accept , you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. Filed under: Stairs What to Know About Cutting Stair Stringers Most of the work in making stair stringers—the diagonal elements that support the treads and risers—is in laying them out. By Andy Engel. How to Connect Stair Railing Parts Most staircase railings come from stock pieces found at many home centers that can easily be connected by a homeowner. How to Install Decorative Stair Brackets Turn a bland stringer into an elegant eye-catcher with shapely, decorative stari brackets—a low-cost DIY upgrade.

How to Install Attic Stairs Step-by-step instructions to help you install folding attic stairs for easier access to your attic. Removing Carpet From Stairs Removing carpet from stairs can be easily tackled in a day or over the weekend, without hiring a professional.