The average U.S. homeowner spends $500 on attic ladder installation costs, but it ranges from $400 to $1,000 depending on the complexity of the project.
Whether your attic is a simple storage area or a finished living space, you need safe access to it. The average attic ladder installation costs about $500 overall. You could pay as little as $300 to DIY install a standard wooden ladder, or closer to $2,300 for a complex professional installation that requires structural changes and high-end materials. However, most homeowners pay between $400 and $1,000 for a standard attic ladder installation. Learn all the aspects that affect the final price.
Attic ladder prices vary by the material used. The most common material is wood, though aluminum is also popular because it’s sturdier and lighter. If you want a particularly heavy-duty ladder, stainless steel is a good option.
| Attic Ladder Material | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Wood | $130–$880 |
| Aluminum | $250–$1,020 |
| Stainless steel | $420–$2,000 |
The size and type of ladder you need will depend on the distance from the floor to the ceiling where the attic access point is. Most ceilings are eight to nine feet tall, and these can accommodate a standard folding ladder. However, if your ceiling is more than ten feet tall, you'll want to opt for a retractable ladder instead, which can increase costs on average.
| Ceiling Height | Best Ladder Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 10 feet or fewer | Folding ladder | $200–$1,800 |
| 10 feet or more | Retractable ladder | $300–$2,000 |
Most general contractors charge a labor fee of 10% to 20% of the total project cost. Depending on the complexity of your attic ladder installation, this amounts to anywhere from $100 to $500 for two to four hours of work. In addition to a ladder, a contractor can handle other related attic renovations such as:
Attic insulation: $2,500
Attic cleaning: $200
Attic fan installation: $200
Several factors can influence attic ladder installation costs. In addition to installation labor and materials, budget for prep, permits, and custom work.
Prep work may be needed if your ladder installation involves creating a new hole for the attic entry or removing an existing ladder for replacement. Hole cutting requires cutting through ceiling joists and can significantly increase costs. Expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $200 per hour for the cost of a carpenter.
Like any home renovation, a new attic ladder may require a construction permit. This is especially true if you’re finishing an attic in addition to installing a ladder. Your contractor will be able to tell you whether a permit is needed. If so, expect to pay about $150 depending on your local building codes.
A prefabricated attic ladder kit may not fit your existing attic access size. In these cases, you can pay a local architect or other professional to create a ladder that’s uniquely designed for your space. This can add significant material costs of $1,000 to $2,500 or more. Expect to pay on the higher end if adjustments need to be made to your floor joists or trusses.
Attic ladders are easy to obtain since they come prefabricated at most major hardware stores. However, DIY attic ladder installation requires careful measurements, heavy lifting, and mounting directly to the structure of your home.
While you will save some money by doing this project yourself, most of the cost of professional installation comes from the ladder itself. The job will take a contractor two to four hours to complete. In contrast, a homeowner with no prior attic ladder installation experience will likely require a full day or more on average.
Consider hiring a local home remodeler, carpenter, or handyperson for the task, especially if you don't have an existing attic opening and one needs to be cut out. Get multiple quotes to compare rates and check for proper licensure and insurance.
The terms remodel and renovation have different meanings in the context of attic ladder installation. Learn the differences before you start your project.
If you're installing an attic ladder where one doesn't currently exist, a full remodel is required. You'll need to cut through the ceiling and its joists and mount a ladder frame within the new opening. You’ll also need to install trim around the new hole and paint it once finished.
Attic ladder renovation involves swapping out an existing attic ladder for a new one. This not only refreshes the look of the ladder but can make it safer and easier to use.
| Attic Ladder Remodel | Attic Ladder Renovation |
|---|---|
| Install new opening | Replace existing ladder |
| Creates new functionality and provides attic access | Function stays the same while improving looks and safety |
| Costs are moderate to high | Costs are low to moderate |
Homeowners can save on the cost of attic ladder installation by opting for more budget-friendly ladder materials such as wood. Another tip is to consult with multiple types of installation professionals. A general contractor is one option, but you may save by hiring a handyperson instead.
Installing attic stairs to provide safe and easy access to existing attic storage space could make a home more attractive to potential buyers. However, it's not a home improvement that's likely to increase the market value of your home when listing it for sale. Instead, consider the added value attic access could provide for you while you’re still in the home.
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The average time it takes to install an attic ladder is about two to four hours if the job is done professionally. Basic installs will take less time than complex jobs involving structural changes. If you're attempting the installation as a DIY, expect it to take a full day or more.
An aluminum attic ladder is considered stronger and, therefore, better than a wood attic ladder. This is because aluminum is a lighter-weight but durable material. It resists rust and corrosion, so it's unlikely to be affected by the fluctuations in humidity and temperature that are common in attic spaces. However, aluminum ladders tend to cost slightly more than wood ladders on average.
