Special skills and tools necessary—leave it to the pros.
Time to complete
9 hours
A pro can get this job done in about 4 hours.
Cost
$500–$1,000
A pro can do this job safely for $60 per hour.
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
Tape measure
Pencil
Drill
Saw
Screwdriver
Level
Safety goggles
Gloves
Utility knife
SUPPLIES
Attic ladder kit
Nails
Screws
Construction adhesive
Insulation
Plywood
An attic ladder installation can offer easy access to your upper-level space for extra storage or a new living area. Plus, making use of your attic also costs less than a home addition cost. You can successfully install an attic ladder and enjoy its convenience using these steps as a guide—or if you don’t have a couple of notches on your toolbelt, you can hire a local home remodeling pro to take on the task. No matter your decision, this guide will give you a leg up on the process, ensuring a safe and efficient attic ladder installation.
Preparing to Install an Attic Ladder
When wondering how to install an attic ladder, it’s essential to know that installation costs range from $300 to $1,000, with most homeowners paying around $500 or more for labor and materials. DIYers typically purchase attic ladder kits at home improvement stores instead of building from scratch.
Costs and Expenses
A wood attic ladder kit is the least expensive, starting at $200. Aluminum kits sit in the midrange, starting at $300. Topping off the list is steel on the high end, starting at $400. Kits like these typically include everything you need, except for the tools.
Estimated Time and Labor Costs
Installing an attic ladder may take six hours if you're a skilled DIYer. If you need to build an attic entrance, it will take another six hours, topping off at 12 hours.
If you decide to hire a professional, labor costs vary based on location, but the average is $60 per hour. Replacing an attic ladder may take a remodeler a few hours. Add a few more hours to your budget if you also need to build an attic entrance.
Evaluate and Measure
Sometimes, creating an attic entrance before attic stairs installation is required. To get started, you will assess your attic's layout to determine the ideal location for the opening and steps based on convenience, accessibility, and available space. Consider nearby structural elements, electrical wiring, and plumbing that may affect the placement.
Next, use a measuring tape to determine the desired dimensions of the opening for the attic stairs. Standard openings for attic entrances are 22.5 inches by 54 inches and accommodate an attic ladder up to 10 feet tall.
Afterward, locate and mark the positions of the ceiling joists above the area where you plan to cut the ceiling. This step is crucial for ensuring proper support and stability for the stairs. It is also a good reason for hiring a contractor with expertise in the area for safety's sake.
Choosing a suitable attic ladder kit requires careful consideration to ensure safe and efficient access to your attic space. Using the measurements you gathered, double-check that the attic ladder you select is the correct ceiling height and width for your project. You might also have to rethink the access size of your attic entrance based on the kit you choose.
The ladder's weight capacity and durability are also crucial factors. Wood ladders have the lowest weight capacity at around 250 lbs. In contrast, metal ladders can handle 350 lbs.
Other attic ladder features to look for when purchasing a kit include non-slip treads and handrails. Lastly, read reviews, compare prices, and select a reputable manufacturer to ensure you get a high-quality attic ladder kit that meets your needs. A contractor would also be able to make recommendations too.
Preparing the Opening
Photo: surasak / Adobe Stock
First, determine the ideal location for the attic access door. Don't forget to consider the roofline so you have plenty of headroom when you walk up your new attic ladder.
You will also need to locate the joists by using a stud finder and mark them accordingly. Then, using a pencil, draw a box within the joists to outline the desired opening.
Begin cutting into your ceiling along the marked line using a drywall knife. Use a straight-edge knife to trim any remaining drywall paper. Carefully remove the cut-out section of drywall.
Now you need to frame the opening. First, cut a piece of paneling slightly smaller than the attic hole, utilizing a circular saw, or if you are not a seasoned DIYer, a table saw might be better for accuracy.
Insert the paneling into the opening, allowing it to rest on the existing drywall. Proceed to frame the opening measuring one side and cutting the board at 45 degrees on both ends. The objective is to create a frame opening slightly smaller than the drywall hole, enabling the paneling to rest securely on the frame.
Next, secure the frame that came in your attic ladder kit in place using a nail gun, ensuring the nails penetrate into the joists. Repeat this process to frame the entire opening. Apply caulk and nail filler to achieve a finished appearance for the frame. Finally, prime and paint the attic access door. You can also consider adding trim after the entire attic ladder installation is complete for a finished look.
Placing the Ladder Frame
Photo: Александр Маликов / Adobe Stock
First, you will need to assemble the ladder frame according to the manufacturer's instructions in the attic stairs installation kit. Then you will attach the pull cord on your new attic stairs.
Ask a helper to assist you with placing the ladder into the entrance. Next you will use temporary supports, for instance heavy-duty clamps or boards, to place the steps so you can secure it properly. Make sure it is level and flush with the ceiling. At this point avoid putting weight on the ladder.
Now it is time to safely secure the ladder to the frame, following the manufacturer's guidelines. Before getting started, once again, ensure that the ladder is aligned correctly.
Use a power drill to insert the screws and washers that came with your kit to hold the ladder. Your kit may include wood screws that need to be installed first. And then later secure with metal screws.
Afterward, remove the temporary supports you were using. Wait to put your weight on the ladder.
Safety and Finishing Touches
Photo: Александр Маликов / Adobe Stock
Double-check that your newly installed ladder moves smoothly and locks securely into place.
Attach any necessary safety railings or handles to the attic ladder. Afterward, once again, test the ladder multiple times to ensure it operates smoothly and securely.
It should be safe for the weight test next. With your helper present, walk up and down the steps. A local contractor can shore up the new entrance if you are concerned about stability.
Now you are ready to add the trim we spoke about earlier around the attic opening for a polished look if desired. Additionally, if you plan to use your space as a storage area or new room, flooring an attic will give you a clean and stable surface.
Install Insulation and Seal the Opening (Optional)
Photo: Александр Маликов / Adobe Stock
Applying insulation around the attic opening is a relatively easy DIY and is a great way to make your home more energy efficient.
When installing insulation around an attic hatch or entrance, creating an airtight seal is essential to prevent heat loss. To fit around the attic opening, measure and cut insulation material, such as foam board or fiberglass batts. Apply adhesive or use staples to secure the insulation on the attic-facing side of the entrance, ensuring full coverage and no gaps.
If you detect air leaks, consider adding weatherstripping or a foam gasket around the perimeter of the attic entrance to enhance the seal further. It will help maintain consistent temperature and energy efficiency in your home.
Different factors impact attic insulation costs, which typically range from $1,700 to $2,100.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
If you're still deciding between DIY or hiring a contractor, remember that installing attic stairs can be messy, confusing, and time-consuming for inexperienced individuals, especially when cutting an entrance in the ceiling. Hiring a pro will cost on average $60 per hour for roughly four hours of work, adding $240 to the total installation cost, which hovers between $500 to $1,000 to DIY.
In addition to helping you estimate the cost to finish an attic, an experienced contractor can advise on where in the ceiling to install an attic ladder by locating the joist or truss and then marking the correct opening dimensions.
While DIY could save some money, investing in a professional ensures a job done right—and that's money well spent.
Frequently Asked Questions
To make your attic more accessible, attic ladders need to touch the floor for stability and safety reasons. By extending the steps all the way to the floor, the ladder gains stability and prevents wobbling or shifting while in use. This ensures that users can ascend and descend safely without the risk of the ladder collapsing or slipping. The firm connection with the floor also provides a secure platform to step off of when transitioning from the ladder to the floor, reducing the chance of accidents or falls.
A new and safe attic ladder transforms the experience of moving between the attic and the main living space, facilitating regular use of the attic for different purposes. By carefully choosing an appropriate attic ladder, the risk of neglecting the attic and its stored items can be minimized, ensuring that the space remains functional and accessible.
An attic ladder could increase your home’s value. This is especially true if there was no access before and you plan to turn your attic into a valuable bonus space, like a bedroom, home office, or a beautifully organized and updated storage space. Potential buyers would likely see easy attic access as an attractive selling point.
Deirdre is a seasoned DIYer and home improvement writer. She believes in the transformative powers of deep cleaning and painting to revitalize any space. Her articles have appeared in HomeLight, The Spruce, Realtor, and more.
Deirdre is a seasoned DIYer and home improvement writer. She believes in the transformative powers of deep cleaning and painting to revitalize any space. Her articles have appeared in HomeLight, The Spruce, Realtor, and more.
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