How To Measure For Attic Ladder

Because an attic ladder goes into your ceiling it s important to make sure that your ceiling and surrounding area are appropriate for the ladder you are considering.

How to measure for attic ladder.

Place your measurement along the edge so that your measuring tape stays in a straight line. You can stand on the attic ladder to take. Floor to ceiling height. Make sure you accurately measure your opening size floor to ceiling height as well as swing clearance and landing space so you select a ladder that will fit the space you have.

Looking for a space adequate to this opening is your first step. Measure and verify the ceiling height which is the distance from the finished floor to the finished ceiling. Full size attic ladders usually need an opening in the ceiling that is at least 22 1 2 x 54 inches. Place your tape measure flush with the ceiling directly to the side of the.

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. Basic space requirements for an attic ladder. Place a tape measure at the left side of the attic opening on the inside edge of any trim molding but the. The rough opening is the length vs.

Attic ladders are sized based on the rough opening. Measure the rough opening s width and length in three different spots at the top and bottom of the framing. 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.

But louisville ladder attic ladders range from classic size 22 5 x 54 inches. Close the attic ladder up fully and place a stepladder underneath it. How to measure your attic ladder for a replacement step 1. Measure the length from the hinged side of the attic ladder frame to the opposite side of the attic ladder frame.

Width dimensions of the ladder when installed on the attic s floor. The width and length of the rough opening and the ceiling height. That s dimensions between the framing of your attic joists which is typically 24 on center. The rough opening for a full size attic ladder should be at least 22 5 by 54 inches.

You can watch a video or read this short article about how to measure the rough opening for an attic ladder. Measure the width from the inside of the trim molding but outside of the attic ladder frame from the left side to the right side of the attic ladder frame. Most attic ladders cover a range of ceiling heights so it s important to know the exact measurement you re working with. Do not measure the inside of the box frame and as that is not a true rough opening measurement.