Attic Ladder Landing Space

You must have a rough opening as shown for your model in table 2.

Attic ladder landing space.

Allow ample room for the swing clearance and the landing space of the folding attic ladder when it is opened see figure 2 and table 2. You can find stairs that ascend at a shallow angle stairs that take up minimal landing space or stairs that seal tightly to the ceiling so heat stays in the house. Telescoping attic stairways are a perfect solution where minimal landing space is available to pull down. Also make sure there s enough floor space to accommodate the ladder when it s fully extended.

You can watch a video or read this short article about how to measure the landing space for an attic ladder. Shop folding attic stairs telescoping attic stairs. Searching for a room adequate to this opening is your first step. Full size attic ladders and stairways typically require an opening in the ceiling that is at least 22 1 2 x 54 inches.

The compact attic ladder requires a minimum height of 28 and minimum depth of 44 inside the attic above and behind the opening. Measure from the dropped plumb bob out to where you expect the bottom of the ladder to contact the floor. Locate the folding attic ladder rough opening so that when you enter the storage area you will have adequate head clearance. Folding attic stairs are available in a variety of materials including wood aluminum and steel.

Ensure that you have the right size ladder and that there s suitable landing space in the attic for safe mount and dismount from the ladder. Illustration by ian worpole. Additionally make sure there is a suitable landing space in the attic so you could safely mount as well as get down the ladder while bringing items. The landing space of an attic ladder is defined as the actual foot print landing area that the stair will sit on the floor.

Basic space requirements for an attic ladder full size attic ladders usually need an opening in the ceiling that is at least 22 1 2 x 54 inches. How to measure landing space for attic ladders video 1 17 video demonstration of how to measure the landing space for century attic ladders. Drop a plumb bob from the area where you expect the piano hinge to be located down to the floor. A wider stair is a big plus for a customer who carries large loads in and out of the attic.

Also make sure there is a suitable landing space in the attic so you can safely mount and dismount the ladder while carrying items. While you re at it take note of tread width. Having the correct amount of landing space is key to being able to properly extend the stairs for safe climbing.