Attic stairs, or attic ladders, are retractable stairways that provide access to attic storage that then fold into a ceiling frame after use when no longer needed. Attic stairs come in a wide variety of materials, grades, and optional functionality.
What are the different types of attic stairs?
Many people wonder what the differences between the different types of attic stairs are. There are different definitions and classifications, pull down ladders, retractable ladders, drop down ladders, but to make it clearer, here is a simple explanation – attic stairs (ladders) come in three major types – folding, telescopic, and sliding.
What is an attic access staircase?
Attic access "stairs" range from a normally pitched stairway with railings, even landings, headroom, lighting, etc. to pull-down folding stairs, to ladders, to open hatches that must be accessed by a temporary ladder. Attic space is not livible space for purposes of bedrooms in most jurisdictions because of fire egress issues.
What are retractable attic stairs?
Retractable attic stairs, as a variety of the bigger group of pull down designs, are the ones with a telescopic mechanism and are also called telescopic ladders. The main characteristic of telescopic attic ladders, also called “accordion ladders”, is that they are designed as small, connected sections which create a single ladder.
What is the right way to construct attic stairs?
There is no single "right" way to construct attic stairs, as there are so many varying circumstances. Attic access "stairs" range from a normally pitched stairway with railings, even landings, headroom, lighting, etc. to pull-down folding stairs, to ladders, to open hatches that must be accessed by a temporary ladder.
What do you call pull down stairs to the attic?
An attic ladder is a retractable stairway that pulls down from the ceiling to provide access to attic space, then folds up into a ceiling frame out of the way when it is not needed.
What is the opening to the attic called?
A scuttle attic is an attic space accessed by a small hole in the ceiling. The hole, along with the panel that covers it, is called a hatch.
What is an attic scuttle?
A scuttle attic hole is a small attic access point in the ceiling of some buildings; a ceiling attic door. This hole is covered with a piece of material, typically drywall, called the hatch. The term "scuttle" simply means a hole. Though used as a verb, it means to make a hole in a boat to sink it.
How much do new attic stairs cost?
The average cost of installing attic ladders or stairs ranges from $220 to $647, with an average rate of $445 including parts and labor. Labor charges for a professional contractor average $240 per project, with an hourly rate of $60. Materials include an attic door kit and finishing supplies such as trim and paint.
What kind of door goes between house and attic?
Most attic doors come with the house, but changing the type to suit the homeowner's preference is usually an option. The simple attic hatch, also called a scuttle hole, is quite common in homes. It is a removable part of the ceiling that is typically in the shape of either a rectangle or square.
What is attic hatch?
The attic hatch is a very large opening in that ceiling which accelerates this effect by allowing that rising air to escape the home. If you're lucky this only causes heat loss in the winter and brings attic heat into the home in the summer.
What is the space between roof and ceiling called?
Attics are the space between the roof and the ceiling of the highest floor of the house. They're usually full of insulation, and sometimes heating or air conditioning equipment as well.
What is unfinished attic space called?
Scuttle Attic Any attic space that does not have a permanent staircase for access is considered a scuttle attic. A typical scuttle attic has a trap door and requires you to climb a ladder or a pull-down staircase to get up into it.
What are attic bedrooms called?
An attic or semi-finished room just beneath the roof of a house. garret. attic. loft. cockloft.
How long does it take to install attic stairs?
Fitting the Stira Folding Attic Stairs should take no more than two hours (though significant framing changes in the ceiling may add hours to this). Here are a few things you should bear in mind before you start. 1. Check the attic for constraints to enlarging the opening, such as pipes, wires etc.
How do you install attic stairs?
0:246:07How to Install an Attic Ladder - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what I'll do now is take a screw pop it up through the drywall. That way when I go up in theMoreSo what I'll do now is take a screw pop it up through the drywall. That way when I go up in the attic I'll be able to locate the screw. And find the general location of the attic stair.
How much space do you need for attic stairs?
An attic ladder typically requires a space between two joists behind the drywall on the ceiling. It should be at least 25 inches by 55 inches. Smaller spaces may be hard to access, especially if you're taking items to or from the attic. You may increase the size of your hatch if you have space.
What is the space above the ceiling called?
If there is a horizontal ceiling that is attached to the tie-beams of a roof, creating a space above it, the space above is called an “attic” whether used as a living, storage, or simply ventilation space.
What is a scuttle hole?
An inexpensive and common type of access is referred to as a scuttle hole or attic hatch which is simply a removable portion of the ceiling. An attic hatch is typically located in a closet or main hallway.
How can I access the attic in my house?
0:492:29Accessing and inspecting an attic with a "sealed" access panel - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'd say the best way to do this is you just give it a little bump. And I'll do that now.MoreI'd say the best way to do this is you just give it a little bump. And I'll do that now.
What is the difference between a loft and an attic?
A loft room is accessed by a fixed staircase and has the whole loft area converted to a living space including the sloped eaves if the property has a pitched roof. An attic room is accessed by a fixed staircase and has the eaves area of the loft squared off to create a box room in the centre.