folding attic ladder

eagleta2 · Post by **eagleta2** » Sun Mar 17, 2013 2:22 pm

Hi all.. it should not be a surprise that I would rather build something than buy an assembly kit to obtain it. I am also not a big fan of plans in most cases..,I usually draw it out on paper and create my own plan. I have no experience (other than frustration) in using sketch up. I also tend to stray from the point at times...lol

The problem : our home has the access to the attic in the garage and was merely a normal sized hole with a hatch cover. Some idiot (namely me) was working in the attic and stepped on a support that wasn't meant to be stepped on. After an 8 foot tumble to the cold hard floor, I realized that I enlarged the opening greatly. At least I wasn't hurt except for my pride.

The solution : I would like to build a fold up ladder to access the attic. Instead of purchasing as kit from the BB stores, I would really prefer to build one. Unfortunately I do not have the necessary knowledge about the springs and hardware and etc...
,
Does anyone have a plan that they can share to build one of these?

Maybe you have one in your home that you wouldn't mind sharing dimensions and hardware specifics of?

Or you just want to chime in to tell me that you think I've lost my mind and ought to just buy the kit...go ahead, I have thick skin. :-)

Thanks in advance for your help... I truly appreciate it

Geo

beeg · Post by **beeg** » Sun Mar 17, 2013 2:47 pm

How about looking at one in the BB store and get some ideas?

eagleta2 · Post by **eagleta2** » Sun Mar 17, 2013 9:57 pm

Hi Bob

I had thought of it, but didn't know how the BB store would feel about me taking apart a kit and not buying it.

It also did not seem right to purchase it to only copy everything and return it...so I just thought I would inquire here to see if anyone could help.

Thanks
Geo

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sun Mar 17, 2013 11:31 pm

I have three in my domicile. One came with it. The other two I purchased and installed. The needed hardware to create one safely is just not found in yer typical store.

I recommend just buying one. There is enough work involved in installing it(creating a structurally sound opening etc.).

terrydowning · Post by **terrydowning** » Mon Mar 18, 2013 11:36 am

I agree with JPG.

Ladders especially folding ladders are tricky business. If you ever plan on selling the house, A kit system from a reputable vendor is a better bet IMHO.

I just helped my Son in law with a cover for a telescoping system from Wagner he put in his attic. Son in law is not a wood worker, but managed to install the ladder safely, instructions were very accurate and very thorough. He just needed help with the door.

kalynzoo · Post by **kalynzoo** » Mon Mar 18, 2013 1:50 pm

Although I think Murphy Bed hardware might be modified to create a ladder, I also think that by the time you purchase or prepare dry faultless lumber for the ladder and the frame, and then find or purchase the hardware it will be far more cost effective to purchase a ceiling ladder. The ceiling ladder will be hidden from view, appreciated by only you, perhaps your time and talents would better be directed to a project you can point at.
JMHO

curiousgeorge · Post by **curiousgeorge** » Mon Mar 18, 2013 2:25 pm

IMHO. It would be cheaper and far safer to just buy the kit. Also you may want to check with your city codes. Some places do not allow ladder access to the attic from the garage because of the exhaust fumes from your car having access to the whole house through the attic.

saminmn · Post by **saminmn** » Mon Mar 18, 2013 2:35 pm

eagleta2 wrote:...an 8 foot tumble to the cold hard floor, I realized that I enlarged the opening greatly. At least I wasn't hurt except for my pride....
Geo

Wow! That's quite a fall. Glad you weren't hurt.

I agree with others about buying a unit. I do not think you could build one for the cost of a good assembly.

Like I said, glad you were not hurt.

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Tue Mar 19, 2013 11:31 am

eagleta2 wrote:Hi all.. it should not be a surprise that I would rather build something than buy an assembly kit to obtain it. I am also not a big fan of plans in most cases..,I usually draw it out on paper and create my own plan. I have no experience (other than frustration) in using sketch up. I also tend to stray from the point at times...lol

The problem : our home has the access to the attic in the garage and was merely a normal sized hole with a hatch cover. Some idiot (namely me) was working in the attic and stepped on a support that wasn't meant to be stepped on. After an 8 foot tumble to the cold hard floor, I realized that I enlarged the opening greatly. At least I wasn't hurt except for my pride.

The solution : I would like to build a fold up ladder to access the attic. Instead of purchasing as kit from the BB stores, I would really prefer to build one. Unfortunately I do not have the necessary knowledge about the springs and hardware and etc...
,
Does anyone have a plan that they can share to build one of these?

Maybe you have one in your home that you wouldn't mind sharing dimensions and hardware specifics of?

Or you just want to chime in to tell me that you think I've lost my mind and ought to just buy the kit...go ahead, I have thick skin. :-)

Thanks in advance for your help... I truly appreciate it

Geo

Lowes sells a really nice unit made from wood and metal. My original was all wood with some metal hinges and things but the one I installed in 2006 came with an all metal ladder and hadware. The only wood is the frame and cover.
I love it first because it is rated to 300+ lbs I have no problem going up with a load. Second it is sturdy and does not creak and crack like the old wood one. Third the price as about $20 more than the same thing in all wood.

If you build one I would guess you will regret it. Too many hinges, counter weights and springs/gas cylinders to make it easy.

I think mine cost $100-$130 back in 2006 so I doubt if it is more than $150 now and you will be hard pressed to build it for less.

fjimp · Post by **fjimp** » Tue Mar 19, 2013 12:27 pm

The folding ladder in my garage ceiling was broken when we moved in. Just discovering how it's tricky business repairing it convinced me the newer versions available from BB stores is a far wiser investment. Jim