Old House Attic Stairs

Sure they might be chipped pitted and covered with lead based paint but the stairs and parts themselves at 120 plus years old are likely in good shape.

Old house attic stairs.

In contrast a house built using roof trusses will have an attic space full of angled web framing that connects the top chords analogous to rafters to the bottom chord which frames the ceiling beneath the attic space. Using a reciprocating saw cut off the metal hinges of the. Disappearing staircase is designed to replace conventional folding attic ladder and fit existing folding stair openings. You ll need at least three critical measurements.

If you come across an old attic stair check that the hinge nuts and bolts are tight the springs are anchored securely the pivot arms are straight and the treads and stringers are intact. Bessler stairway attic system models bessler stairway company the original disappearing stairway for residential or commercial use. How to install pull down attic stairs cut out attic access opening. In this video this old house general contractor tom silva shows how to make attic stairs safe and sturdy.

Construct the opening. Remove the springs from the old attic staircase by bending the metal arms forward to release the tension. Measure the rough opening of the attic staircase and match it to find a suitable replacement. An attic framed with rafters will provide a fairly open space that can be used for storage or even converted to living space.

Snap chalk lines onto the ceiling to represent the rough opening of the attic staircase. Wooden stairs for attic and loft. Cut out the ceiling joist and any wood blocking that s in the opening. Many older homes have walk up attics which means they have permanent stable stair assemblies no different than stairs between floors.

Remove joists and other obstructions. The width and length of the rough opening and the ceiling height. Shop scissor style attic stairs. How to repair a baluster.

Steps for replacing attic stairs. In this video this old house general contractor tom silva explains how to install attic stairs. Cut around ceiling trim with a utility knife. Unfinished attics typically don t have hand railings on these staircases.

How to install pull down attic stairs. Use a reciprocating saw to cut joists and nails holding any joists that must be removed. Mark rough opening of new fold down staircase on the ceiling joists in the attic. Scissor style attic stairs offer an easy to pull down heavy duty solution for reaching your attic space designed to fit a wide range of attic sizes with handrail and insulated door options.

First old stairs are truly built to last and the parts you can find at big boxes and normal lumber yards are not the old growth pine old homes are blessed with. Another concern is the lack of a guardrail around the top of the stairwell.