How do I Install a Werner Attic Ladder?

Determine the size of attic ladder needed. Use the stud finder to determine the location of the ceiling joists. This spacing and the height of your ceilings will dictate the correct size attic ladder required.

Determine the location that the attic ladder is to be installed. Make sure there will be room for the unfolded ladder and that it is easily accessible. On the attic side, make sure there aren't any pipes or ducts in the area of construction.

Remove the attic ladder from the box and measure the dimensions of the ladder (not the cover plate). Using the ladder and pencil, mark the attic ladder rough opening on the ceiling in the correct position between the two ceiling joists.

Cut the ceiling sheetrock following the outline using the sheetrock hand saw. Lay plastic or a tarp below the ladder to help catch the sheetrock dust that will accumulate while cutting the hole in the ceiling.

Climb into the attic while one person holds the ladder in place. You will need the hammer, 16d nails, drill, screws, and 1-by-4-36-inch lumber and light source in the attic.

Hold the closed attic ladder in place in the cut hole in the ceiling, making sure the attic ladder cover is flush with the ceiling. The person in the attic should temporarily brace the attic ladder by placing the 1-by-4-by-36-inch lumber across the ceiling joists that the attic stairway is going to be installed between. Attach the 1-by-4 to the attic ladder and the ceiling joists using the screws and drill.

Attach the attic ladder with the nails and hammer inside the attic to the ceiling joists. Hammer three nails into both of the short sides of the attic ladder, and hammer five nails into each of the long sides. Make sure the nails go through the attic ladder into the adjacent ceiling joists. Remove the temporary 1-by-4 bracing using the drill.

Pull the attic ladder's string to access the ladder. The legs of the ladder will need to be cut to length. Using the tape measure, determine the correct length. Mark this length on both of the legs using a pencil. Use the speed square to make sure the mark is straight. Use the handsaw to cut the legs of the ladder.

Cut the casing to the correct lengths to cover the gap between the newly installed attic ladder and the ceiling sheetrock. Cut all of the ends on the four pieces at 45-degree angles. Attach the casing to the ceiling using the finish nails and hammer. Fill the nail holes with wood filler and smooth with your finger.

Paint the casing and the attic ladder cover.