How to Switch an Attic Stair From Wood to Metal

Measure the attic stairs’ opening, making note of the width at the middle and both ends, as well as the opening’s length. Determine the distance from the ceiling to the floor below as well, using measuring tape.

Compare the measurements you took to the manufacturer specifications for different metal attic stairs for sale. Choose a replacement stair set that fits within the smallest width measurement you took.

Unhook the cable mounts on either side of the stairs. Slide the cable loops off the cable holders that are mounted to the sides of the stairs, slowly releasing the cables so they do not snap back into the pulleys.

Remove the screws holding the stairs’ brackets to the attic opening’s door panel. Squeeze the stringers on the top of the stairs toward each other, and then pull the stairs up to unhook them from the bracket attached to the attic opening’s frame. Remove the stairs from the attic opening.

Lay the new attic stairs against the attic opening’s door panel. Drive screws through the mounting holes on the stairs’ mounting brackets, anchoring the stairs to the door panel. Squeeze the stairs’ stringers together so the mounting bracket’s slide bars hook into the top of the stairs.

Pull on each of the cables and slide the looped end over the mounts on the sides of the stairs. Test the stairs by opening and closing them. If the stairs and the attic door panel do not close completely, unhook the cables from the sides of the stairs and wrap the cables around the mounts at least two times before hooking the cables back onto the mounts.