How Much Weight Will Attic Stairs Hold?

Ladders and Stairs

• Attic stairs, also referred to as ladders, come in a variety of styles. The most basic and common type is the folding attic ladder, according to manufacturer Calvert USA. Folding attic ladders are composed of three segments joined together by hinges, and must be cut to length after installation. Telescoping, or concertina, attic ladders extend out one step at a time and collapse in an accordion-like fashion to form a stack of steps. They typically have wider steps than folding attic stairs and are consequently more stair-like. Sliding attic ladders are less common, one-piece ladders that slide down from the attic opening by way of a pulley system.

Standard Materials

• Most attic stairs and ladders manufactured for home use are made of wood, aluminum or steel. Wood is the most commonly used material for sliding and folding models, according to Calvert USA. Steel and aluminum are more versatile materials, and can be used for telescoping attic stairs as well as for folding and sliding ladders. Aluminum stairs and ladders usually weigh less than their steel counterparts, but lightweight steel stairs do exist. Although steel is generally considered stronger than wood or aluminum, the overall strength and support provided by attic stairs depend on their age, condition and overall construction.

Weight Capacity

• After thoroughly testing attic stairs and ladders, manufacturers give them weight capacity ratings reflective of their performance. These ratings offer homeowners a guideline for the amount of weight their stairs can safely support on a repeated basis. The average weight capacity for attic stairs is 300 lbs., with lower-end models supporting 250 lbs. or less, and higher-end products supporting 350 lbs. or more. Stairs with high weight capacity ratings can be made of wood, aluminum or steel, but most economical models with correspondingly low weight capacity ratings are made of wood.

Considerations

• The weight load tests that manufacturers conduct place higher amounts of weight on stairs and ladders than they are ultimately rated to safely support. Consequently, it might be possible for a 175-pound person to carry a 50-pound object up attic stairs that are rated to support 200 lbs. without overstressing the stairs. However, Calvert USA advises against routinely stressing your stairs beyond their rated weight capacity because they could collapse with such use.
  Be cautious when using old attic stairs that are not clearly labeled with a weight-capacity rating. Stairs that give under your weight might be weak and require repair or replacement.