Pulldown Attic Door

[Sifty]

I'm thinking of doing this in my garage and was wonder if people have any suggestions on what brand to buy and if you have anything you would do different.

Thanks

Sifty

[Steve Foss]

It's pretty straightforward. I've bought and installed a couple different brands offered at the big box home improvement stores, and they've worked well. Make sure you measure the ceiling/floor drop in your garage, as well as the space between roof joists, before hitting the store.

I'm assuming it's an occasional use thing, because if you were planning to run up and down it pretty often, you'd put in an actual staircase. Occasional = save bux with what you buy. Often = spend more and get top of the line.

[Powerstroke]

Not sure if this is part of a bigger project, but I know when we had a final inspection on our place the fire marshal rejected our pulldown attic staircase because it removed the firestop in that area. He handed me a sheet with the proper design specs to keep it within fire code. It must be fairly common for him to have the sheet on hand.

[Esox_Magnum]

Not sure on MN code but I have installed a few brands and they are all basicly the same. If it's just for 2-3 times a year it will work fine, just make sure your rafters will support the added storage weight.

[Fishinguy40]

My only suggestion would be to spend the extra cash and get an aluminium one instead of the wooden one. Definetly worth it.

[BoxMN]

Also, if you plan to put it in insulated area, there is one model with "loopy spring" mechanisms (I have that one) and on ewith gas pistons. The pistons lay flat, but the loopy things shoot up above the level of the joist tops. So it would be easier to build a box or insulate over the piston style. When I add one to my garage up north, it will be the piston style. I think FF has piston style, Menards has the loopy, or last I checked...

[Steve Foss]

My only suggestion would be to spend the extra cash and get an aluminium one instead of the wooden one. Definetly worth it.

That's a good idea if budget isn't as much of an issue. I like the 'lumies better.

[Walleye Guy]

Louisville Ladder makes very solid models. I've never had any issues with the wood ones that I have installed. I'm sure aluminum is nice but I'm not sure why its needed. Weight shouldn't be an issue in this application.