Replacing Wooden Attic Ladder with Aluminum

I will be installing this tomorrow and will document the process with photos.

An AT&T tech came over a couple weeks ago to install new internet. He must have played offensive line in high school because he split my attic ladder. Luckily they’re giving me some money for the damage claim to repair it.

This is a two person job and is relatively easy but I figured I would outline it here and provide pictures tomorrow after I do it.

1. Remove trimming around existing attic opening with pry bar. Avoid damaging to reuse. Then remove the finishing nails from the ceiling as well.



2. Place two 2x4 temporary boards under the front and back sections of the existing opening to support ladder framing.

*Forgot to get a picture from my own job but this picture shows how I did it. Notice the boards on the edges of the opening.



3. From the attic, unscrew all bolts holding in the ladder frame. Save wooden shims for installation of new ladder.

*I noticed the old ladder didn't even have shims holding it steady. The previous installation was pretty shitty.

4. Have a second person on a ladder below to help push the unit into the attic, rotate it, and pull it out of the opening.

5. Push new unit into attic, rotate it, and place into the opening.

6. Put temporary screws into framing as shown in directions provided.

*This is the finalized mounting with 6 screws across the front. Notice the two inner lag bolts (drilled pilot holes to install these) and the 4 standard torx-head wood screws.



7. Tilt open the door (leave the ladder folded) and come down from attic onto a separate ladder.

8. Place shims between framing of house and framing of the ladder to ensure tight fit. Drill pilot holes and install supplied lag bolts.

*Since the old ladder didn't have shims, the gaps were pretty large around the framing. I decided to use my reciprocating saw to make my own shims - chunks of wood cut from the old ladder. So I cut 6 pieces from the old ladder to fill the gaps.



9. Fold open new ladder and cut bottom portion of ladder to fit proper ceiling height. Install rubber feet on bottom of ladder.

*The multitude of holes on the feet made this part super easy. I used my reciprocating saw to cut the lowest portion of the ladder shorter and the feet maintained the proper angle with the ground. All I had to do was put the two bolts through.





9. Remove temporary 2x4s and reinstall trimming.

*I did not reinstall the trimming yet since I need to shave off the chipped paint and them borrow a nail gun from someone to fix it back in place.

*The weather stripping is very nice and creates a tight seal.



*These struts are immensely more quiet than the giant springs and make closing the door not quite as violent as the old unit.



*I'm considering repainting the main door but I may just leave it once I reinstall the framing.



It will be very nice to have an aluminum ladder with struts rather than a creaky wooden ladder with springs. I would highly recommend this upgrade to anyone.

The unit is made by Louisville Ladder from Lowe’s for $219. It has a 375 pound load capacity and will work for up to a 10ft ceiling. Ensure you are getting the proper ladder for your attic opening.

Will report back.