I just built a garage for a customer, the garage has attic storage trusses. The customer wants stairs going to the attic. This in it self is not a big problem, the problem is she wants stairs that swing up into the attic. Unfortunatly, she does not want typical folding ladder style stairs. Has anyone ever seen actual stairs that pull down from the attic (by stairs I meen 6″- 8″ treads and 8″ risers)?
Listeners write in about fireplaces and ask questions about sharpening hand tools, easier wiring upgrades, and fixing cedar siding.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
Check out Bessler stair company. Not exactly the rise / run specs you list but a comfortable stair. Slides down, no folding.
http://www.bessler.com/mod26.htm
__________________________________________
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
That is what we are looking for! Have you ever bought from them before? If so did everything work out? Thanks
I've been trying to put a set of Bessler stairs in a clients garage for over 4 months.
First one that came were for trusses (2' OC), the house is stick framed (16" OC).
Second one was for stick frame, alright, put in the hatch, the ladder was for a 9' ceiling. This celing is 9'8". Doh!
We're still waiting for the third set. Contractor's Yard sez it's been on the truck for two weeks.
I've never put one totally in before, but the warnings about not letting go of the puller upper cables have me more than a little nervous. I have a very short attention span.
PS I'm pretty sure all of this was the lumber yard's fault, just can't say so for sure....if this tread is still up when we finally get the stairs in, I'll post the results with pics. EliphIno!
Spec, I've put in a couple and they are a bit more detailed than the normal folding attic stair because you need (had to at the time) assemble the spring roller and I think the rest of the carriage. However, while more time consuming, I believe the instructions took you through it pretty well. I would emphasize billy's caution about making sure the order is right through the yard. Bessler has never messed up for me and was quick to replace a busted part (owner abuse..........sort of a commercial application ...........). Further, have had occasion to run across other bessler's in houses from a while back. Still operating well. You need the head room to slide that stair up and then it settles on the floor as the hatch closes. A very comfortable stair, you can actually carry stuff up and down without hanging on for dear life. Hand rail was decent too. Best of luck.
__________________________________________
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
http://www.quittintime.com/
Had an occassion to do a little work in a local bank and they had an attic stairs that was awesome....I imagine the price was also.
It was set of aluminum steps and carriages that slid on the hatchway up into the attic until it reached a balance point at which the whole assembly and hatch folded into the ceiling. The attic was at least 10 ft in height and the steps were aligned with the length. There were at least 6 trusses that had been engineered to allow the step assembly to cut across. The whole assemble was raised and lowered by motor.
Been too-o-o-o-o long ago to remember the brand name.
On a lesser note, I have built a crank up set of stairs into my shop attic. I'll try a pic!
....................Iron Helix
I just checked with Bessler about the attic stairs and the lead time did not work out. I showed the client the photos you emailed over, and the were quite intrigued. I am now planning on trying something similar for them. Basically I am going to use a block and tackle principle for the pulleys, any other suggestions or advice?
Thanks