I am looking for compact attic access stairs for that would fit and unfold inside of a walk-in closet. Homeowner won’t let me install it in bedroom. My opening is only 22.5″ x 45″. I have only about 5′ 4″ of space to unfold it, unless I can take it through a doorway. Attic ladder from my store will not work. Any suggestions? I searched on-line and did come across company selling compact attic stairs www.calvertusa.com, but I concerned about buying something like that on-line. Does anyone has any experience with them?
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Join some of the most experienced and recognized building professionals for two days of presentations, panel discussions, networking, and more.
Featured Video
Highlights
"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.
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
Fine Home Building
Follow
-
Fine Homebuilding
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial Now -
GBA Prime
Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
- Home Group
- Antique Trader
- Arts & Crafts Homes
- Bank Note Reporter
- Cabin Life
- Cuisine at Home
- Fine Gardening
- Fine Woodworking
- Green Building Advisor
- Garden Gate
- Horticulture
- Keep Craft Alive
- Log Home Living
- Military Trader/Vehicles
- Numismatic News
- Numismaster
- Old Cars Weekly
- Old House Journal
- Period Homes
- Popular Woodworking
- Script
- ShopNotes
- Sports Collectors Digest
- Threads
- Timber Home Living
- Traditional Building
- Woodsmith
- World Coin News
- Writer's Digest
Replies
Try Rainbow ladders. Not cheap and pretty steep to climb but can fit in some pretty tight places.
Let's not confuse the issue with facts!
I have seen the Rainbow stairs at JLC show and I though they did not feel too strong. I didn’t think the quality was that good. I have ordered wooden folding stairs from Calvert Stairs for fraction of the price. According their specs, it should work. I guess I’ll take a chance.
I installed a Werner Televator a few weeks ago, and will install another in two weeks. They are great for the small access openings where reframing the opening is not an option. You need 30" of free clearance in the attic. They telescope up (or down) and pivot out of the way. The doors must be custom made, but the door size is based soley on your present opening, and all hardware is included. A minimum of 22.5"x22.5" is required.
The only drawback to them that I've found, is that they obstruct the opening somewhat. They should be used for limited access only.
View Image
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
Thanks for the advice. Ladder looks interesting. How easy is it to use? I see the door panel does not have springs on it.
No, the door swings freely. The unit comes with a pole equipped with a small lever on the end that is used to open and close the door, as well as pull down (or store) the ladder.
Very easy to use.
Installation of the ladder itself took about 1.5 hours, with no help. The door took longer, as it has to be cut to fit (overlap) your opening, then fitted with the provided hinges and latch and travel arresters. You will need a 2 inch hole saw for the latch.
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.