STAIRS FOR CARPORT ATTIC--IDEAS

[GaryM]

I installed a set of Rainbow Attic Stairs in my new garage. http://www.shelterproducts.net/pages/attic_stairs_chart.htm

They have one that is about 30 inches wide. it's really a nice solid unit that's all steel construction. Check it out. You can see the one I installed here: http://www.w0gom.net/photo79.htm

I also installed a 4'x5' hatch for moving large objects up to my storage area.

 

[Junkman]

I had seen this item at the lumber yard on Saturday and was wondering if they were as good as they looked. I was impressed by the solid feel of the ladder. Thanks for posting the link to the manufacturer. The lumber yard employee knew very little about it except for the price.. EXPENSIVE, but you get what you pay for.... I think that I am going to invest in one..... thanks again...... Junkman

 

[GaryM]

Not cheap for sure. But for something I plan to use on a regular basis I don't mind too much. If it was only going to be used to access the attic for wiring or something like that I wouldn't have done it.

 

[KRECKER]

Gary,
Thanks for the info. This will help me figure some things. I noticed in your photo that you have another opening with a ladder. That gave me the idea to use the stairs to get up, then put another opening the size that I need and just hoist up or down the Christmas stuff that I plan on putting in the attic space. All of the Christmas decorations are very light weight, but bulky.
Man, you guys are great. Keep it coming.

Don

 

[GaryM]

The hatchway is for stuff too bulky to carry up the stairs. Such as the third seat for my Expedition! I'll have a cover over the hatch. Harbor Freight has a small electric hoist (110 volt) with a 500 pound capacity. Might be just the ticket if the cable is long enough to reach the floor. I can build a platform that seals the hatch from the bottom, and is held in place by the hoist. Just load stuff on the platform and press the button.

 

[KRECKER]

Gary,
Thanks for reply. That is a great idea. I will try to work that into my plans as well. Plans now are (subject to change by chief engineer, ie, WIFE) to put stairway on one end of carport and put cut-out in middle so that I will not have to move stuff out of the way to get to the other end of attic.
Will keep you posted on results.

Don

 

[stumpman]

Krecker,
I am faced with the same situation. I have a 4 x 6 ft opening in my storage garage (boat, camper, tractor implements) and I am in need of stairs as well. Almost everything that I put up top is bulky(not heavy) and climbing a ladder while carrying the big stuff can get interesting /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif I was thinking about making something that hinges at the opening, lifts up to the bottom of the joists, and has some sort of counter-weigh system to make opening and closing easier. I haven't been able to work out the particulars yet, I haven't found anything light weight yet strong for the stringers and steps. I was thinking about using an aluminum grip-strut stair section that we use on some of our equipment at work, but it is very, very expensive /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif I guess I'll have to continue using the aluminum ladder until I can figure something out.