Most ceilings are suitable for light storage only. It is important to spread suitable flooring over the ceiling joists or trusses to take the load. If you are planning a new home, ask your architect, designer or builder about using storage trusses which are specially engineered to allow for extra weight. Keep in mind, you do not need to be able to stand up or walk in your attic to store things up there.

Sellwood attic ladders are easily installed by a competent DIYer or builder. If you are considering installing your attic ladder, view our installation videos here. Installation instructions are also available from Downloads.

If you think you'll need help installing your attic ladder, contact us and our experienced installers will be able to help.

For a new home, standard roof trusses are suitable for light storage only. If you are planning a new home, ask your architect, designer or builder about using storage trusses which are specially engineered to allow for extra weight, and have most of the truss webbing (criss-cross timber) squared away.

No. An attic ladder only replaces the old manhole and freestanding ladder. The structure of the house is not affected if the ladder is installed in accordance with manufacturer͛s installation instructions.

Yes, but unless your existing manhole has been trimmed to the right size, which is unusual, it will need to be altered to make it the right size. Alternatively, a new hole will need to be made, which is the right size. Please refer to our specification table for opening sizes.

This will probably not be the best place to install the attic ladder. You will need to look for a new space to make a hole in the ceiling, for example in a hallway.

Yes. Sellwood residential attic ladders are warranted for 15 years from date of purchase for residential use.

No. These ladders can only be operated from below. They are not designed to be closed from the top nor opened from the top. However, if someone is accidentally trapped in the attic it is possible to lower the top section from the top and call for help.

No!