Afbob

Thank you very much

One more question. Wood or aluminum for the garage step pulldowns.

Your opinions will be greatly appreciated.

Our garage attic is completely floored and shelved and my husband stores lots of things there. Things I don't know about 'cause he's a DIY and hoarder of "parts" that we might need someday. He's been up and down several times a day on the aluminum steps for the past 3-1/2 years.

We selected aluminum for the durability and haven't been disappointed.

We have aluminum. Less weight and stronger than wood. (not much chance of a lightning strike inside the garage)

I just put in the flooring - at the recommendation of Home Depot, I used 1/2" x 4' x 8' OSB Sheathing at about $9.50 ea instead of $25 each for plywood. It has about 90% the strength of the plywood. Home Depot will cut it down to 2' x 4' sheets at no cost for easier handling and installation. My approx 90 SF area (3 sheets) cost under $30 for the flooring. I screwed the four corners into the joists to prevent movement.

Be careful not to fall thru the sheet rock when putting in the attic floor - a person in this area died a few years ago landing on his head from the garage attic.


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Another vote for Tim the Toolman...fast, reasonable and friendly guy.

Like many, we searched ToTV for contractor reviews and, based on the many postive reviews, we selected Tim to install out attic pull-down system. We are very pleased with our decision.

Thanks to all for your opinions and information. Looks like aluminum will be my choice.

Aluminum Stairs
 

Tim just installed ours on Monday. Great Job! Highly recommend.

I added more screws from the stair frame to the attic frame.


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Whether u choose wood stairs or aluminum, two issues of no concern are lightning strikes and the stairs being too hot to the touch. They never get even warm and lightning looks for a path to ground. Stairs r free floating so lightning will not even see them. Whether wood or aluminum, that is ur choice.

Will probably do aluminum and have contacted Tim Miller for a quote. After we close on Tuesday the 7th he will be called again to set up a date.
Again thanks to all for the suggestions.

I didn't realize you have to put in your own floor. Does Tim do that or is that someone else? Also, looking for someone to put up some simple shelves in the linen closets. We don't want wire. Does someone have a recommendation?

thnking about putting in attic stairs in teh garage also.

was wondering if the existing molding had to be replaced. seems like the hole is to small for the standard size of the attic stairs.

thank for the help

Another vote for Tim the Toolman. We have Aluminium ladder as it is much lighter and more durable.

Still another vote for Tim also. Did a great job, very personable, reasonable, good guarantee, cleaned up and quick. Even painted it for me. I was going to do it all myself. Do lots of things like that including building homes. When I checked the prices at Home Depot, and than Tim's it wasn't worth the hassle of me doing it. ! Wow! Was I right! Watch them install it! I put in an aluminum one.
- Tear out old molding without damaging ceiling
- Lots of measuring and positioning. Some cutting needed for the opening. He even said SOME openings are installed wrong by builder
- Takes 2 people unless you know the secret of holding it in place while bolting it in
- Put up NEW molding around attic opening
- CUT the stairs after unfolding them to the floor for the "proper setting" on the floor
- Re-bolt the new small sections of steps that come with the kit
- Adjust the stairs going into the opening to final settings
- Paint the trim. Saves about $10 if you paint it. After materials but not labor
Brush, paint, Kilz primer
Labor I would guess about 5-6 hours after READING the instructions, finding help
- AND he guarantees it! Has the proper tools.

Took (2) of them about 1 1/2 hours to set up everything, install and clean up
Sometimes just not worth the DIY thing for the peace of mind. Plus able to ask questions