[nanci2539]

Originally Posted by Ohiogirl

We have the pull-down stairs and a few plywood pieces, pretty much just store Christmas items (I'm minimal there too - our tree hangs on the wall), and grandkid stuff - pack n play, kids' table & chairs, 2 bins of toys. Not much else.

If I were doing it again, I'd do the upgraded stairs. Still wouldn't store anything else. It's really awkward to get stuff in and out, and kind of dangerous as well, and we're still relatively young (62) and active. Still takes 2 of us to get things up and down. I would never recommend going up there when you are alone. If you live alone, good idea to ask a friend/neighbor to stand below to hand things to.

You will probably find that you devise ingenious ways to store other stuff in your garage. Our beach chairs hang on a hook, as do bikes and garden tools.

what are upgraded stairs?

[mulligan]

Also, keep in mind that the trusses are not designed to support much more than their own weight plus the fire rated drywall ceiling unless they are specifically designated "attic trusses". Those are engineered/ built differently. Also, most of the attic stair systems are not fire rated, which negates the fire rating of the ceiling. How many house fires originating in the garage would have been at least partially contained if fire rated stairs had been used ?

[JoeC1947]

Originally Posted by redwitch

My rule of thumb is if it can melt in a microwave w/in 3 minutes, it doesn't go into a hot attic. Worked in California, has worked here.

How do you test this theory? Hmmmmmmm.

[asianthree]

Originally Posted by JoeC1947

How do you test this theory? Hmmmmmmm.

[Ohiogirl]

if you have vaulted ceilings, you'd be amazed what you can store in a small walk-in closet like our CYV one. We had the original wire shelf moved near the top - can still see what's up there and get to it with a chair from the bedroom, or a stepstool. We keep the luggage up there, plus of bin of stuff for the beach/cruises (like snorkels, beach toys for grandkids when they visit). Also extra pillows, etc.

Add cabinets in your laundry room, and shelving if it allows. Do more with your pantry and 2nd and 3rd bedroom closets too.

You just really don't need all that other "stuff." Purge, purge, purge.

[Ohiogirl]

Originally Posted by nanci2539

what are upgraded stairs?

I don't have them, but they are stronger, safer attic stairs, I think with a rail. They are still pull down stairs, however, and you need to be careful. I think they might be aluminum instead of wood. More expensive than the standard, but probably better. Don't ask me where to get them, I don't know, but I did see them somewhere.

[getdul981]

Originally Posted by Ohiogirl

I don't have them, but they are stronger, safer attic stairs, I think with a rail. They are still pull down stairs, however, and you need to be careful. I think they might be aluminum instead of wood. More expensive than the standard, but probably better. Don't ask me where to get them, I don't know, but I did see them somewhere.

Tell the installer that you want them and he brings them with him. If you DIY, I believe Lowe's and Home Depot sells them. We have had 2 installed in 2 different houses and both times I felt like it was worth the small expense to pay someone that has done this many times than to try to do it myself.