Adjust Stairway To Ceiling Height
Trim the stairs only after the floor beneath the stairs is finished . Adding or removing carpet or other flooring material will change the measurements for the length of the stairs .
Gap
Gap
Fig . 9 – Correct Fig . 10 – Too Long Fig . 11 – Too Short
Fig . 7
B A
* For Model 800 ( Aluminum Stairs ) skip to Step 13
Step 8 – Fully extend the folding section of the stairway . Fold the bottom section of the stairway under the middle section , so that the top and middle sections form a straight line ( See Fig . 7 ). Apply pressure on the stairs to ensure the spring arms are fully extended .
Step 9 – Place a straight edge on top of the middle section and slide it down until it contacts the floor . Measure the distance from the end of the middle section to the floor ( A in Fig . 7 ). Mark the distance on the A side of the bottom stringer .
Step 10 – Place a straight edge on the bottom of the middle section and slide it down until it contacts the floor . Measure the distance from the end of the middle section to the floor ( B in Fig . 7 ). Mark the distance on the B side of the bottom stringer . It is possible for the landing area to be uneven , so repeat this procedure on the other stringer .
Correct Fit
B A
Incorrect Fit
Step 12 – Check to make sure of proper length . Standing on second step of the bottom section , the stairs should fit flush with the floor and all joints should be tight with no gaps ( Fig . 9 ). If the stairs are too long ( Fig . 10 ), trim them again . If the stairs are too short ( Fig . 11 ), do not use them . The bottom section will have to be replaced . Contact your vendor or The American Stairway Company .
Step 13 – For Model 800 ( aluminum stairs ) slide the aluminum feet over the ladder rail . Position the feet so that the extended section remains straight and the feet are in full contact with the floor . Drill through the hole provided in the feet into the ladder section . Secure the feet to the section with the bolts provided .
Fig . 12
CAUTION : Do not use the stairway unless the stairs fit flush with the floor , and the joints are tight with no gaps . ( See Figures 9-11 ) Failure to cut properly could cause undue stress on the stairway and could result in personal injury .
If final / additional flooring ( carpet , vinyl , etc .) is installed after stairway is installed , length adjustment will be necessary . Repeat Steps 8 – 12 .
Trimming the stairway opening
Step 14 – Select a moulding and trim around the stairway opening . Allow a gap of approximately 1 / 8 " between the plywood panel of the stairway and the moulding .
Fig . 8
Step 11 – Draw a straight line between the points . Cut each bottom stringer to the proper length , along the lines drawn . The bottom section of the stairs should fit flush with the floor on both sides after cutting . ( See Fig . 8 )
3807 Lamar Ave . • Memphis , TN 38118 901-795-9200 • Fax 901-795-1253 www . americanstairways . com FORM NO . 444 – 9 / 05