To Load Bearing Wall
Stabilizing Boards
Step 5 – Carefully open the stairway from below and lower the stair sections .
CAUTION : Do not stand on the stairway at this time .
Fig . 4
To Load Bearing Wall
Installation perpendicular to the existing joists requires a frame with double headers ( See Fig . 4 ). If joists must be cut , stabilize them by nailing 2 joist-size boards perpendicular to the ceiling joists before cutting . The double joist sections must be long enough to be supported by a load bearing wall at both ends .
Install The Stairway
Step 3 – On the ceiling side of the rough opening , nail two 1 " x 4 " temporary slats to hold the stairway in the rough opening . ( Temporary Boards Not Supplied By American Stairway .) Each slat should extend beyond the ends of the opening and extend approximately 1 / 2 " into the rough opening to form a ledge . The slats should be nailed securely enough to hold the weight of the stairway ( See Fig . 5 ).
Make sure the stairway is square , level and firmly situated in the rough opening . Blocks of wood or plywood can be used as shims to make any necessary adjustments .
Because the wood parts are often subjected to strong spring tension for several months before installation , it is normal for the stair frame to become bowed while in inventory . The frame , however , can be easily straightened by using nails and shims .
Step 6 – Permanently mount the stairway using 16d nails or 1 / 4 x 3 " lag screws .
WARNING : Do not use sheetrock screws or any other fasteners other than what is stated in these instructions .
Pivot Plate
Use 16d nails or 1 / 4 x 3 " lag screws .
Fig . 6
Pivot Plate
Fig . 5
CAUTION : Do not place any weight on the stair at this time .
Step 4 – With a helper in the attic , carefully raise the stairway into the rough opening , and position it on the ledges formed by the slats . The plywood panel of the stairway should not be blocked by the slats so it is free to swing open .
Holes have been predrilled in the pivot plates of the spring arms and the piano hinge . Also nail through the end board into the rough opening header . Complete permanent nailing with sufficient 16d nails to secure stair to all sides of the opening . Pilot holes should be drilled if lag screws are used . ( See Fig . 6 above for suggested placement of nails .)
Step 7 – Remove the temporary slats and 8d nails used for temporary support .
CAUTION : Be sure the stair does not shift and come off the temporary slats . This could cause the stair to fall through the opening and could damage the stair or cause personal injury .
As an extra precaution , temporarily drive an 8d nail through each side jamb of the stair , just above the stop blocks and into the rough opening frame . Do not drive the nails in completely so they can be removed when the permanent nailing is completed .