STEP 8:
CRITICAL STEP: Proper measurement and cutting of the ladder rails is important for
safe operation of your attic ladder. For instructional video, go to www.wernerladder.com.
ADJUSTING STAIRWAY TO CEILING HEIGHT
Pull stairway down applying pressure so that hardware arms are
fully extended. Open the stair sections, folding bottom section
under the middle section. The top and middle sections should
form a straight line. Aligning your ruler on the same plane as the
two upper sections, measure the distance from the bottom of the
middle section to the floor on the front and back (see FIGURE
7A). Mark the distances obtained on the front and back sides of
the ends of the bottom section.
Trim bottom sections at the proper length and angles by cutting
across them. With the bottom section cut to the proper length and
angle, joints will be tight at each section with weight on the stairs.
If either of the trim lines pass through any part of the
step, remove the 14 gauge nail between the rail-to-step
connection on both sides of ladder section. Once the
nail is removed, cut the rail flush to the underside of the
step on both sides of section (see FIGURE 7B). Gently
tap the tread side of the step with a hammer to remove
(see FIGURE 7C).
FIGURE 7B
WARNING: The bottom section must fit flush with the floor. Failure to cut properly could result in undue stress on the
component parts of the stairway, resulting in serious injury (see FIGURES 8A, 8B and 8C).
FIGURA 8A - CORRECT SETUP
STEP 9:
TRIMMING THE STAIRWAY OPENING
A. Select a molding that blends with the trim in your home: a
5/8" or 2-1/4" Clam Shell molding is a popular choice.
B. Leave a 3/8" space between the door panel and the trim
at the hinge end of the stairway to provide clearance
when the stairway is opened.
C. The balance of the trim may be placed approximately 1/8"
from the edges of the plywood door panel.
D. Your installation is complete.
PIANO HINGE
BRACKETS
CUT ACCORDING
3
TO MEASUREMENT
FIGURE 7C
FIGURE 7A - ADJUSTMENT TO CEILING HEIGHTS
FIGURE 8B - INCORRECT SETUP
CAUTION: SAFETY TIP
• Make certain the stairway is aligned
properly before each use.
Adjusting your stairway is
accomplished in 3 easy steps:
1. MEASURE 2. MARK 3. CUT
PIVOT PLATE
B
A
TRIM LINE
2
MARK MEASUREMENTS ON BOTTOM
SECTION TO MAKE TRIM LINE
FIGURE 8C - INCORRECT SETUP
END BOARD
1
MEASURE THESE
DISTANCES
A
B