STEP 5:
INSTALLING TEMPORARY SUPPORTS
It is necessary to temporarily support the stairway in the
prepared rough opening by using 1 x 4 slats that extend
from edge to edge across each end of the rough opening.
The slats form a ledge to support the stairway before it is
permanently secured. Care is important in positioning the
slats. Nail the slats below the ceiling onto the headers as
close to the edges of the rough opening as practical for
maximum strength. They should extend only 3/8" - 5/8"
(0.95 cm x 1.59 cm) into the rough opening. The plywood
panel must be free to swing open (see FIGURE 4).
The slats must be nailed securely enough to temporarily
support the weight of the stairway when it is placed in the rough
opening.
CAUTION: DO NOT PLACE ANY WEIGHT ON THE STAIRWAY
UNTIL PERMANENT NAILING IS COMPLETED
STEP 6:
PLACING STAIRWAY INTO OPENING
A. While closed, the stairway should now be raised into the
rough opening and positioned on the ledges formed by
the slats. Working above with a helper below, raise the
stairway through the rough opening at an angle so it will
clear the slats. Position the stairway in the rough opening.
DO NOT STAND ON OR OPEN THE STAIRWAY AT THIS
TIME. Make sure you have a helper below who can open
the stairway to allow completion of the installation.
B. Using at least three evenly spaced 8d nails per side,
temporarily affix the stairway in the opening by nailing,
at an angle, the well sides to the adjacent joists. Do not
drive these nails in all the way so they can be removed
later after the permanent nailing is completed.
C. Once the temporary nailing has been completed, have
your helper below open the stairway door panel and lower
the stair sections so that the area for permanent nailing is
exposed. DO NOT STAND ON THE STAIRWAY AT THIS
TIME.
STEP 7:
PERMANENT MOUNTING OF STAIRWAY
A. Be sure stairway is square and level in the rough opening.
If the stair frame has bowed while the stairway was in
inventory, nails and blocks of wood used as shims will
straighten it. Bowing is normal since wood parts are
subjected to strong spring tension for some time before
purchase and installation (see FIGURE 5).
B. Nail the sides (jambs) of the stairway frame to the rough
opening frame, using 16d nails or 3" lag screws. Holes
are provided in the pivot plates and piano hinge brackets.
Also nail through the end boards into the rough opening
headers. Complete permanent installation by using 16d
nails or 3" lag screws to secure stairway frame on all four
sides of the rough opening according to the diagram in
FIGURE 6. Use at least three evenly spaced fasteners on
each box end and at least five evenly spaced fasteners on
each box side. Remove the 8d nails and the slats used
for temporary support.
CEILING JOIST
HEADERS
TEMPORARY SUPPORTS
3/8" to 5/8" (0.95cm x 1.59cm)
FIGURE 4 - FRAMED OPENING WITH TEMPORARY
SUPPORT SLATS READY TO RECEIVE STAIRS
SHIMS
SHIMS
FIGURE 5
X
X
BOX SIDE
BOX SIDE
X
X
X
- INDICATES RECOMMENDED LOCATION OF 16d NAILS 3" OR LAG SCREWS
FIGURE 6
JOIST
SHIMS
SHIMS
STOP
STOP
BLOCK
BLOCK
X
CORNER
BRACKET
CORNER
BRACKET
X