BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Get Heavy Furniture Up an Attic Pull-Down Ladder

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Pull-down ladders provide retractable and easy access to attics. However, while it may be simple to heft boxes and small items up the ladder steps for storage, getting heavy furniture up an attic pull-down ladder can be difficult.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Pull the attic ladder steps down and be certain they are secure. The ladder should fully touch the floor. The wooden pull-down ladders tend to have steps that simply slide into the ladder frame. Be sure that these steps are secured into position with large nails or screws.

Step2

Examine any warnings posted on the attic pull-down ladder for an indicated weight limit for the ladder. Sum up the weight of the furniture plus your weight and those that will help you get the furniture into the attic.

Step3

Measure the opening into the attic. Measure the furniture you wish to put in the attic at the widest point. Be certain that the furniture will fit in the attic opening before trying to get it up the attic ladder. The last thing you need is to struggle to get a heavy piece of furniture up the attic ladder only to find that it won't fit in the hole.

Step4

Gather at least two strong friends or family members to help. Everyone should wear sturdy shoes, such as tennis shoes and work gloves. Remember that safety is of the utmost importance.

Step5

Instruct one individual to guide the furniture up the ladder by ascending the ladder very slowly and carefully going sideways or backwards. Another should push the furniture up the ladder from the bottom, again taking his time and being very careful. An additional person should already be in the attic to help instruct and guide the other two.

Step6

Use the ladder to help support the weight of the furniture and guide the piece up the steps.

Tips & Warnings

Don't take the risk of trying to get heavy furniture up a pull down attic ladder if you are uncertain in any way. Consider putting the furniture in a small storage unit to avoid any potential harm that putting it in the attic may cause.