Happy Sunday BBI.
I have an unusual question. Long story short - I have an attic above my garage that has a fold up ladder that is too short to reach the floor by about 2.5 feet. The nimrod that owned the house before me installed it and it looks pretty much brand new. So, are there products that could safely extend the existing ladder to the floor?
Would something like in the link below work? Has anyone ever needed something like this? Any of the smarter more handy BBIers have any suggestions (other than just replacing the whole thing)?
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I'm not sure I would trust extenders for that amount of distance, especially if you're carrying something heavy. The last thing you need is a ladder-related fall or accident.
The safest thing is to replace the whole ladder. I had to install a new fold away attic ladder in my house back in January. I ordered it from the Home Depot. I've never installed one before, but it was pretty easy.
If so, I would replace the thing. Depending on material it's only a few hundred dollars.
they make wood, aluminum, whatever.
I did mine to my attic and the only hard part was shimming it, but I was replacing existing steps that were just old and breaking down.
You have two options as I see it. You can replace the entire stowaway assembly with a longer one. Or you can live with it and fashion a step platform to place the base of the ladder on. Something you can shove into a corner when not in use.