The purpose of this page is to provide general and accurate information about attic stairs and their installation in New Zealand. Hopefully the following questions and answers will be helpful:
Q. What is the best brand?
A. The answer to this question depends to a large extent upon your own situation and your ceiling height.
The main competing brands in New Zealand are Sellwood and Fakro units. Both brands are excellent in terms of strength and durability. Thankfully Sellwood have increased their quality control procedures over the last few years, and the Fakro units remain beautifully and consistently constructed. It is simply not true for anybody to say that either brand is inferior structurally.
There are differences between the brands as shown:
Sellwood Units
Heavy hinge bolted to stair.
Hinge shows at ceiling.
10mm thick customwood uninsulated lid.
Lid closes to timber jamb and is held by springs.
Lid needs filling and painting.
Treads NZ grown pine screwed into rebate.
Handrail and hinges of formed flat metal.
Height set by cutting style only.
Springs project into the opening.
Opening between springs approx 510mm (for R36)
Bottom of style cut to sanded finish.
Pulls down in three sections up to 3.6 mtr.
Pulls down in four sections from 3.6 to approx 4.6mtr.
New Zealand manufactured.
Fakro Units
Extra-wide steel tread option. 2.7 m – 3.05 m height.
Timber treads are Baltic pine dovetailed into styles.
36mm thick insulated lid.
Lid locks into neoprene seal in rebate.
Lid laminated and only needs paint to match ceiling.
No showing hinge or pivots.
Heavy hinges and finished pipe handrail.
Height adjustable with metal fittings.
Springs fold down and away against lid.
Opening clearance approx 510 mm:- Steel unit wider.
Stairs provided with formed plastic feet.
Pulls down in three sections up to 3.25 mtr.
Heavy pivot system fixed to bearers in lid.
Imported from Europe.
Q. Why install attic stairs?
A. The majority of people require extra and secure storage space for light-weight goods, and are aware of the inconvenience and dangers of clambering up a casually placed ladder. By making a quality addition to their home they are able to maintain order and in some instances save a considerable amount on storage rental fees. Unlike the money spent on storage, a properly installed attic stair increases the value and desirability of their home. Their goods are stored safely and are easily accessible.
Q. Where should I place the attic stairs?
A. The best position is usually where the space inside the roof is the highest. There are some exceptions, but this is often where the existing hatch is located.
Q. Can the installer cut timbers?
A. It is most vital that the structural elements of your home are not damaged. You must not cut lintels or trusses, but non-structural members such as ceiling battens can be amended.
Q. Do I need a building consent?
A. Generally not. The attic stair simply replaces and extends the existing hatch into your roof space. It must be properly installed however, and you must not use your roof space as a living area. If you wish to alter the structure of your home or store very heavy items in your roof, you will definitely need to submit plans and gain permission.
Q. Is aluminium or timber best?
A. There are some situations where aluminium is best for such places as engineering workshops etc where heavy and perhaps greasy boots are being worn. In general however, most people prefer to use timber units. Pop rivets and metal joints tend to loosen over time, and unlike aluminium, timber flexes and returns to its natural state.