Chapter 18 Stair Construction
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in some other situations when the area served is
not more than 400 square feet.
18.14 Disappearing
Stair Units
Where attics are used primarily for storage
and where space for a fi xed stairway is not avail-
able, hinged or disappearing stairs are often used.
Such stairways may be purchased ready to install.
They operate through an opening in the ceiling
and swing up into the attic space when not in use,
Figure 18-32. Where such stairs are to be provided,
the attic fl oor should be designed for regular
fl oor loading and the rough opening should be
constructed at the time the ceiling is framed.
Figure 18-32. This disappearing stair unit is designed
to fold into the ceiling. The ceiling opening should be
framed as the ceiling joists are installed. (Rock Island
Millwork)