Please see below for some of the questions we are frequently asked. If you have any other questions, please contact the team at Sellwood.
What can I store in my attic?
Most ceilings are suitable for light storage only. It is important to spread suitable flooring over the ceiling joists or trusses to take the load. If you are planning a new home, ask your architect, designer or builder about using storage trusses which are specially engineered to allow for extra weight. Keep in mind, you do not need to be able to stand up or walk in your attic to store things up there.
Storage Trusses:
Which attic ladder is right for me?
Check out our attic ladder selector:
How do I install a Sellwood attic ladder?
Sellwood attic ladders are easily installed by a competent DIYer or builder. If you are considering installing your attic ladder, view our installation videos here. Installation instructions are also available from Downloads.
If you think you'll need help installing your attic ladder, contact us and our experienced installers will be able to help.
Will attic storage crack my ceiling?
For a new home, standard roof trusses are suitable for light storage only. If you are planning a new home, ask your architect, designer or builder about using storage trusses which are specially engineered to allow for extra weight, and have most of the truss webbing (criss-cross timber) squared away.
Storage Trusses:
Do I need to apply for a building permit to install an attic ladder?
No. An attic ladder only replaces the old manhole and freestanding ladder. The structure of the house is not affected if the ladder is installed in accordance with manufacturer͛s installation instructions.
Can I use my existing manhole?
My existing manhole is in a cupboard and hard to get to. What do I do?
This will probably not be the best place to install the attic ladder. You will need to look for a new space to make a hole in the ceiling, for example in a hallway.
Are these attic ladders warranted?
Yes. Sellwood residential attic ladders are warranted for 15 years from date of purchase for residential use depending on the model you choose. Sellwood aluminium attic ladders are warranted for 5 years from date of purchase for commercial use. Foldaway attic ladders are warranted for 5 years from date of purchase for residential use.
Can my attic ladder have a wider opening?
The Foldaway FTW30 attic ladder has our widest opening with an opening size of 1300mm x 700mm.
Can my attic ladder have a shorter opening?
The Sellwood Q24 attic ladder has a required opening length of 835mm. They can usually fit between trusses positioned at 900mm centres. The openings on Premier, Deluxe and Commercial ladders cannot be made shorter.
Can my ladder lid have a lock?
Can my ladder be fitted without using architrave?
Yes, if the ladder is installed before the plaster board ceiling is fitted. Refer to our installation instructions. Though not impossible where the plaster board ceiling is already in place, it is considerably more difficult. Ask our Technical Representative for details.
Can I fit a hot water cylinder through the opening?
Sellwood has a range of attic ladders available with various standard opening sizes.
Refer to the table below to determine the appropriate attic ladder model available:
| Models | opening required width in the ceiling | Internal attic ladder frame clearance | Max Cylinder Diameter |
| P30, P36, FT30, FA30 | 600mm | 540mm | 530mm |
| D28, D30, D36, Q24, A25, A28, A36 | 650mm | 590mm | 580mm |
| FTW30 | 700mm | 640mm | 630mm |
Attic ladder stay arms may need to be removed to achieve the maximum internal attic ladder frame clearance. If required follow these instructions.
Finally, if a greater internal frame clearance is required, the attic ladder may need to be uninstalled. This will increase the internal frame clearance to match the opening required width in the ceiling
I have a mezzanine floor and need access.
A Sellwood ladder may be installed into a mezzanine in the same way it is installed into a ceiling. If you require the ladder to fit to the edge of the mezzanine some other structural work will be necessary. Alternatively the Wall Entry WE30 attic ladder may be suitable. Talk to our Technical Representative for further assistance.
Can my attic ladder be used to go down to the basement?
No. These ladders can only be operated from below. They are not designed to be closed from the top nor opened from the top. However, if someone is accidentally trapped in the attic it is possible to lower the top section from the top and call for help.
I want to access my attic through a wall, not through the ceiling.
The Wall Entry WE30 attic ladder may be suitable. Talk to our Technical Representative for further assistance.
Can I lock my kids up there?
No!