Dear James: I store stuff in the attic, but it’s difficult to get up through the opening in the closet ceiling. Is a permanent folding ladder easy to install myself? — Kristin L. Dear Kristin ...

Attic stairs come preassembled and screw into a prepared opening. The traditional model has wood rails and steps that pull down from a spring-loaded access hatch, plus a few final feet of fold ...

If you want to convert your attic into a functional, usable space, you'll need an easy way to access it. Here's how to install an attic hatch and ladder.