Rainbow Attic Stair Prestige User manual

www.RainbowAtticStair.com
By SP Partners, LLC
INSTALLATION GUIDE
Prestige

IMPORTANT
READ THIS FIRST
●Inspect stair for any damage prior to installation.
●Stair is NOT to be installed while home is under construction and
used as a construction stair.
●Correct number of treads for floor-to-ceiling height MUST be
attached. See TABLE A.
●Adjustment Screw on stabilizer arm MUST be set before climbing
stair. This adjustment provides structural support necessary for
use. See page 8.
Failure to follow any or all of these
guidelines can result in damage to
the stair and will void the warranty.
If you have any problems or concerns with stair,
call SP Partners LLC immediately at 877-369-6996
Page 1 February 2011

Drill, tape measure, 1/4” wood drill bit, hammer, crescent wrench, wood shims, ladder, lumber
with same dimensions as joists, keyhole saw or utility knife to cut ceiling material.
Page 2 February 2011
(8) 3/8” Hex Nut
(4) 3/8” Threaded Rod
(4) Joist Hanger
(10) 3” Lag Screw
(1) Door Hook
(1) Wood Pole
(2) Extra Steps
(Only 1 extra step for
Model # M2254H &
M3060H)
Parts Included
Tools / Materials Required
(2) 1/2” Wood Screws For attaching hook to pole

MODEL # COLOR ROUGH
OPENING
SIZE
FRAME
DIMENSIONS TREAD WIDTH FLOOR TO CEILING HEIGHT RANGE NUMBER OF STEPS PROJECTION LANDING SPACE
M2236 - as assembled WHITE 22 1/2” x 36” 22” X 35 1/2” 12” 7’-4” to 8’ - 2” 9 24” 45”
- Add one step Over 8’ - 2” to 9’ - 0” 10 30” 47”
- Add two steps Over 9’ - 0” to 9’ 10” 11 35” 49”
M2254 - as assembled YELLOW 22 1/2” x 54” 22” x 53 1/2” 12” 7’-4” to 8’ - 2” 9 8” 50”
- Add one step Over 8’ - 2” to 9’ - 0” 10 12” 53”
- Add two steps Over 9’ - 0” to 9’ 10” 11 16” 57”
M2254H - as assembled ORANGE 22 1/2” x 54” 22” x 53 1/2” 12” 9’ - 10” to 10’ - 8” 12 24” 61”
- Add one step Over 10’ - 8” to 11’ - 6” 13 28” 65”
M2554 - as assembled BLUE 25 1/2” x 54” 25” x 53 1/2” 14” 7’-4” to 8’ - 2” 9 8”” 50”
- Add one step Over 8’ - 2” to 9’ - 0” 10 12” 53”
- Add two steps Over 9’ - 0” to 9’ 10” 11 16” 57”
M3060S - as assembled GREEN 30” x 60” 29 1/2” x 59 1/2” 16” 7’-4” to 8’ - 2” 9 2” 50”
- Add one step Over 8’ - 2” to 9’ - 0” 10 6” 53”
- Add two steps Over 9’ - 0” to 9’ 10” 11 10” 57”
M3060H - as assembled RED 30” x 60” 29 1/2” x 59 1/2” 16” 9’ - 10” to 10’ - 8” 12 19” 61”
- Add one step Over 10’ - 8” to 11’ - 6” 13 23” 65”
This stairway is for residential use only.
Maximum capacity is 350 lbs.
Installer should be experienced in the construction or modification of structural framing
supports. Improper installation can result in stair collapse and bodily injury.
Determine location of electrical lines or plumbing before cutting ceiling.
WARNING
Read instructions carefully and completely before beginning installation.
Table A
Page 3 February 2011
Stairs must have the correct number of treads for ceiling heights
shown for each model above.
Stair angle is fixed. Do not add or remove treads solely for changing the
angle of the stair. This will cause an unsafe condition and damage stair.

1. Mark out the rough opening size for your unit according to TABLE A. Note that the finished metal
trim extends about 2” beyond the rough opening when the unit is installed (Figure 2). Allow
clearance for this on all four sides.
2. Cut the rough opening through the ceiling material.
Determine whether the chosen location allows sufficient “projection” and “landing space” for your unit.
See Figure 1 and TABLE A.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Locating the Stair
Preparing the Opening
Page 4 February 2011

Figure 3 Figure 4
HEADERS
JOIST BRACE
HEADERS
JOIST BRACE
Most attic stairs will be installed parallel to the ceiling joists (Figure 3). In cases where they are installed
perpendicular to joists (Figure 4), some joists will need to be cut and tied-in to other joists with 2” x 6” or 2”
x 8” “headers”. These headers will form the box frame into which the stair will be secured.
Before cutting any joists, watch out for electrical wiring.
If your attic is constructed using trusses, DO NOT CUT CEILING JOISTS WITH-
OUT CONSULTING AN ENGINEER AND OBTAINING APPROVAL.
WARNING
Framing the Opening
Insert hex nuts provided into slot in metal frame corner and insert threaded rod into channel. Thread rod
into nut as far as possible. Repeat process for all corners. See Figure 5.
Figure 5
Preparing the Stair
Page 5 February 2011

Figure 6
HEADERS
1/2” SLACK
1. Person in attic should have the four joist hangers and hex nuts ready.
2. Have two additional helpers below lift the stair straight up into the framed opening until the tops of the
threaded rods clear the top of the frame opening headers.
3. Starting at one end, slide a joist hanger onto the threaded rod and thread nut down until there is only
about 1/2” slack. Do not tighten fully. Turn joist hanger at a 45 degree angle to span the frame cor-
ner. Figure 6. Repeat the process until all hangers are installed. With hangers holding stair in place,
helpers can let go.
4. Square stair to frame. Try to maintain an even gap all around between stair and headers.
5. Tighten nuts in stages all around. Do not over-tighten as this may distort metal trim on ceiling side.
6. Attach door opening hook to wood dowel using (2 ) 1/2” wood screws. Figure 7.
7. Door can now be opened but DO NOT EXTEND OR STAND ON STAIR YET.
Note: Rainbow “Prestige” stairs are designed to be installed with both steel joist hangers
and lag bolts. Do not install with lag bolts alone.
Be sure that there is adequate light in the attic since the stair will block
any light from the room below when raised into place.
Make sure door is closed and latch is engaged
DUE TO ITS WEIGHT, TWO ADDITIONAL HELPERS MUST BE USED TO
SAFELY RAISE STAIR INTO OPENING AND HELD FOR A FEW MOMENTS
UNTIL TEMPORARILY ANCHORED BY INSTALLER ABOVE.
WARNING
Figure 7
Page 6 February 2011
Installing the Stair

Page 7 February 2011
Before the stair can be climbed on, two critical adjustments must be made as shown
in the following steps. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in damage to the
stair and void the manufacturer’s warranty.
WARNING
1. Insert hook provided into receptacle on
door and pull door down until fully open.
2. Grab yellow pull bar with hook.
3. Pull slowly to extend stair 4. When stair is within reach, continue pulling slowly by hand to unfold.
Final Adjustments

Figure 8 Figure 9
Determine the correct number of steps required for your floor-to-ceiling height (See Table A on page 3).
If no additional steps are needed, skip this section.
1. With stair fully extended to floor, detach bottom step by removing the four bolts, washers and sleeves.
Figure 8. This tread will be added back at the end.
2. Attach step(s) by reinserting sleeves, washers and bolts. Figure 9. (Additional hardware is provided)
3. Add back bottom step. Wheels should be in the back. These wheels do not touch floor when stair is
fully extended. They are only to protect door when the stair is folded.
Page 8 February 2011
Adding Additional Step(s)
Final Adjustments - continued
Adjusting Set Screw
With stair fully extended to floor,
raise or lower the set screws on the
stabilizer arm until the screw head
makes contact with the bottom of the
stabilizer arm. Tighten lock nut to
keep it secure.
Note: Screws set too high will
prevent stair from making contact
with floor and create leverage that
can pull stabilizer arm bracket
from door.
Set Screw Stabilizer Arm
Stabilizer Arm
Bracket
Remove bottom tread Add extra tread(s)
Lock Nut

Congratulations!
You are now ready to begin using your Rainbow Attic Stair. As with any
product, be sure to follow instructions for safe, efficient and trouble-free
operation for years to come.
*** Children should never be allowed to operate or climb any attic stair. ***
Figure 10
PRE-DRILL
LAG SCREW
POSITIONS
Mark location of lag screws. Pre-drill pilot holes, shim and screw stair frame to headers using three lag
screws on each long side and two on each end. Figure 10.
Operating the Stair
Lag Bolting The Frame
Final Adjustments - continued
Page 9 February 2011
Refer to pictorial label on inside of door.