sellwood FOLDAWAY FTW30 User manual

Important
Strong springs aid the operation of these ladders! Care must be exercised during
installation and operation so these springs are not released in an uncontrolled manner as
this could lead to damage to the ladder and personal injury to the operator/installer.
These instructions are not intended to be a complete lesson in the installing of attic
ladders but a procedural guide to competent tradespeople or DIYers.
Tools Required
The timbertight screws supplied with this ladder require a 5/16” socket for easy
installation. This can be used with a 9 volt (or stronger) battery drill or a standard power
drill. Apart from this, only standard carpentry tools are required.
Choosing The Location
When choosing the location for the installation of the attic ladder, a compromise between
where you would like it to be located in relation to the floor plan and what is possible in
relation to the roof structure may be required. The considerations for this compromise are:
• Choose a location that will give good head room at the top of the ladder;
• Choose a location with good access at the bottom of the ladder;
• Choose a location that will allow for movement around the ladder when in the down
position;
• Allowance must be made for the operation of the ladder, as it requires a greater
space to open than indicated by the opening in the ceiling (figure 1);
Model Required Opening Landing space Projection
FTW30 1300mm x 700mm 1452mm 1790mm
• The area for the opening must be clear of wiring, plumbing and structural members
such as beams and trusses with a minimum clear height above the ceiling of 326mm
(figure 2).
Preparing The Opening
1. Mark out on the ceiling the opening required for the model ladder purchased in the
selected position. Cut out the ceiling lining ensuring that the opening is square.
2. Using timber of a compatible size to the existing ceiling framing (ie 90 x 45 or 140
x 45 H1.2 treated, machine gauged radiata pine), frame up the opening. It may
be necessary to cut through some existing ceiling joists to achieve the required
size. Ensure these are properly supported during and after cutting. Three possible
arrangements are shown in figures 3, 4 & 5.
3. Do not cut trusses without engineering approval.
326mm
Landing Space
Projection
figure 1
figure 2
figure 3
figure 4
figure 5
Installation Instructions
FTW30

Preparing The Ladder
1. Remove the ladder from its packaging and place it lid down on a bench or saw stool.
The lid is less likely to get damaged there than laying it on the ground, as well as
being better for your back!
2. Lift the three ladder sections up o the lid (figure 7) by adjusting the four bracket
sliders to allow adequate toe clearance when climbing the ladder.
Installing The Ladder
1. Screw four temporary cleats approx 80mm x 40mm into your timber frame
(figure 8). Ensure cleats can be rotated.
The cleats must be securely fixed as they carry the full weight of the ladder.
Note: If the ladder is to be installed before the ceiling lining is in place, the cleats
must be packed down the thickness of the intended ceiling lining.
2. Lift the ladder through the opening into the attic space. Then lower down squarely
into the opening so the lid of the ladder rests on the temporary cleats. This is
normally best done from below. For safety and ease it is highly recommended that
two people complete this step. Rotate the cleats o the lid and onto the frame of the
ladder.
3. Check and confirm there is plenty of frame sitting on the cleats before proceeding
further. Adjust if necessary. The ladder must not be allowed to fall, as this could cause
serious physical injury.
4. Carefully open the ladder, checking that the frame remains securely on the cleats.
Adjust if necessary. Do not put any weight on the ladder at this stage.
5. From a step ladder or work platform (not the attic ladder), pre-drill three 6mm holes
through the hinge end of the ladder frame and screw in the timbertight screws
supplied making sure there is solid timber behind. Do not fit tight yet (figure 9).
6. Carefully close the ladder and check if square. Wedges or packers may be needed
at one side of the hinge strip to square the unit in the opening. This may require
reopening the ladder and loosening or tightening one of the screws a little.
7. With the ladder open, pre-drill two 6mm holes in each side of the attic ladder frame
making sure there is solid timber behind. Screw through the pre-drilled holes into the
ceiling frame (figure 10). Do not fit tight yet.
8. Remove temporary cleats.
9. Carefully close the ladder and check that the ladder frame is showing around the lid
evenly. Adjust the side fixings and fit packers as necessary between the ladder frame
and the ceiling frame. Make sure the sides stay plumb and straight.
10. Now tighten all screws and check again.
figure 8
figure 9
figure 10
figure 7

? - 38mm
Adjusting The Ladder Height
1. Before proceeding any further make sure the ladder has been adjusted to allow for
adequate toe clearance when climbing the ladder (figure 7)
2. With the top and middle sections of the ladder open and the bottom section tucked
in behind, measure the distance from the bottom of the middle section, to the floor at
the same angle as the ladder (figure 11). Do this on both sides.
3. Once you have determined the length of ‘?’ (figure 11) deduct 38mm. Transfer these
measurements to the front of each side of the bottom section of the ladder. Cut at 90
degrees. You may wish to remove the bottom section to complete this step.
4. Fix the rubber feet to the bottom of the ladder with the screws provided (figure 12).
Finishing The Ladder
1. Fix a suitable architrave around the lid leaving a 2-3mm gap (figure 13).
Note: The ladder is designed to be installed with the bottom of the frame flush with the
underside of the ceiling lining. An architrave will cover the gap between the ladder frame
and the ceiling lining while also hiding the edge of the lid from view (figure 14).
figure 11
figure 12
figure 14
figure 13

www.sellwood.co.nz
[email protected]
0800 288 427 (ATTICS)
3/75 Apollo Drive, Rosedale
HOW TO LOOK AFTER & USE YOUR SELLWOOD ATTIC LADDER
1. Before climbing, make sure the ladder is fully extended and that there
are no gaps between the ladder sections.
2. If your attic ladder has not been installed in accordance with the
manufacturer’s installation instructions your warranty may be void.
3. Lubricate all pivot points on your attic ladder at least once a year.
If your attic ladder is used more than three times a week, lubricate
every 4-5 months.
4. Face the ladder when you are climbing up and down.
5. Do not leave young children unattended while ladder is folded down.
6. If you have any concerns about your Sellwood attic ladder, or it is
damaged in any way please call 0800 288 427.
GapNo Gap
No Gap
Too ShortFlush with Floor Too Long
Gap