How Much Does Attic Ladder Installation Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

The average attic ladder installation costs about $500, with most homeowners paying between $400 and $1,000. Factors like location, ladder type, material, and labor can affect the final price. Here's what you need to know to budget effectively for your attic ladder installation.

Attic Ladder Costs by Type

Attic ladder prices vary by the material used. The most common material is wood, offering an affordable option. Aluminum is also popular because it’s sturdier and lighter. If you want a particularly heavy-duty ladder, stainless steel is a good choice, though it comes at a higher price.

The cost to install attic stairs can be significantly higher if you opt for the longest, most expensive option available. While stainless steel attic ladders can reach $2,000, most fall between $380 and $1,000.

Custom

A prefabricated attic ladder kit may not fit your existing attic access size. In these cases, you can hire a local architect to create a custom ladder uniquely designed for your space. This can add significant material costs of $1,000 to $2,500 or more. Expect to pay on the higher end if adjustments need to be made to your floor joists or trusses.

Attic Ladder Installation Cost Breakdown

You can break down the cost to install attic stairs into two main categories: materials and labor. However, some projects may require additional charges, like permits and necessary prep work.

Materials

The primary material you'll need is the attic ladder kit itself, ranging from $180 to $2,000. Don’t forget about finishing touches like trim, which costs around $0.60 per linear foot for fiberboard, and paint, which runs about $0.50 per square foot or roughly $5 for the door.

Labor

Most general contractors charge labor fees that make up about 10% to 20% of the total project cost. For attic ladder installation, this typically amounts to $100 to $500 for two to four hours of work, depending on the complexity of the job.

Permits

Like any home renovation, a new attic ladder may require a building permit, especially if structural changes are involved. Your contractor will be able to tell you whether a permit is needed. If so, expect to pay around $150 depending on your local building codes.

Prep Work

If your installation involves creating a new opening for attic access or removing an old one, you might need to hire a carpenter to cut through ceiling joists, which can cost $30 to $200 per hour. Additionally, consider costs for drywall work and painting, typically around $60 to $65 per hour for a handyperson. Creating a new entry point can significantly increase the total project cost compared to simply replacing an existing attic ladder.

While installing an attic ladder, you might also want to tackle other home improvement projects. Here are cost breakdowns of common attic renovations:

• Attic insulation cost: $2,500

• Attic fan installation cost: $200

DIY Attic Ladder Installation vs. Hiring a Pro

While attic ladder kits are readily available, installing them can be challenging, involving precise measurements and structural considerations like ceiling joists. In most cases, it's worth hiring a professional. A carpenter can complete the job in two to four hours, whereas it might take a novice a full day or more. Labor typically accounts for less than half of the total installation cost. Consider hiring a local home remodeler, carpenter, or handyperson for the task, especially if you don't have an existing attic opening. Get multiple quotes to compare rates and check for proper licensure and insurance.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.