Frequently Asked Questions

THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS CONCERN MEMPHIS FOLDING STAIRS AND MEMPHIS FOLDING STAIRS ONLY. CONTACT YOUR STAIR MANUFACTURER IF YOU DO NOT OWN A MEMPHIS FOLDING STAIR.

Table of Contents

1. What parts are available and how do I order parts?
2. What size stairs are available?
3. What are the suggested weight capacities of the stairs?
4. What if my ceiling height is over 10'3"?
5. Where can I find your stairs and how can I purchase one?
6. How many nails or screws do I need to secure my stair in the rough opening?
7. Does the stair need to be cut to fit flush with the floor?
8. How do I identify the stair parts and what will I need to install the stair?
9. Can I install a stair myself?
10. Where can I install a folding stair?
11. What should I do if my stair has gaps between the sections?

Q: WHAT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE AND HOW DO I ORDER PARTS?
A: You may purchase parts directly from Memphis Folding Stairs. You will need the model name and size of the stair to ensure the correct part. The model name of the stair is the most important information you will need. To identify the model, pull the stairway down and look on the inside of the door panel. The model name of the stair will be stamped just to the left or the right of the pull cord. (See Parts diagram).  Look for the words LOK/TREAD.  The next word is the model name.  We must have the model name to process your order.  You must have a Memphis Folding Stair to order parts from MFS. Other manufacturers use different types of parts and these parts are not interchangeable. Use only those parts designed for use with your particular model and size Memphis Folding Stair. To assist in the identification of the desired part please refer to the parts list. Some parts are not available and are noted on the bottom of the parts list.

Q: WHAT SIZE STAIRS ARE AVAILABLE?
A: MFS offers stairs in the following rough opening sizes and lengths. Special Note: 30" wide stairs are only available in the Imperial Model Stair.

Q: WHAT ARE THE SUGGESTED WEIGHT CAPACITIES OF THE STAIRS?
A: The following suggested weight capacity reflects user and load.

Q: WHAT IF MY CEILING HEIGHT IS OVER 10'3'?
A: MFS does not manufacture any stairs that will accommodate ceiling heights in excess of 10'3".  Under no circumstances is any stairway manufactured by Memphis Folding Stairs, Inc.  to be used where the ceiling to floor measurement exceeds 10'3".  The Everest Model is the only exception to this rule as it is not manufactured by Memphis Folding Stairs, Inc.

Q: WHERE CAN I FIND YOUR STAIRS AND HOW CAN I PURCHASE ONE?
A: MFS has customers throughout the United States and you can let us know where you are located and we will identify the dealer nearest you.  You can also purchase directly from the manufacturer online or by phone and retail prices (including shipping and handling) are located on the product pages.

Q: WHAT SIZE AND HOW MANY NAILS OR SCREWS DO I NEED TO USE TO SECURE MY STAIR IN THE ROUGH OPENING?
A: Eight 8d common nails (See Figure 5) should be driven through the rectangular box (stair frame) into the rough frame to help hold the stair in place temporarily while positioning the stair as in step 4 of the instructions. When used properly, the size screws and nails suggested are best. DO NOT STAND UPON OR APPLY ANY WEIGHT UPON THE STAIRWAY WHILE THE STAIR IS BEING SUPPORTED BY THE EIGHT 8d COMMON NAILS OR AT ANY TIME UNTIL AFTER YOU HAVE COMPLETED ALL PROCEDURES THROUGH STEP 5 OF THE INSTRUCTIONS. The sides (wellsides) of the stairway should be fastened to the rough opening joists using 16d nails or 1/4" X 3" lag screws. Nailing must be completed by placing the nails in the pre-punched holes in the pivot plate on the spring arms and in the pre-punched holes in the spring brackets at the hinge header. It is important that these nails be placed as instructed (See Figure 6 for placement of nails or screws). Finish by placing at least sixteen 16d nails, or 1/4" X 3"lag screws (See Figure 7), at positions shown on diagram 6, through the two wellsides, wellend, and hinge header into the rough opening joists.

Q: DOES THE STAIR NEED TO BE CUT OFF TO FIT FLUSH WITH THE FLOOR?
A: YES! Applying pressure so that the spring arms are fully extended, and maintaining this pressure, place a straight edge on the top of middle section (See Figure 9). Slide straight edge down until it contacts the floor. Measure from point "A" to floor. Record measurement on top side of bottom section "C". Using same procedure, measure bottom side of "B" to floor. Record measurement on bottom side of "D". Cut from "C" to "D" (See Figure 9). It is possible for your landing area to be uneven due to a floor drain, unlevel floor, etc. Be sure to measure both sides of the bottom section using the above procedures. Both feet of bottom section should fit flush to the floor after cutting (See bubble in Figure 8). This is the proper length to correspond to your ceiling height. Joints will be tight (See Figure 10) at each section with weight on the stair.

Q: HOW DO I IDENTIFY THE STAIR PARTS AND WHAT WILL I NEED TO INSTALL THE STAIR?
A: To help customers identify replacement parts, a complete parts listing has been developed. Use the parts listing to identify the replacement parts, and contact the factory with your order.

Q: CAN I INSTALL A STAIR MYSELF?
A: You should have experience with squaring, leveling, sawing, and aligning structural supports before attempting to install a stair unit. If you do not have the skills needed to install a window frame or a door unit, please hire a professional to install this stairway. Improper installation could result in stairway collapse and possible bodily injury.

Q: WHERE CAN I INSTALL A FOLDING STAIR?
A: Allow sufficient space for a safe landing area at the bottom of the stairway. Be sure that there is enough clearance for the swing of the stair as it is being unfolded to its full length (See Figure 1 to determine proper clearance for landing space and projection).

Q: WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY STAIR HAS GAPS BETWEEN THE SECTIONS?
A: Gaps between the sections indicate your stair has not been cut off correctly. The stair is either too short or too long. If your stair is too long, read and perform Step #5 of the instructions again. If stairway is cut off too short, corrections cannot be made.  You must replace the bottom section immediately before the stairway is to be used. The bottom section is available through the manufacturer (Parts List).  If stairway is installed before final floor covering is applied (vinyl flooring, carpet, etc.), then length adjustment may need to be made. Re-measure and re-cut for proper length as shown in Step #5, "Adjustment of stairway sections to ceiling height."