ᐅ Opening in concrete ceiling for attic ladder too large

We have an opening in our upper floor concrete ceiling for an attic ladder measuring 140 x 70 cm (55 x 28 inches). We have the opportunity to get a ladder measuring 120 x 70 cm (47 x 28 inches) (Roto Designo) at a low cost. It has minor cosmetic damage and can no longer be sold.

Is there a practical way to bridge the 20 cm (8 inches) difference, or do we need to purchase a ladder that fits the opening exactly?

So far, I have two ideas for reducing the size of the opening:

• Cut wooden beams to size and screw them to the concrete ceiling
• Build suitable formwork and fill the opening with concrete

Are there any other suggestions or comments?

We have 140x70 cm (55x28 inches), and I didn’t want it any smaller when carrying a box up the stairs.

I would stick with the 140x70cm (55x28 inches) size if you need to carry items up and down more often or if the items are occasionally bulky. If it's only once a year for the Christmas decorations, then 120x70cm (47x28 inches) will also work.

We won’t be storing much there. There is very little height available, so it is more of an emergency access point to the attic.

Depending on how and where the staircase will be anchored, I would create formwork and drill a few holes into the existing concrete ceiling from the side. Insert some rebar through these holes to connect the new concrete. Then pour a screed concrete from above and let it dry. If the roof above is an unheated roof space (cold roof), don’t forget the insulation.

Michilo schrieb:

We won’t be storing much there. There is hardly any height, so it’s more of an emergency access to the attic.

I would put more thought into this. Although you say you don’t want to store much, is there really enough other storage space available? Is the desire also matched by the practical ability? Can you afford not to have to access the attic?

While you are currently leaning towards a 120cm (47 inches) length solution because of the price, others prefer a proper staircase.
As far as I know, a floor hatch is included in the price, but I would not want to sacrifice minimum comfort for whatever savings or compensations that might represent. One knows that 20cm (8 inches) can make a significant difference.