Q–My new home has an access panel that leads to the attic area. I am tired of using a dangerous stepladder to get to this part of my home. A folding attic ladder is of some interest to me. However, ...

Attics are a great place to store off-season or rarely used items. Of course, you need a way to access the space. If you don't have one of the fold-up, or “disappearing,” stairways, pay attention.

Installing a disappearing staircase – stairs that fold down from a ceiling hatchway and are raised into it for storage – is worth considering if a larger or more convenient attic entrance is needed.