Louisville Attic Ladder Recall: How Raleigh Homeowners Can Check Their Ladder

In August 2026, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall of about 1.77 million pull-down attic stairway ladders made by Louisville Ladder. The ladders were sold for more than a decade at Home Depot, Lowe's, Do It Best, Amazon and other retailers, so many Raleigh, Cary and Wake County homes have one in a hallway or garage ceiling. If you suspect your attic ladder might be part of the recall, this guide walks you through how to check it and what to do next. If it turns out to need more than the recall fix, our attic ladder installation and replacement team can help.

What attic ladders are included in the recall?

According to the CPSC recall notice (No. 26-661, August 6, 2026), the recall covers:

• Brands: Louisville, Featherlite, Lite and Century attic stairway ladders
• Type: only models that open and close with gas struts, not coil springs
• Frames: aluminum or wood, with handrails
• Sizes: 22.5, 25.5 or 30 inches wide; 54 or 60 inches long; for ceilings from 7 ft 8 in to 12 ft high
• Sold: November 2012 through July 2026

What is the problem with the recalled ladders?

The CPSC says the bolts on the ladder "can break while in use," which creates a fall hazard. Louisville Ladder has received 11 reports of a bolt breaking, including one injury. Because the failure can happen while someone is standing on the ladder, the CPSC tells owners to stop using an affected ladder immediately until it is repaired.

How to check if your attic ladder is part of the recall

You can usually check in a few minutes from the floor:

1. Pull the ladder down and look at the inside of the attic door panel. The brand name and model number are printed there. Instruction to how to find and read the recall attic ladder label.
2. Look at what holds the ladder open. Gas struts look like small pistons, similar to the ones that hold up a car's rear hatch. Ladders that use coil springs are not part of this recall.
3. Note the model number and find it in the list of recalled model numbers below, or check it on the CPSC notice or louisvilleladder.com ("Urgent Recall Notice").

The brand name and model number are printed on the inside of the attic door as shown here. Look for the small label with a barcode, it's the white and orange one in this image at the bottom.

If the label is worn, painted over or hard to read, or you aren't comfortable climbing up to look, that's a good reason to have someone check it for you.

In our experience, spring loaded attic ladders are more common than gas struts, if you are not sure what type of ladder you have, please take a few minutes to check and stay safe. 

Recalled attic ladder model numbers

Find the model number on the label inside your attic door, then look for it below. The list is grouped by brand, and each model has its UPC code, which is printed on the original box and often on your receipt. Some model numbers look alike, so match every character, including any suffix such as "-R5", "-500" or "FT".

This list comes from the official recall notice (CPSC No. 26-661) as of October 15, 2026. The CPSC notice and Louisville Ladder's recall site have the final word. If your model isn't listed but your ladder matches the description above, check with Louisville Ladder at 888-679-5132.

Century (10 models)

Featherlite (8 models)

Lite (4 models)

Louisville (59 models)

What to do if your ladder is recalled

Stop using it

Don't climb the ladder until it has been repaired. If you need something from the attic, wait for the repair.

Register for the free repair kit

The repair is free from the manufacturer. Register online through Louisville Ladder's recall site (Atticstairwayrecall.expertinquiry.com) or call them at 888-679-5132, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. Have your model number ready. The kit includes two replacement spreader bolts, washers, lock nuts and installation instructions.

Install the kit, or have it installed

The fix involves replacing bolts on a ladder that hangs overhead under spring and strut tension. Some homeowners are comfortable doing that. Many would rather not work on a loaded ladder from a stepladder. Our craftsmen can install the manufacturer's kit once you receive it, and check the rest of the ladder while they're there.

Repair it or replace it?

The recall kit fixes the bolt problem. It doesn't fix everything else that wears out on an attic ladder. While your ladder is down, look for:

• steps that flex, crack or feel loose
• hinges or arms that are bent, rusted or loose at the frame
• a ladder that slams open or won't stay closed
• legs that no longer sit flat on the floor
• a warped door panel that leaves gaps, which is also a common source of winter drafts around the attic hatch

If the ladder is otherwise in good shape, the recall kit is usually all it needs. If it's showing several of these signs, or you've been meaning to upgrade anyway, replacing it may be the better long-term fix.

Maria B., 5★, Aug 2025: "…exceeded my expectations for maintenance on pull down attic steps. The entire experience was professional, calm and provided me great peace of mind." 

Who will come to your home

Every Ace Handyman Services craftsman is a background-checked, insured W-2 employee (not a subcontractor). Before your appointment, you'll get an on-my-way text with your craftsman's name and photo. Our work is backed by a one-year workmanship warranty.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my attic ladder is part of the Louisville recall?

Pull the ladder down and check the inside of the attic door for the brand and model number. The recall covers Louisville, Featherlite, Lite and Century ladders with gas struts, sold from November 2012 through July 2026. Compare your model number with the CPSC notice or Louisville Ladder's recall page.

Is the attic ladder recall repair kit free?

Yes. Louisville Ladder sends a free repair kit with two replacement spreader bolts, washers, lock nuts and instructions. Register through the company's recall website or call 888-679-5132 with your model number. Stop using the ladder until the new bolts are installed.

Can Ace Handyman Services install the recall repair kit for me?

Yes. Once you receive the manufacturer's kit, our craftsmen can install it and check the rest of the ladder, including hinges, steps, arms and the door panel. If the ladder has other wear, we'll tell you whether repair or replacement makes more sense before any work starts.

Should I replace my attic ladder instead of repairing it?

Not necessarily. If the ladder is otherwise sturdy, the free recall kit fixes the bolt problem. Replacement makes sense when the steps flex, the hinges or arms are worn, the legs don't sit flat, or the panel is warped and drafty. A quick inspection shows which applies to your ladder.

Not sure if your ladder is affected?

If you suspect your attic ladder might be part of the recall, call Ace Handyman Services Greater Triangle and Johnston County at (984) 319-0120. We'll help you check it, install the repair kit, or replace the ladder if it's time.