Abstract: A unitary stairway (as distinguished from a sectional folding stairway) is adapted to assume an inclined operative position and an upper horizontal inoperative position above the ceiling of the room. Hydraulic means imparts longitudinal forces to the stairway to move it upwardly or downwardly, and rails carried by the stairway are engageable in guide rollers to guide the stairway between operative and inoperative positions. A wall switch is operable to energize a motor for driving a pump to generate power in the hydraulic means.