Enlarge Attic Opening

Repeat the cut on the.

Enlarge attic opening.

Measure and mark the stair opening dimensions required from either the room below or from the attic above. Remove ceiling materials keeping a large waste can nearby. Place a 4 inch x 1 inch timber flat on the joists behind your. Inspect the room to decide the most convenient location for the attic stairs for a new stair installation or enlarge.

I m not sure of your particular situation but since you are already reframing the opening you should consider adding a drop down ladder. Measure and mark the size of your new opening plus 4 inches either side on top of existing ceiling joists 1 2 3 and. How to open up an attic access step 1. If your new hatch spans more than 2 joists involving cutting more than two joists you will need to contact a.

If you re lucky and this is the case squaring of the opening is simply a matter of nailing a couple of blocks between. Cut off the electricity and determine where wiring and plumbing pipes run in the area. This step is necessary regardless of whether you re expanding an existing hatchway or creating new attic access. Snap chalk lines onto the ceiling to represent the rough opening of the attic staircase.

As long as you have the space this will make the attic much more usable in general. Work from a stable a frame ladder and use a. We want to enlarge the opening and put in some pull down stairs to make getting into the attic easier. Peek into the attic to make sure there aren t any ducts wires or pipes in the way.

Cut the drywall straight across between the two joists connecting the ends of the two cut lines on the far edge of the attic access hole. Then cut out the rough opening with a drywall saw. Most attic ladders are made to fit between joists set at 24 inches on center. This will involve cutting 2 of the joists or whatever they re called.

Gently tap into plaster. Slice through the. Remove the loose section of drywall. I plan to put joist hangers at all the circled areas.