Enlarge Attic Opening

As long as you have the space this will make the attic much more usable in general.

Enlarge attic opening.

Measure and mark the size of your new opening plus 4 inches either side on top of existing ceiling joists 1 2 3 and. I m not sure of your particular situation but since you are already reframing the opening you should consider adding a drop down ladder. If you see the attached image the dotted lines are where the enlarged opening will be. If you re lucky and this is the case squaring of the opening is simply a matter of nailing a couple of blocks between.

How to open up an attic access step 1. This will involve cutting 2 of the joists or whatever they re called. I plan to put joist hangers at all the circled areas. Peek into the attic to make sure there aren t any ducts wires or pipes in the way.

Inspect the room to decide the most convenient location for the attic stairs for a new stair installation or enlarge. If your new hatch spans more than 2 joists involving cutting more than two joists you will need to contact a. Gently tap into plaster. Place a 4 inch x 1 inch timber flat on the joists behind your.

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. Most attic ladders are made to fit between joists set at 24 inches on center. We want to enlarge the opening and put in some pull down stairs to make getting into the attic easier. Then cut out the rough opening with a drywall saw.

Measure and mark the stair opening dimensions required from either the room below or from the attic above. Snap chalk lines onto the ceiling to represent the rough opening of the attic staircase. This step is necessary regardless of whether you re expanding an existing hatchway or creating new attic access. Remove ceiling materials keeping a large waste can nearby.

Remove the loose section of drywall. Cut one rafter with a. How to trim an opening for your attic stairs 1. Work from a stable a frame ladder and use a.