Installing Attic Stairs Across Joists

Things to consider before ing an attic ladder.

Installing attic stairs across joists.

When a load is applied to a joist it creates a tension in the wood along the top edge. Most homes will have a ladder of stairs that lead up to the attic. Upward thinking overhead storage e extreme how to. In this video this old house general contractor tom silva explains how to install attic stairs.

Instead you should place the cutout opening inline with the ceiling joists rafter ties. These boards will support the joists that will be cut and help keep the ceiling from sagging or completely collapsing while you are working in the overhead space. How to install attic stairs trim by plans. This way you only need to cut one of them to make the room for the rough framing opening.

How to install an attic ladder tos diy. Mark rough opening of new fold down staircase on the ceiling joists in the attic. Use a reciprocating saw to cut joists and nails holding any joists that must be removed. How to install an attic ladder tos diy.

You potentially compromise too many of the rafter cross ties by doing that. Boards are laid either diagonally or at right angles across joists. Modifying floor or ceiling joists rafters for access. Determine the area where you want to place your stairs.

Next using an electric drill pop a screw up through the drywall in the ceiling as a reference point so that when you go up in the attic you ll be able to locate it and find the general location of the attic stair. Installing a pull down attic ladder is essential for safer easier access to your attic. Joists carry the weight of the walls furniture and people on them. We ll show you how to cut out frame the opening then install a fo.

How to install an attic ladder tos diy. How to install attic flooring on joists. You ll then use the ceiling joists to determine the final location.