Enlarge Attic Opening

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.

Enlarge attic opening.

Inspect the room to decide the most convenient location for the attic stairs for a new stair installation or enlarge. As long as you have the space this will make the attic much more usable in general. Peek into the attic to make sure there aren t any ducts wires or pipes in the way. This will involve cutting 2 of the joists or whatever they re called.

Place a 4 inch x 1 inch timber flat on the joists behind your. Snap chalk lines onto the ceiling to represent the rough opening of the attic staircase. If your new hatch spans more than 2 joists involving cutting more than two joists you will need to contact a. Remove ceiling materials keeping a large waste can nearby.

Repeat the cut on the. Most attic ladders are made to fit between joists set at 24 inches on center. This step is necessary regardless of whether you re expanding an existing hatchway or creating new attic access. Measure and mark the stair opening dimensions required from either the room below or from the attic above.

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. Then cut out the rough opening with a drywall saw. How to trim an opening for your attic stairs 1.

I m not sure of your particular situation but since you are already reframing the opening you should consider adding a drop down ladder. Cut off the electricity and determine where wiring and plumbing pipes run in the area. How to open up an attic access step 1. Gently tap into plaster.

Slice through the. We want to enlarge the opening and put in some pull down stairs to make getting into the attic easier. I plan to put joist hangers at all the circled areas. Remove the loose section of drywall.