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.
How do u cut a opening to an attic.
Snap chalk lines onto the ceiling to represent the rough opening of the attic staircase.
Use long nails to nail an outline next to joists where ceiling material will need to be cut away.
Cut the ceiling along the rectangle lines using a hand saw or a jig saw but don t cut into the joists.
Peek into the attic to make sure there aren t any ducts wires or pipes in the way.
Align the short points of the 45 degree cuts with the inside corners of the frame at each end.
7 climb into the attic through the.
The nails will show where the joists lie in the attic.
Drive the 4 penny nails.
Then cut out the rough opening with a drywall saw.
A if the chosen location is parallel to the joists mark the rough opening length on top of the joists.
Check the spacing before securing the last.
Place another 1 by 3 inch piece of wood on its narrow edge on the floor beside the angled piece.
Do not cut through a double beam in the attic since these are support beams for the entire house.
This step is necessary regardless of whether you re expanding an existing hatchway or creating new attic access.
Insert the boards at either end of the opening between the main joists.
Position the piece flat against the short side of the attic stair frame.
Measure and cut two boards of the same size as the ceiling joists is preferable.
If the room has a ceiling and you have cut the required hole go to step 2.
Do not cut the joist at this mark.
Cut one rafter with a handsaw to allow space for you to crawl up into the attic.
Remove the loose section of drywall.
Repeat the cut on the.