How To Cut Attic Access

Cut one rafter with a handsaw to allow space for you to crawl up into the attic.

How to cut attic access.

For some unknown reason attic access doors in older homes are usually through a small scuttle hole cut in the ceiling. Do not cut through a double beam in the attic since these are support beams for the entire house. Repeat the cut on the. You can do this with a circular saw or a table saw.

Peek into the attic to make sure there aren t any ducts wires or pipes in the way. Then cut out the rough opening with a drywall saw. Take the drywall out. Snap chalk lines onto the ceiling to represent the rough opening of the attic staircase.

Use a straight edge knife to cut any drywall paper that wasn t taken care of with the drywall knife. This step is necessary regardless of whether you re expanding an existing hatchway or creating new attic access. Place another 1 by 3 inch piece of wood on its narrow edge on the floor beside the angled piece. We ll show you how to cut out frame the opening then install a fo.

Watch as builders license institute instructor rodger peck shows you how to assemble and install an attic access. Use long nails to nail an outline next to joists where ceiling material will need to be cut away. The nails will show where the joists lie in the attic. Often the access is in an out of the way place like a closet.

Remove the loose section of drywall. Cut a piece of paneling just slightly smaller than your attic hole.