Cutting Ceiling Joists For Attic Stairs

Measure the distance between the full joists on either side of the cut joists.

Cutting ceiling joists for attic stairs.

Cutting and or removing joists to provide an entry or access can be the most difficult part of the overall project. Standard ceiling joists sit on 24 inch centers and the space between them is 22 1 2 inches. Position a stepladder directly under the desired area for the attic access hole. This way you only need to cut one of them to make the room for the rough framing opening.

If the ceiling joist does not provide one side of the frame cut a second stringer the same length as the first one. Instead you should place the cutout opening inline with the ceiling joists rafter ties. Cut a stringer to this length. In order to maintain the support integrity of the ceiling or floor joist or rafter system it is important that if joists are cut that the load that was bearing on those joists be transferred to a modified support system.

Determine the area where you want to place your stairs. Either process requires cutting away flooring. Cutting a hole in the floor for a staircase may happen during new construction or while renovating an older home. Locate the joists behind the drywall on the ceiling using a.

I would not put the attic stairs ladder assembly opening at right angles to the ceiling joists. Step 2 cut joist support boards. If the room has a ceiling and you have cut the required hole go to step 2. When converting an attic or basement to finished living space you may decide to replace a ladder with a stairway or to enlarge an existing stairway.

Cut 2 joist sized boards long enough to span two joists on each side of your chosen. These are trimmer joists. You ll then use the ceiling joists to determine the final location. If the room has no ceiling.

How to cut a hole in the ceiling for attic access. Locate an area centered between the two joists and cut a 6 to 8 inch diameter hole using a. 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.