Enlarge Attic Opening

We want to enlarge the opening and put in some pull down stairs to make getting into the attic easier.

Enlarge attic opening.

Cut out attic access opening photo by karim shamsi basha. Any homeowner can find lots of usable living or storage space in most attics. Knock on the ceiling or use a stud finder to find. Or create an opening in the ceiling or enlarge one already in place.

This step is necessary regardless of whether you re expanding an existing hatchway or creating new attic access. Inspect the room to decide the most convenient location for the attic stairs for a new stair installation or enlarge a small access opening. However the attic must have an access before you review ways to use that space. Diy ceiling hatch how to enlarge a loft hatch or install a new loft hatch.

Measure and mark the ceiling to fit the size needed for the attic opening using one or both ceiling framing members as the edge of the outline. Whether you already have an existing cavity in your roof or need to create a new one t. In this diy ceiling hatch project we explain how to make your loft hatch bigger including strengthening timbers when enlarging or installing a loft hatch to prevent any weakening of the roof or supporting structural timbers. Enlarging an attic opening so i currently have an attic opening that s just a 2 x 2 or so square with a push up panel that acts as the door.

Framing the opening can be easy if you can locate the ladder so that it is parallel with the existing ceiling joists. Peek into the attic to make sure there aren t any ducts wires or pipes in the way. Most attic ladders are made to fit between joists set at 24 inches on center. Snap chalk lines onto the ceiling to represent the rough opening of the attic staircase.