When you find it remove the insulation from the area and determine.
Installing an attic stairs.
Whether you already have an existing cavity in your roof or need to create a new one t.
This step is necessary regardless of whether you re expanding an existing hatchway or creating new attic access.
Snap a chalk line between the two.
If you have a pull down attic ladder installed and only need to replace the stairs good news for you you can skip this step.
Use a reciprocating saw to cut joists and nails holding any joists that must be removed.
Cut out the framing around existing hatchway opening with a reciprocating saw.
Mark rough opening of new fold down staircase on the ceiling joists in the attic.
Once you re in the attic locate the screw.
Pretty soon you ll be wondering why you didn t add an attic ladder to your home years ago.
Cutting and bracing a new hole.
Using a reciprocating saw start your cut by lightly tapping the blade into the drywall and cut along the chalk.
Cut around ceiling trim with a utility knife.
However if you are installing a new one for the first time you ll need to create a new opening for an attic access point you would need to use a hand saw for this and the measurements from step one to make the perfect cut by following the chalk lines with the handsaw just be careful of any tubes wire or duck that might be on your way.
Then cut out the rough opening with a drywall saw.
Attic stairs installation can make accessing previously unused storage space a breeze.
Determine the area where you want to place your stairs.
Peek into the attic to make sure there aren t any ducts wires or pipes in the way.
Measure 54 inches and tap the second nail next to the same joist image 1.
Next using an electric drill pop a screw up through the drywall in the ceiling.
While it might seem like a big job an attic ladder installation is something you can handle if you just take it step by step.
Snap chalk lines onto the ceiling to represent the rough opening of the attic staircase.
We ll show you how to cut out frame the opening then install a fo.
How to install an attic ladder step 1.