Installing Attic Stairs Perpendicular To Joists

Once you re in the attic locate the screw.

Installing attic stairs perpendicular to joists.

I would not put the attic stairs ladder assembly opening at right angles to the ceiling joists. The ah series universal attic ladders are lightweight yet carry a duty rating of 375 pounds. Measure 54 inches and tap the second nail next to the same joist image 1. If the room has no ceiling.

I only have one area in old house on the 3rd floor where i can put a pull down attic ladder. Standard joist spacing for the installation of attic flooring materials is 16 inches on center oc meaning the distance from the center of one joist to the center of the next joist is 16 inches. It is an old house 1899. Snap a chalk line between the two nails image 2.

Instead you should place the cutout opening inline with the ceiling joists rafter ties. That is a narrow hallway but the ladder would need to be installed perpendicular to joists. Cutting and bracing a new hole. This way you only need to cut one of them to make the room for the rough framing opening.

If the room has a ceiling and you have cut the required hole go to step 2. Step 2 cut joist support boards. In this video this old house general contractor tom silva explains how to install attic stairs. I have some photos of attic if that will help to answer my question.

Cut 2 joist sized boards long enough to span two joists on each side of your chosen. When you find it remove the insulation from the area and determine. Do this on both sides image 3. You potentially compromise too many of the rafter cross ties by doing that.

Mark rough opening of new fold down staircase on the ceiling joists in the attic. Using a carpenter s square line it up from the point of the nail and draw out 22 1 2 inches. Determine the area where you want to place your stairs. Learn how to install this attic ladder with a complete installa.

Use a reciprocating saw to cut joists and nails holding any joists that must be removed. The middle of the load that it is any cut and people walk on the rafters or level to the joists even a good rule of the rope on those joists you want to simply be very heavy you may include items. Cut around ceiling trim with a utility knife. Installing attic ladder perpendicular to joists.