Roughing in Retractable Attic
Stairs Opening
To begin with, go into your attic and
locate roughly where you want to install your retractable attic stair system. It
should be installed so that it runs parallel with the ceiling joists.
Once you have found the location for
your attic stair system, remove the insulation from around the area where it is
to be installed, and lay a few large planks down so that you can stand on them
to work.
Mark the rough opening length of the
attic stairs onto the ceiling joists. Most likely you will need to cut one of
the ceiling joists with a reciprocating saw to make an opening larger enough for
the width of the attic stairs.
|
|
Next measure the length required
for the headers that will tie the two far-end ceiling joists together, and
enable you to fasten the cut ceiling joist to the headers.
Cut the headers and then install
them into the rough opening using a screw gun and screws. Do not use a
hammer and nails as this will potentially lead to cracking on your drywall
ceiling below. Also, make sure you use a square to ensure the header is
installed at 90 degree angles to the ceiling joists.
|
Now measure and mark on the headers
the rough opening width requirement for the attic stairs. Cut a short joist to
fit between the headers so that you can complete the rough opening required for
the attic stairs. Again make sure it is square and use a screw gun to fasten the
short joist to the headers.
Cut out the Drywall Opening
Place a drop cloth on the lower level
floor underneath the area where the attic stairway is to be installed.
Again, in the attic, use a
reciprocating saw to cut the drywall and to create the opening for the attic
stairs. Use the roughed in headers and joists as a guide for your saw.
Now, in the lower level, use drywall
screws to fasten the drywall around the perimeter of the newly framed in attic
stairway opening.
Now fasten the two 24 long 1x3
ledger boards on the near and far-end of the rough opening. Use 3 screws to
fasten the ledger board up through the drywall and into the framing material of
the rough opening. The ledger boards will be used to support the weight of the
retractable attic stair system when you lay it in place via the attic.
Install the
Retractable Attic Stair System
Now, via the attic, place the attic
stair system into the rough opening. Again, the attic stair system will sit on
the ledger boards.
Once in place, shim the retractable
attic stair system so that it is square, and then fasten the attic stairs to the
headers and joists using the screws provided with the attic stair system kit.
Trim Out and Paint
the Attic Stair System
Now, on the lower level, remove the
ledger boards and install trim moulding around the perimeter of the attic
stairs.
Finally, apply paint to the attic
stair door and your attic stair installation project is complete.
For help on Attic Conversion and Attic
Renovation Projects, see HomeAdditionPlus.com's
Attic Conversion Bid sheet. The
Attic Conversion Bid sheet will help
to ensure that you hire the right contractor so that your attic conversion
project is built
correctly, on time and budget.
How to Finance your Attic Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
