Cutting 2x8 Ceiling Joists For Attic Stairs

Hopefully the attached pictures provide additional info.

Cutting 2x8 ceiling joists for attic stairs.

I d like to double my ceiling joists to make my attic space easier to work in for electrical plumbing and for lightweight storage. Unless expressly built so an attic s joists are meant for carrying the load of the ceiling below and related elements collectively known as the dead load. Ceiling joist are 2x4. One will be used as your stationary the other you ll cut header it off and put your attic stair in.

The ceiling load may include items like drywall ducts recessed lights bathroom fans and attic insulation. Use a reciprocating saw to cut joists and nails holding any joists that must be removed. Once you re in the attic locate the screw. Figure 1 modified joists there are some important points to highlight.

Cut around ceiling trim with a utility knife. The following diagram figure 1 shows the floor or ceiling joists after the access hole has been cut to install a new flight of stairs or provide an attic access. When you find it remove the insulation from the area and determine which of the joists you re going to cut. A joist is a horizontal support member that holds up the wall beam ceilings and floors and connects these parts with one another and one example of the purpose of a joist is to connect the floor joist that is used to connect the stairs of a home.

If the joists are installed at 16 inches on center you will need to cut one joist and attach a. Saw through the joist s being careful not to cut through the ceiling and making sure the cut ends of the joist s are flat and vertical. Click here to purchase the easy access attic ladder by werner. The screw should be between two joists.

Mark rough opening of new fold down staircase on the ceiling joists in the attic. Part 6 shows you how. Ceiling joist are support by a wall that runs roughly down the middle of the house. Cut out the framing around existing hatchway opening with a reciprocating saw 5.

A joist is made from wood concrete and steel and it is basically a strong material that provides support and stability to the entire house. 1 can the joist be cut to make room for the attic ladder. 2x4 s actual size spaced 16 on center running the stack exchange network. 2 how much weight could the ceiling joist hold.