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.

Diy ceiling hatch how to enlarge a loft hatch or install a new loft hatch. However the attic must have an access before you review ways to use that space. Install a unit of pre made pull down stairs. Inspect the room to decide the most convenient location for the attic stairs for a new stair installation or enlarge a small access opening.

Knock on the ceiling or use a stud finder to find. Most attic ladders are made to fit between joists set at 24 inches on center. Cut out attic access opening photo by karim shamsi basha. Peek into the attic to make sure there aren t any ducts wires or pipes in the way.

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. 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. Snap chalk lines onto the ceiling to represent the rough opening of the attic staircase.

As long as you have the space this will make the attic much more usable in general. This step is necessary regardless of whether you re expanding an existing hatchway or creating new attic access.