Cutting 2x8 Ceiling Joists For Attic Stairs

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.

Cutting 2x8 ceiling joists for attic stairs. The screw should be between two joists. The ceiling load may include items like drywall ducts recessed lights bathroom fans and attic insulation. 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. Cut around ceiling trim with a utility knife.

When you find it remove the insulation from the area and determine which of the joists you re going to cut. Part 6 shows you how. One will be used as your stationary the other you ll cut header it off and put your attic stair in. 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.

Now that you ve cut your joists it s time to frame the new opening. Once you re in the attic locate the screw. 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. Ceiling joist are 2x4.

Mark rough opening of new fold down staircase on the ceiling joists in the attic. 2 how much weight could the ceiling joist hold. Use a reciprocating saw to cut joists and nails holding any joists that must be removed. 1 can the joist be cut to make room for the attic ladder.

Single story house built in the 1940s. 2x4 s actual size spaced 16 on center running the stack exchange network. Figure 1 modified joists there are some important points to highlight. Ceiling joist are support by a wall that runs roughly down the middle of the house.

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. I d like to double my ceiling joists to make my attic space easier to work in for electrical plumbing and for lightweight storage. If the attic access hole is being cut for an attic ladder check the width of your ceiling joists. If the joists are installed at 16 inches on center you will need to cut one joist and attach a.