How to Build Access to Your Attic

Decide on a general area for the attic access. An attic access is typically built close to a wall between ceiling joists. Attic ladders are made to fit between these joists, which are on 24-inch centers.

Equip your tool belt with a stud finder, pencil, measuring tape, hand saw, hammer, 16d nails and carpenter's square. Once you have positioned yourself on the ladder you don't want to climb down for a forgotten tool.

Position the ladder facing the wall directly under where you want the attic access. Climb the ladder and turn on the stud finder. Slide the stud finder along the surface of the ceiling, from left to right, front to back, until it signals a stud has been found. Mark the location with an x. Try to locate another stud near this one and mark another x. The attic access will be built between the two marks.

Measure and make lines for a rough opening. A rough opening for attic accesses is 22 inches wide by 46 inches long. Begin cutting the plaster board in small steps form the center horizontal to the studs. Use a hand saw to cut a small square, and then another, working until the rough opening for the attic stairs is completely cut out.

Measure and cut two 2-by-6 pieces of wood 23 inches long with a skill saw. Install these boards flush with the ceiling and at the ends of the rough opening between the rafters. Drive three 16d nails at the ends of these boards starting on the opposite side of the rafter. Building this box will give support to the attic stairs when they are not in use.

Measure diagonally from one corner to the other. Record the number and repeat the process for the opposite corner. Are the measurements equal? If not, reposition the boards and install again.

Take the attic stairs in the previously assembled state into the attic. Attic stairs are installed from factory in a frame. Do not disassemble them.

Insert shims between the case of the ladder and the attic frame until they are square. If the frame fits perfectly no shims are required.

Drill holes in the nail holes or mounting brackets of the ladder casing. Use 16d nails and nail the casing per the installation instructions.

Adjust the ladder length by loosening the side screws with a screwdriver and lifting the ladder. When the appropriate height is reached tighten the screws. The attic ladder is not safe to use until this step is completed. The legs should touch the floor without bends. No gaps should be seen in the hinges.

Install trim of choice around the rough opening.