How to Build a Frame for the Attic Panel

Locate the placement of your ceiling joists with a stud finder. Mark the locations with your pencil and use a drywall saw to poke through the ceiling and cut out an opening. The opening should be flanked on both sides by a ceiling joist. Use your carpenter's square to ensure that the cuts which run between the two joists are plumb.This is the attic panel installation location.

Cut two lengths of 2-by-4 lumber to fit the gap between your two joists using a circular saw. Install the wood at each end of the opening. Use your power drill to make pilot holes through each joist and into the ends of the 2-by-4s. Drive nails into the holes to fasten the wood in place.

Attach strips of 1-by-4 inch lumber around the opening of the hole, so they cover the edge of the ceiling, and overlap the opening by about 1 inch on each side. This trim masks the cut edges of the opening while supporting the attic panel once installed. Measure and cut the wood to fit so it forms flush corners on each side. Use a drill to make pilot holes through the trim and into the joists and cross pieces above, then use the screw gun to drive wood screws into each hole.

Install a strip of rubber weather stripping around the edge of the opening. Apply a self-stick strip to the top side of the trim where it overlaps the opening on all sides. Measure and cut a piece of 1/2-inch plywood to fit in the opening. This serves as the attic panel. Slide the panel through the opening, then lay it in position atop the trim edges. Attach a handle to the underside of the panel using your screw gun and the screws provided with the handle hardware.