Rough Opening - Check Ladder Condition - Ladder Location - Cut Hole Ceiling - Cut Ceiling Joists - Frame Opening - Install the Frame - Ladder Install - Set Ladder's Height
Before Proceeding: You must have a location that:
A) Is free of hazards and obstructions in the overhead space.
B) Is free of hazards in the ceiling.
C) Provides enough room for installation.
D) Provides enough room to use the attic ladder.
Goal: To cut a hole, that is the correct size, in the ceiling at the desired location.
Step 1. Prepare the room by moving furniture, covering flooring with a drop cloth and removing children and pets to a safe distance away.
Step 2. Put on safety goggles and a dust mask. These will keep pieces of ceiling particles and dust from falling into your eyes, mouth or nose as you make a starter hole and cut into the ceiling.
Step 3. With a hammer and chisel, make a starter hole near the center of the chosen location (See Figure 4).
Step 4. Enlarge the opening with a saw until you can see a joist (See Figure 5).
Step 5. Draw a rectangle the size of the rough opening on the ceiling, with one edge parallel to a joist (See Figure 6). You may do this by sawing until you reach a joist and use it as a frame of reference.
Note: Locating at least one edge of the opening along a ceiling joist will allow the joist to be used as a side of the frame you will build. This will simplify framing the rough opening.
Step 6. Cut out the rest of the ceiling within the marked outline following these instructions:
A) Do not cut any joists at this time. Cut through the ceiling only.
B) Remove the ceiling in small pieces because ceiling material can be very heavy.
STEP 7. If no joists span the hole in the ceiling, go to the section on "Framing the Rough Opening." If any joists span the hole, go to the section on "Cutting the Ceiling Joists."
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