Framing An Attic Closet

Framing the opening can be easy if you can locate the ladder so that it is parallel with the existing ceiling joists.

Framing an attic closet.

Depending on the span you ll need at least a 2 by 8 joist under foot for flooring. Most attic ladders are made to fit between joists set at 24 inches on center. Mark the top plate and the sole plate together for stud locations using a square and a pencil. Make sure the joists in the attic are suitable to carry weight.

Cut each sole plate and top plate to the desired length. We worked from 8am until 4 15 and got the bulk of the closet built. Do not add insulation between heated spaces. Often times with sloped ceilings you need to think outside the box when it comes to a storage closet.

Framing nail a sheet of plywood to the existing floor joists so the short sides align with the joists and the long side is perpendicular to the joists. Cut 2 x 4s to the fit the length and width of the plywood and nail them flat on all four edges of the plywood as a base plate for the studs. Low shelving is installed behind the hanging areas to maximize all possible storage space. It s just a matter of framing the knee wall the short part of the wall and the slanted ceiling.

In closets where the ceiling slopes very close to the floor or the knee wall is very short low shelving can often be installed along the walls behind the hanging areas. Decide on the size of floor and remove insulation from between joists in that area. If you want your attic space to have a flat ceiling you ll need to add collar ties to the framing. Collar ties are horizontal members that like rafter ties extend from rafter to rafter but.

Attic closet with rod suspended from the sloped ceiling closet.