Framing An Attic Closet

Depending on the span you ll need at least a 2 by 8 joist under foot for flooring.

Framing an attic closet.

Most attic ladders are made to fit between joists set at 24 inches on center. Do not add insulation between heated spaces. We worked from 8am until 4 15 and got the bulk of the closet built. Decide on the size of floor and remove insulation from between joists in that area.

Collar ties are horizontal members that like rafter ties extend from rafter to rafter but. 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. Use a framing square to make sure this will be perfectly perpendicular to the front wall. Framing the opening can be easy if you can locate the ladder so that it is parallel with the existing ceiling joists.

If the closet has a side wall return lay out the top plate and sole plate in the same way. It s just a matter of framing the knee wall the short part of the wall and the slanted ceiling. A slanted wall closet while not ideal is better than no closet at all. Often times with sloped ceilings you need to think outside the box when it comes to a storage closet.

Cut each sole plate and top plate to the desired length. If you want your attic space to have a flat ceiling you ll need to add collar ties to the framing. 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. Make sure the joists in the attic are suitable to carry weight.

Low shelving is installed behind the hanging areas to maximize all possible storage space.