Framing An Attic Ceiling

Nail the 2 by 4s to the top of each ceiling joist with 2 16d nails.

Framing an attic ceiling.

Run the plywood down to the top of the knee wall. If you have a rafter framed attic the floor joists may or may not be large enough for living space and may need to be reinforced or replaced. Space these boards 4 ft. If you want your attic space to have a flat ceiling you ll need to add collar ties to the framing.

If you have attic trusses not conventional trusses the members will be sized to support living space. Most houses attics are built without flooring and are not designed to carry the heavy load of finished space. Install and paint the ceiling use screws to attach sheets of birch plywood to the angled ceiling over the insulation making sure to drive the screws into the ceiling joists. Friction fit insulation between and parallel to the attic framing members.

However in some cases the joists are intentionally built strong enough for the homeowner to later build out the attic. Apart and attach the ends to the ends of the rafters. Collar ties are horizontal members that like rafter ties extend from rafter to rafter but. Attic floor framing attic floors are made with floor joists or with truss members.

Ensure insulation extends to the outside edge of the exterior top plates and to the peak of the cathedral ceiling. The plywood will create a smooth strong ceiling without having to apply drywall tape and mud to the ceiling.