Attic Space Tips
By: Amanda Campbell
Updated: March 3, 2011
Tired of renting a storage space for all those things you can’t bear to throw away?
An attic can provide a wealth of storage space if it is properly prepared.
Installing a floor in an attic will make it a safe and useful space. It is highly recommended that you work n your attic in the spring, fall, or winter. Summers attic temperatures can exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If you must work in your attic in the summer drink plenty of water and take frequent cooling breaks.
SUPPLIES
Tape measure
StorageBord 24”x48” boards (or plywood equivalent)
Circular saw or Jigsaw
Electric drill
Counter-sinking drill bit
Screwdriver (Electric screwgun recommended)
Rubber mallet
Prybar
1 5/8 inch screws (2 per board)
Measure the width and length of the area you wish to floor. Multiply the figures together to determine square footage. (A 20’x10’ space=200 square feet.)
Determine how many Storagebords (24x48-inches= 8 square feet) you will need. Example: 200’ square divided by 8 = 25 boards needed.
Assess your attic for wiring, plumbing, or gas lines. It would be a violation of building codes to simply lay boards on top of the lines. You will need to cut notches in the joists or boards to accommodate any lines.
Lay boards across joists. In most homes the construction standard sets joists at 16 inches “on center”. Align the board so that the ends run from the middle of one joist to the middle of another.
Drill a pilot hole using a countersink bit. This will allow you to flush mount the screws and prevent boxes or other stored items from catching on protruding screws. Using screws will allow for easy removal or replacement should the need arise.
Continue drilling and fastening each board as you proceed.
Use the rubber mallet or prybar to help align any stubborn boards.
Use the saw(s) to make any custom cuts needed to accommodate your attic space.
Once finished, obtain assistance moving objects into the attic. Carrying bulky or heavy items up a ladder alone can be extremely dangerous.
An attic can provide a wealth of storage space if it is properly prepared.
Installing a floor in an attic will make it a safe and useful space. It is highly recommended that you work n your attic in the spring, fall, or winter. Summers attic temperatures can exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If you must work in your attic in the summer drink plenty of water and take frequent cooling breaks.
SUPPLIES
Tape measure
StorageBord 24”x48” boards (or plywood equivalent)
Circular saw or Jigsaw
Electric drill
Counter-sinking drill bit
Screwdriver (Electric screwgun recommended)
Rubber mallet
Prybar
1 5/8 inch screws (2 per board)
Measure the width and length of the area you wish to floor. Multiply the figures together to determine square footage. (A 20’x10’ space=200 square feet.)
Determine how many Storagebords (24x48-inches= 8 square feet) you will need. Example: 200’ square divided by 8 = 25 boards needed.
Assess your attic for wiring, plumbing, or gas lines. It would be a violation of building codes to simply lay boards on top of the lines. You will need to cut notches in the joists or boards to accommodate any lines.
Lay boards across joists. In most homes the construction standard sets joists at 16 inches “on center”. Align the board so that the ends run from the middle of one joist to the middle of another.
Drill a pilot hole using a countersink bit. This will allow you to flush mount the screws and prevent boxes or other stored items from catching on protruding screws. Using screws will allow for easy removal or replacement should the need arise.
Continue drilling and fastening each board as you proceed.
Use the rubber mallet or prybar to help align any stubborn boards.
Use the saw(s) to make any custom cuts needed to accommodate your attic space.
Once finished, obtain assistance moving objects into the attic. Carrying bulky or heavy items up a ladder alone can be extremely dangerous.
