Framing An Attic Closet

If you want your attic space to have a flat ceiling you ll need to add collar ties to the framing.

Framing an attic closet.

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. Most attic ladders are made to fit between joists set at 24 inches on center. Often times with sloped ceilings you need to think outside the box when it comes to a storage closet. Use a framing square to make sure this will be perfectly perpendicular to the front wall.

Do not add insulation between heated spaces. Depending on the span you ll need at least a 2 by 8 joist under foot for flooring. 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. 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. If the closet has a side wall return lay out the top plate and sole plate in the same way.

Attic closet with rod suspended from the sloped ceiling closet. Framing the opening can be easy if you can locate the ladder so that it is parallel with the existing ceiling joists. 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. Mark the top plate and the sole plate together for stud locations using a square and a pencil.

Cut each sole plate and top plate to the desired length.