How To Finish Your Attic For Storage

Doing so will minimize utility bills as well as ventilate the attic and help prevent heat from building up and damaging your roof.

How to finish your attic for storage. Shelves around the bottom of the wall or even free standing crates lining the walls. Finishing the attic 1. The plywood will create a smooth strong ceiling without having to apply drywall tape and mud to the ceiling. Add a ceiling finish consider one of these finishes for your attic ceiling.

Run the plywood down to the top of the knee wall. If you want to use your attic on a regular basis or to store large items you may need to enlarge the access opening and install an access ladder or drop down stairs. It may take 2 to 3 coats to cover the new drywall. If they re 2 6 s you could actually fill some of those boxes with lightweight belongings.

If the attic has the potential to become a regular living space talk with a contractor about adding a fixed stairway. Spend extra on the ceiling. Joists that are 2 8 s or bigger are better suited for supporting heavier objects. Account for codes and safety casey dunn every attic is different but a few established norms and practices will.

Put these boxes on hinges in the space between your rafters to store your less used items. Put in a ceiling fan. Before you put up wallpaper or decorate. How to finish your attic and put it to good use.

Access to attic storage. You don t need much headroom or a large landing just to store boxes. Building codes vary by location but most require at least a 7 foot clearance for attic. Instinctively eyes will be drawn to the sloped ceiling in most attics so it s a good.

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. If your attic is just collecting dust or maybe a truckload of boxes with christmas ornaments it may be time to consider a remodel. Books don t need much space if you have the right kind of storage. 10 important things you need to do when finishing your attic first check for head clearance.

If your attic floor has 2 4 s you ll only be able to store very light items such as empty boxes and suitcases. When you install flooring make sure you properly insulate the attic. Prime and paint the walls. This would also be an excellent spot to hide christmas and birthday presents.

Plan on a new staircase and a bigger landing. They re not necessarily trends but more like requirements when finishing an attic. Proper insulation and ventilation.