Framing An Attic Ceiling

If you have attic trusses not conventional trusses the members will be sized to support living space.

Framing an attic ceiling.

If you want your attic space to have a flat ceiling you ll need to add collar ties to the framing. Nail the 2 by 4s to the top of each ceiling joist with 2 16d nails. 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. When framing your ceiling if the ceiling joists are not going in the same direction as the roof rafters 2 by 4s are added running in the same direction as the rafters.

The ceiling load may include items like drywall ducts recessed lights bathroom fans and attic insulation. Collar ties are horizontal members that like rafter ties extend from rafter to rafter but. Most houses attics are built without flooring and are not designed to carry the heavy load of finished space. Apart and attach the ends to the ends of the rafters.

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. However in some cases the joists are intentionally built strong enough for the homeowner to later build out the attic. Friction fit insulation between and parallel to the attic framing members. Space these boards 4 ft.

Run the plywood down to the top of the knee wall. Attic floor framing attic floors are made with floor joists or with truss members.