My attic is now under my power

[Plump]

Last year I reinforced my attic and laid flooring so I could use my garage attic for additional storage. It was always a pain to get the ladder out and crawl my way up there. Well, a few (hundred) beers later and I've just about finished off that problem.

The scuttle hole was a huge source of heat loss obviously so I needed to cover it. Some styrofoam insulation worked but was difficult to get out of the way when I went up there. Some hardiboard, hinges, and magnets and now I have a door that swings completely out of the way!

When carrying heavy items up there, a ladder is just unsafe and a pain. My meager carpentry skills went to work and I put together a stairway that folds up to the ceiling assisted by a garage door spring. Another problem solved.

Just wanted to share since I'm so dang proud of myself! The million other projects can now be tackled!

 

[scrumpy]

Plump,

Pretty cool but run a safety cable through that spring if you haven't already. If that accidentally releases it could kill or seriously injure you.

Scrump

 

[Plump]

Good call. Thanks!

 

[sctattooer]

Nice work, but is that door held open by just magnets? You'll be changing that the first time it cracks you in the noggin'

 

[little d]

damn good job!

 

[jake26]

I am curious on how you reinforced your attic flooring. I had posted a thread a couple weeks ago on the exact same thing. While I had alot of different advice, there was no one who did it. I have an idea on how I am going to do it but I would love to hear about your project.

BTW ... drinking beer during projects is the only reason why I do them

 

[stok2]

BTW ... drinking beer during projects is the only reason why I do them [/QUOTE]

Brings a tear to my eye..........Man after my own Heart!!!!!

 

[BlindViper]

I would add some 2x blocking under each of your stair treads. I wouldnt trust the nail/screws on shear load only

 

[Plump]

The stairs are slid into routered slots so they do have additional strength from the 2x10.

 

[Plump]

I am curious on how you reinforced your attic flooring. I had posted a thread a couple weeks ago on the exact same thing. While I had alot of different advice, there was no one who did it. I have an idea on how I am going to do it but I would love to hear about your project.

BTW ... drinking beer during projects is the only reason why I do them

Just used OSB sheathing for the floor and had 2x4 hangars from the roof truss to the floor joists. Also ran 2x6 between the joists down the center to keep them all at 16" on center.