Framing An Attic Ceiling

Apart and attach the ends to the ends of the rafters.

Framing an attic ceiling.

Collar ties are horizontal members that like rafter ties extend from rafter to rafter but. The ceiling load may include items like drywall ducts recessed lights bathroom fans and attic insulation. Most houses attics are built without flooring and are not designed to carry the heavy load of finished space. The plywood will create a smooth strong ceiling without having to apply drywall tape and mud to the ceiling.

Ensure insulation extends to the outside edge of the exterior top plates and to the peak of the cathedral ceiling. Space these boards 4 ft. Run the plywood down to the top of the knee wall. 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. 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.

Nail the 2 by 4s to the top of each ceiling joist with 2 16d nails. If you want your attic space to have a flat ceiling you ll need to add collar ties to the framing.