Over Joist Attic Decking

Standard joist spacing for the installation of attic flooring materials is 16 inches on center oc meaning the distance from the center of one joist to the center of the next joist is 16 inches.

Over joist attic decking.

Redesigned to fit either 16 or 24 on center joist spacing supports up to 250 lbs making it easier than ever to get those cluttered spaces organized. Installing flooring material over the attic doesn t quite leave room for the recommended insulation space needed to provide efficient home energy. Place a 2 inch by 3 inch board directly on top of the joist nearest to the edge of the attic with its largest. Lay sheets of the plywood onto the floor spanning the joists with a 1 2 inch space between the walls of the attic and the edges of the plywood.

Attach metal covers to electrical junction boxes and move any electrical wires out of the way or notch the frame to fit. Walk to one end of the attic by carefully stepping only on the wooden ceiling joists. Screw the frame to the joists to. Build a frame on 16 centers perpendicular to the attic floor joists.

The ceiling load may include items like drywall ducts recessed lights bathroom fans and attic insulation. Attic flooring panels are easy to install with their interlocking edges. Attics that have no flooring unless expressly built so an attic s joists are meant for carrying the load of the ceiling below and related elements collectively known as the dead load. Joist spacing and attic use the joist spacing in some attics is 24 inches and 1 2 inch sheets will sag and possibly break when spanning that distance.

Cut 2 thick lumber to length for the frame. A raised platform of lumber in dimensions of 2 4 or 2 6 with insulation placed between joists and covered up with a 12 inch plywood helps build the right flooring. Attic dek is a specially designed attic floor system that consists of 16 or 24 squares attached to the top of ceiling joists. You need 3 4 inch plywood.

Here s how to go about it.