DIY Network

Attic Stairs: New Attic Flooring From "Weekend Handyman" episode WKH-411

Up in the attic, Paul installs a new flooring option called Attic-Dek. It is made up of 16 inch square plastic panels that look like drainage grates and easily attach to the joist with screws. Once all of the items are moved up from the garage floor, all of the old oil stains and cracks are exposed. Paul demonstrates how to repair those minor cracks, low spots and divots.

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	Initially, there was no space in the garage to park.
	By installing new stairs, the clutter was moved to the attic.
	Easy-to-install attic decking made storage simple.
	The garage floor received a facelift as well.
	Figure A

Time: 12 hours over two days.
Difficulty Rating: This project rates a 2 out of 5 on the Weekend Handyman difficulty scale.

Materials:

Attic stair kit
Attic flooring
Polyvinyl flooring
Safety glasses
Pry-bar
Hammer
Jab saw
Circular saw
Reciprocating saw with bimetal blade
Impulse nailer
Utility knife
Acrylic latex caulk
2 X 6 lumber
Chalk line
Shims
Lag screws
Respirator
Shop vacuum
Push broom
2" deck screws

New Attic Flooring

1. The deck panels are made to fit between the joists (ours are 16" on center).

2. Begin by dryfitting the decking together. Start from the opening and work your way out. Make sure the panels line up with the top edge (figure A).

3. Drive 2" deck screws into the joists to attach the panels (figure B).

4. When installing the attic panels, be sure to use the screws to hold them in place securely under your feet. Five screws should be used in areas where you’ll be walking. Otherwise, you can save yourself some time and just put in three screws.

5. If a panel doesn’t sit all the way down, all you need to do is break off the tabs that hold the panel in place (figure C).

6. The ventilated panels allow the insulation to breathe and can be easy to remove if you need to get in there.

7. If you have obstructions, mark your tile, and use a reciprocating saw to cut the panel (figure D).

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

RESOURCES :

Rainbow Attic Stair
Model: Prestige
Type: 25-1/2" X 54"

Manufacturer: SP Partners, LLC
1492 High Ridge Rd.
Stamford, CT 06903
Telephone: 1-877-369-6996
Contact: Tino Terrigno, National Product Manager
Website: www.rainbowatticstairs.com

Attic Flooring
Model Number: 3504
Size: 16 inch or 24 inch

Manufacturer: Metro Products
P.O. Box 1208, 9175 E. 146th St.
Noblesville, IN 46061
Telephone: 1-800-676-6904
Contact: Tom Krol, National Sales Manager
E-mail: tkol@atticdek.com
Website: www.atticdek.com

Garage Floor Covering
Brand Name: G-Floor
Model Number: Coin Pattern
Color: Gray

Manufacturer: Better Life Technology, LLC
9820 Pflumm
Lenexa, KS 66215
Telephone: 1-877-810-6444
Website: www.bltllc.com