- 1). Measure the area of the attic to be floored from front to back and side to side. Take note of the spacing between joists and any obstructions you may need to cut around. Also, the edges of any plywood panels that end at a joist will need to be cut to center on that joist, to allow the next panel to be butted up to it with adequate support. Sketch out the area on paper with written dimensions, mapping out the cuts needed.
- 2). Cut your plywood panels to fit the area. Check your attic stair width. A full sheet of plywood--4 feet by 8 feet--will not fit up many typical fold-down attic stairs. Adjust the width of your panels to compensate if needed, keeping in mind that the edges must rest in the center of the joists.
- 3). Sand the edges and the top face of each plywood panel with a 100 grit belt on a belt sander to smooth the grain and remove any splinters. Drill pilot holes every 10 to 12 inches along edges that will be over joists with a countersunk, 1/8-inch pilot bit. Space the holes 1/2 inch from the edge.
- 4). Brush the insulation from the tops of the joists, if needed, with a broom, and position the first plywood panel. Align it with the joists and any outside edges and screw it to the joists with 1 5/8-inch treated deck screws, one through each countersunk pilot hole.
- 5). Position the next piece alongside the first and screw it in place. Continue adding panels until the space is filled. Make any adjustments needed, such as cutting to work around pipes or wiring, with a jigsaw.
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