Section 1.5
CUTTING THE CEILING JOISTS
Before Proceeding: You must have either: Exposed joists or a correctly sized hole at the desired
Goal: To cut out any joists that are in the way of your chosen location. Before cutting the joists,
you must attach them to other joists in the overhead attic to keep the ceiling from sagging or
completely collapsing.
Step 1. If the room has a ceiling and you have cut
the required hole, go to Step 2.
If the room has no ceiling, you will need to
mark the joists according to paragraph (A) or
(B) below:
(A) If the chosen location is parallel to the
joists, mark the rough opening length on
top of the joists (See Figure 7).
Do not cut the joist at this mark.
(B) If the chosen location is perpendicular to
the joists, mark the rough opening width
on top of the joists (See Figure 8).
Do not cut the joist at this mark.
Step 2. Cut (2) joist-sized boards long enough to
span (2) joists on each side of your chosen
location (See Figure 9). These boards will
support the joists that will be cut and help
keep the ceiling from sagging or completely
collapsing while you are working in the
overhead space.
Step 3. Place these boards approximately 24"
from the edge of your chosen location and
nail (See Figure 9).
Note: The 24" distance is needed to give
you room to hammer nails into
the frame that you will build in the
next section.
12
ceiling location.
Dotted line indicates your chosen
location (location parallel to joist)
FIGURE 7
Dotted line indicates your chosen location
(location perpendicular to joist)
FIGURE 8
FIGURE 9
Joist support boards
Nail or screw boards
to each joist