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Framing: Featured Article

How to Create an Archway

Add distinction to any room with a prefab archway kit… more

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Q&A

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Q: My son wants to install pull-down attic stairs in a hallway ceiling. The problem is that the ceiling joists run perpendicular to the hall, and we’ve been told this makes it impossible to install pull-down stairs. Is that true?

—Frank Kornick, Glenshaw, Pa.

Read Our Expert Answer

Tips

Lay plywood so that its long dimension (the strongest) is perpendicular to joists, rafters, or studs. Stagger the joints, since overall strength suffers when four corners meet.