Build An Attic Knee Wall

You can convert hidden unused spaces into valuable storage areas.

Build an attic knee wall.

Access the attic using a stepladder at the attic access panel or the attic stairs. Install a continuous air barrier on the exterior side of the attic knee wall framing with a rigid air barrier or other supporting material to prevent the knee wall cavity insulation from sagging and to create a continuous thermal barrier. To make better use of this empty space build knee wall storage doors for easy access to the space behind the wall. Instructions the knee wall will be built on the floor of the attic and then tipped into place against the rafters.

To reduce air infiltration the u s. Use a miter. Use a template to determine the angle on each of those six pieces of 2x4. Step 1 measure the attic to build your walls to the correct length measure the angle of the rafter by laying a piece of 2x4 inch lumber against the side of the rafter in a vertical position.

Cut six lengths of 2x4 each 2 1 2 feet long. This project is something that most homeowners could complete in just a few hours. Use your saw to cut along this line. Cover rafters with an air barrier.

You can see the image below for an example of a knee wall. Here you ll recess a chest of drawers into the knee wall of an upstairs bedroom. You ll gain a full size eight drawer chest without sacrificing a single square inch of floor space. Knee walls are the short interior walls built beneath the roof rafters.

Framing basics for attic knee walls along the sides of your loft or attic space. Rigid air barrier material could include rigid foam insulation drywall plywood or osb among others. Knee walls are short usually wooden walls installed around the sides of an attic where the rafters meet the floor. In most instances they are no taller than 3 feet but some builders may custom fit them according to the roof s shape and size.

Step 1 use a stud finder to locate the studs in the knee wall where you intend to install your storage doors. Support and follow me. How to construct knee walls in attics 1. Snap a chalk line.

Determine the location and line of. One of your 2x4s. Mark the line that the angle forms along your 2x4. Department of energy recommends that you complete several steps.