Attic Door Panel Repair

Help Around the House : Episode ARH-245 -- More Projects »
Help Around the House host Henry Harrison shows how to cut a replacement attic access panel. On his elbow grease scale of one to four, Harrison gives this job a two.

Tools:

work bench
circular saw
power drill
pry bar
hammer
nail set
tape measure
clamps
sandpaper
and safety glasses
plywood
nails
double-sided tape

Photo

Figure A
Photo

Figure B
Photo

Figure C
Steps:

1. Take a pry bar and carefully pry the panel off the bottom of the attic ladder (figure A).

2. Measure the length and width of the opening (figure B).

3. Cut the replacement piece from a sheet of plywood using the circular saw. Cut from the back side of the plywood to minimize tear-outs. Lightly sand the edges to smooth things out.

4. Place double-sided tape on the bottom of the attic ladder to hold the plywood in position while you attach it permanently (figure C).

5. If you are pleased with how the panel fits, drive in finishing nails to secure. Sink nail heads below the surface using a nail set.