Crawlspace Access

• Remember to respect all power tools. If used inappropriately, accidents can occur.


• When increasing the size of your access hole, be sure to check for existing vents, wires, plumbing etc. that may limit the ability to expand the opening.

Supplies for Carpentry Home Improvement Access to Crawlspace

Home Improvement Instructions to Improve Crawlspace Access

1. Usually, access to crawlspace is very tight. Frequently these openings are between 16" on center joists. This results in an opening width of only 14.5" and slithering through this size hole can be tight. If you were to store things below the floor (not always recommended) then the size of these items would be very limited. A new larger and more convenient opening complete with a fixed stair will make accessing this area much more convenient and it's easy to accomplish by following a few logical steps offered here.


2. I am assuming you already have the small hole in the floor. Examine underneath the floor in this immediate area to see if there are any mechanicals such as wiring, vents or pipes in the way.


3. Decide how large you want to make the finished crawlspace access hole.


4. Assuming there are no mechanicals in the way, using a framing square, mark on the top of the floor lines so that you can squarely cut the existing plywood.


5. After cutting the floor plywood and removing it, notice the size of your floor joists (usually 2 x 10).


6. Again using the framing square, mark vertical lines on the joists that are in the way.


7. Using the skillsaw, cut each joist in the way and discard.


8. Cut matching size joists and header off the ones that you just cut. In other words, attach a new header joist between two joists so that support of the cut joist will be achieved.


9. At exactly 3/4" below the top of the floor, attach a rim of 2 x 6 boards around the new opening. This will hold the plywood above from falling through the new access hole.


10. Determine the rise from the floor of the crawlspace to the top of the finish floor and build a simple ladder stair out of the 2 x 6's and affix it to the joist. This stair will permanently be below the new enlarged opening adding new convenience.


11. Cut a piece of 3/4" plywood the size of the new hole and lay it in place on top of the rim of 2 x 6's.


12. Cut a small finger hole in this plywood so that you can easily lift it up when you need to.


13. Make sure the plywood doesn't stick because it is too big.

You have just made your crawlspace access much more convenient and efficient!