How to make a ceiling hatchway

Allow easy access to pipes, electrics and loft storage by creating a hatchway. Here's a guide on how to do the job yourself.

Level of difficulty

Level 3: Advanced

What you need

• Gloves
• Goggles
• Tape measure
• Saw
• Lengths of softwood
• Bricks
• Hammer
• Chisel
• Bolster hammer
• Lintel
• Nails
• Mortar
• Chalk
• Bricklaying trowel
• Spirit level
• Mitre box

The steps to follow

Creating an opening

1. Plan the size of your hatchway before anything.
2. With a tape measure, measure the dimension of the hatchway.
3. Once set, use a power saw to cut into the surface.
4. Use the power saw to smooth the edges of the opening.

Fitting a frame around the hatch

1. Plan to line the opening with softwood, 30 mm (1 in) thick. These lengths of softwood should be joined at the corners. Skew-nail the corners to secure them on the opening. Use a mitre box to cut the ends at a 45 degree angle.
2. Fit the softwood within the opening. Use a spirit level to check that it is straight.
3. Screw the frame to the softwood and fill any gaps with thin pieces of wood.
4. To access the hatchway, you’ll need to install a ladder.

Related articles

• How to replace a ceiling
• How to make a loft-access hatch

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