How to Finish an Unfinished Attic

Unfinished attics can be made into a usable space for a children's room, a game room or simply a guest room. This not not a difficult project to envision but will require a substantial amount of time and physical labor. To finish an unfinished attic, you'll need several materials and tools. The project will be easier and less time consuming with a few helpers.

Broom
Dustpan
Plywood
Nail gun
Stainless steel nails
Drywall
Drywall screws
Screw gun
Drywall tape
Joint compound
Putty knife
Medium-grit sandpaper
Carpet tacking
Carpet pad
Carpet
Utility knife
Drop cloths
Paint
Paint tray
Paint roller

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the unfinished attic out, leaving only a blank space. Sweep the floor if it is already installed.
- 2
  Attach plywood to the roof trusses, the walls and then the floor using a nail gun with stainless steel nails.
- 3
  Hang drywall against the plywood on the ceiling and walls using drywall screws and a screw gun.
- 4
  Tape the joints between drywall sheets with drywall tape, then cover the tape with joint compound using a putty knife. Sand the compound with medium-grit sandpaper once dry.
- 5
  Line the edges of the plywood floor with carpet tacking, then install carpet padding inside but not over the tack strips.
- 6
  Roll out and stretch carpet over the tack strips. Tuck in the edges of the carpet between walls and the tacking, then cut off any excess with a utility knife.
- 7
  Spread drop cloths over the attic floor and pour paint into a paint tray, then paint the ceiling and walls using a roller to finish the attic remodel.

Ceramic Tile Techniques

DIY How to Change a Doorway Into a Window

Remodeling Plans