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Catwalks in Attic
Posted on 10/28/25 at 4:04 pm
Posted on 10/28/25 at 4:04 pm
I am considering installing some catwalks to areas in my attic that I commonly access (I.e. HVAC, water heaters, etc.). My question is, what materials should I use for this. I am thinking either 1” X 6” deck boards or 3/4” plywood.
Does anyone have an opinion?
Does anyone have an opinion?
7
Posted on 10/28/25 at 4:39 pm to Spankum
If your ceiling joists are on 16 in. centers you can easily get by using 1/2 in. plywood or OSB. To secure it, just screw it down instead of nailing so there's very little chance of damaging your ceilings with all that hammering.
Posted on 10/28/25 at 4:58 pm to Spankum
I’ve always do all my houses with OSB. Usually end up decking a bunch of it for extra storage.
Posted on 10/28/25 at 5:13 pm to Spankum
Completely depends on the spacing of the joists and how comfortable you want it to feel when walking on it.
You can span a 1/2" 16" but it feels a little spongey especially at the edges. 5/8" can span 24" with a similar feel. Easiest is to go with 3/4" plywood and be done but you could go with a thinner board and provide 2x4s along the edge between the joists (much more work).
You can span a 1/2" 16" but it feels a little spongey especially at the edges. 5/8" can span 24" with a similar feel. Easiest is to go with 3/4" plywood and be done but you could go with a thinner board and provide 2x4s along the edge between the joists (much more work).
Posted on 10/28/25 at 6:34 pm to Spankum
1/2” will work, like funky said, but I will always go at least 5/8”. 3/4” is better, obviously, but depending on the application probably not necessary, unless you have to replace something.
Posted on 10/28/25 at 10:25 pm to gumbo2176
quote:
To secure it, just screw it down instead of nailing so there's very little chance of damaging your ceilings with all that hammering.
Hadn’t thought of that….thanks!
Posted on 10/29/25 at 6:51 am to 9rocket
quote:
1/2” will work, like funky said, but I will always go at least 5/8”. 3/4” is better,
Yall are nuts. I just use 2x8's.
Posted on 10/29/25 at 10:13 am to Spankum
I just ran some 2 x 12's.
Posted on 10/29/25 at 10:20 am to junkfunky
quote:
Easiest is to go with 3/4" plywood and be done but you could go with a thinner board and provide 2x4s along the edge between the joists (much more work).
Could you just run the 2x4s perpendicular to the joists, then dropping 1/2" or 3/4" on top?
I am planning to do this to raise the attic floor just over the top of my recessed lighting (then cut out the hole for the lights for location & access)
Posted on 10/29/25 at 5:14 pm to Weekend Warrior79
quote:
Could you just run the 2x4s perpendicular to the joists, then dropping 1/2" or 3/4" on top?
I am planning to do this to raise the attic floor just over the top of my recessed lighting (then cut out the hole for the lights for location & access)
Definitely. We call those sleeper joists. Just make sure you make a decent connection to prevent them from rolling before you install the deck.
Posted on 10/29/25 at 5:40 pm to Spankum
quote:
Catwalks in Attic
you mean random pieces of plywood? 
Posted on 10/29/25 at 8:19 pm to CAD703X
i had sheets of 5/8" plwd leftover from the roof decking that i ripped down the length to make 2' wide walkways
Posted on 10/30/25 at 8:34 am to Jmcc64
I agree with 5/8” plywood cut into 2’x4’ strips. There is a piece of OSB in my attic now that bends well beyond my comfort level every time I step on it. I also have used 1x and 2x dimensional lumber in tight spaces and to build steps to get over the AHU and ductwork.
Make sure you screw everything down securely unless you enjoy pain and suffering.
Make sure you screw everything down securely unless you enjoy pain and suffering.
Posted on 10/30/25 at 2:33 pm to CAD703X
quote:
you mean random pieces of plywood?
Hell, my attic has old doors, shelves, plywood, and just about any other flat pieces of wood you can think of laying on the joists to walk on.
This post was edited on 10/30/25 at 2:34 pm
Posted on 10/30/25 at 2:53 pm to Spankum
3/4 plywood is strong. You are on 24" centers and it will be just fine. I did this 15 years ago and still strong as hell.
Posted on 10/30/25 at 3:46 pm to Spankum
quote:
Hadn’t thought of that….thanks!
Also, if there comes a time you need to access anything under the plywood, it would be way easier to simply unscrew it instead of trying to pry up nails.
Posted on 10/30/25 at 10:22 pm to T-Jon
quote:
to build steps to get over the AHU and ductwork.
This is another damn good idea! This project is growing daily!
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