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Project Coraline: Build an attic door w/ skeleton lock

Project Coraline: Build an attic door w/ skeleton lock
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For the past 6 years that we’ve been living here our daughters room has been blasting hot in the summer and freezing cold in the winter. The reason why is because she has an attic door in her closet wall that lets you reach the first floor attic space. And by door I mean a piece of crud left over 1/2″ plywood board with a plastic handle in its center held in place by scrap trim work. Don’t take my word for it see for your self below in the condensation buildup.

I really wanted to build something special but didn't want to spend to much on it. Instead of building a real door I decided on using two pieces of scrap plywood and making a fake door facade.
 
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Step 1Get stuff together you need

Get stuff together you need
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The first thing I did was sketch out my ideas, buy some wood and setup my “wood working” area. You don't need a whole lot of fancy tools really. Just a chop saw, an pneumatic nail gun helps (not even a framing nail gun just trim is good) and assorted hand tools. I also have a dremel multimax that I'm going to use for hinges and probably the slot for the lock bolt.

So at this point I’ve decided I’m going to use some 3/4″ scrap plywood and buy some cheap poplar wood to use for the box and the faux door panels. I ended up only buying about 18″ of 1×4 poplar. So my plan of attack is basically very simple:
1. Build a box to fit in my measurements
2. Build door, stuff in box
3. Stuff completed door in attic hole
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18 comments
Mar 11, 2012. 12:39 PMtinker234 says:
i like this idea alot but i do think that it is dangeres for her if if she goes in there but it should help her stay out with the door
Feb 6, 2012. 11:28 AMMar HK says:
Are you going to add insulation on the other side of the door, or would that be overkill in your climate? If you were getting condensation before, it seems like it would be worthwhile to put at least an R-10.
Feb 10, 2012. 8:57 PMchrwei says:
1" of plywood is R-1.3, 1" of foil backed polyiso foam is R-7. Even the cheap expanded foam board is R-4. It'll make a HUGE difference to replace on of those sheets of plywood with foam board.

that said, I like the look of it, and that's half the point :)
Feb 9, 2012. 5:23 PMaschmidt7 says:
You really shouldn't have your daughter in a room with the attic. Yea, shes definitely going to be lured in there, bad things like the cool attic.
Feb 9, 2012. 5:28 PMaschmidt7 says:
I should say, I know what lives in my attic, and now that I've typed this, you might actually want to move your daughter if you care for her.
Feb 9, 2012. 5:32 PMaschmidt7 says:
if you don't believe me, message me and I will show you what I mean, but it won't mean anything unless you believe. Attic with a skeleton key? Hahaha, come on, you believe don't you
Feb 10, 2012. 3:15 AMsoundgod06 says:
Somebody has been watching Paranormal Activity recently.
Feb 10, 2012. 4:44 AMaschmidt7 says:
hahahaha, thats all I gotta say.

PS, Ghost Adventures is WAY better
Feb 10, 2012. 3:23 AMsoundgod06 says:
This is a really thick door, 3/4" x 3... 2 1/4"! Interior doors are typically 1 3/8" and exterior are only 1 3/4". No wonder it weighs so darn much.
Feb 9, 2012. 4:29 PMmanuka says:
Good work! I've been a great fan of enhancing such attic spaces, BUT often find door clearances & logistics too tight to be practical. Fingers can get pinched, heads knocked & items may be knocked over by the swinging door! Instead I've gone for lift off/out ply panels, secured with sturdy brass slide "baby catches".

My approach was somewhat inspired by service panels noted on ships my marine engineering dad once served on,& allows panel removal as needed. A smaller one suits simple storage, while removing several (& placing them away from the work area) gives totally clear access. Check pictures at https://picasaweb.google.com/113235065280579741262/AtticAccess

This particular attic has VERY tight ergonomics, making swinging doors a liability. The room's 4 such hideaway areas are instead lift off/out panels, & are a real feature of the magical space !
Feb 9, 2012. 7:10 AMiOskr says:
Excellent work!!! looks great
Feb 9, 2012. 6:53 AMezrablu says:
Fantattica! Awesome Instructible....this door is so cute and your instructions and photos are so easy to follow.Thanks!
Feb 5, 2012. 3:08 PMjessyratfink says:
Very nice. Almost looks like a dumbwaiter should be hiding behind there. :D
Feb 5, 2012. 1:53 PMBongmaster says:
u got some of your comment boxes covered by bigger ones :S

you cant put a small comment within a larger one the larger overrules the smaller and u cant get it to show.

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Author:dennisjudd(Dennis Judd)