Blog>Cost Guides>Loft boarding cost
Last updated: 31 July 2024
Loft boarding cost
Whether you’re looking at loft boarding prices to make your attic a usable space, or you’re looking to add value to your property, this loft boarding cost guide will help you budget for your project.
What are loft boards?
Loft boards can be added to an attic to create more floor space and provide an extra barrier to stop heat from escaping.
Loft boards are fitted by laying and securing them to the existing boards on the attic joists. To maximise heat retention, you can also add loft insulation. However, if the boards touch the insulation, they lose their effectiveness, so they need to be fitted high enough.
We recommend hiring a professional for the best results.
How much does it cost to board a loft?
| Cost provided item | Unit | Price range - Low (not incl. VAT) | Price range - High (not incl. VAT) | Average UK cost (not incl. VAT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loft boarding - basic chipboard flooring (materials and labour) | Per m² | £50 | £90 | £70 |
| Loft boarding - raised system | 15 m² | £750 | £1,350 | £1,050 |
| Loft boarding - raised system | 20 m² | £1,000 | £1,800 | £1,400 |
| Loft boarding - raised system | 30 m² | £1,500 | £2,700 | £2,100 |
| Loft boarding - raised system | 40 m² | £2,000 | £3,600 | £2,800 |
| Install pull-down aluminium ladder | Ea | £185 | £570 | £377.50 |
| Relocate loft hatch (including repair of old opening) | Ea | £260 | £550 | £405 |
| Lightbulb and switch installed (labour only) | Ea | £75 | £100 | £87.50 |
| Last updated: July 2024 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||||
Standard loft boarding involves simply laying chipboard flooring directly on top of the existing ceiling joists, assuming they are adequate to take the additional load. You can expect to pay £70 per m² on average for this form of loft boarding.
A more sophisticated raised system raises the boarding above the ceiling joists. This is the ideal solution to allow air circulation beneath the boards, reducing the risk of condensation and damp. On average, you'll pay £1,050 for a 15m² loft space, with the price rising as the m² rises.
Get an accurate quote from Instaloft Ltd
Factors affecting the cost of loft boarding
The cost of loft boarding will depend on:
The size of the space
Whether the area is insulated or not
The type of loft access
The type of space you want to create (basic storage or a more useable space)
Loft boarding cost calculator
Calculating loft boarding prices requires the following considerations:
The square metre size of your attic
The quality and price of your chosen materials
The purpose of your loft boarding (space or storage)
Whether an access ladder or hatch is needed
What electronics are required
On average, standard loft boarding costs £70 per m²
We recommend measuring the area you’re looking to board out and working out a rough estimate. This will prevent any potential surprises later on.
Additional costs to consider
Although most loft boarding jobs are relatively straightforward, there are a few additional costs to consider. These include:
Installing a pull-down ladder for ease of access
The potential relocation of a loft hatch
Any light or electronic installation requirements
Waste removal
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How long does it take to board a loft?
Depending on the size of the area and the ease of access, most loft boarding jobs take between one and two days to install.
Benefits of boarding your loft
There are six key benefits to boarding your loft, which include:
Prevention of heat loss and maximisation of insulation
Creation of extra storage space
Improvement of existing storage solutions
Increased value of your home
A cheaper alternative to external storage solutions
A potential renting option that can help you make extra money
Key takeaways
The average basic loft boarding cost is £70per m². However, this figure decreases as the m2 increases, which means you make cost savings on larger rooms
The average raised system cost is £1,050 for 15m²
Ladders, loft hatches and lightbulbs are all added costs
The average time it takes to install loft boarding is between one and two days
Installing loft boarding is an intricate undertaking that is best performed by a professional
Loft boarding is an ideal and cost-effective, space-saving solution
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
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