Loft boarding cost

Our homes are our safe spaces, our havens, and our personal storage solutions. Most things we own are tucked away in our homes – tidied or otherwise – and stored for safe-keeping. After a few years of buying, cherishing and storing our belongings, space can quickly become something we need more of.

We tend to hold onto nostalgic items. They are usually the things we want to keep but not necessarily display, and so we store them for safekeeping. One popular solution is to keep them boxed up in an attic, which is only possible if loft boarding is installed first.

What are loft boards?

You can use loft boards to create a barrier in your attic to stop heat from escaping and you can add loft insulation at the same time to maximise the effect. Loft boards are fitted by laying and securing them to the existing boards on the attic joists. If they touch the insulation, they lose their effectiveness, so ensure they are fitted high enough.

Badly installed loft boards can increase your monthly bill, so it’s important to get them right the first time.

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.

How much does it cost to board a loft?

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 £55 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 £1,350 for a 15m2 loft space, with the price rising as the m2 rises.

Factors affecting the cost of loft boarding

Before you commit to the costs of boarding a loft, there are various factors to consider that can mean a higher final price. These include:

• 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 £55 per m2 

We recommend you measure the area you’re looking to board out and work out a rough estimate. This will save you from any potential surprises further down the line.

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. Most professional tradespeople will charge you per m2 on top of the cost of materials.

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

Upon consultation, your chosen tradesperson will discuss all your options with you. This will help you make an informed decision about what is needed and the final board out loft cost.

Key takeaways

• The average basic loft boarding cost is £55 per m2. However, this figure decreases as the m2 increases, which means you make cost savings on larger rooms.
• The average raised system cost is £1,350 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.