Last updated on July 31st, 2024
Loft boarding cost
This cost guide was written in partnership with our professional estimators here at Checkatrade. Our estimators are Chartered Members (MRICS) of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Members of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB).
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
Call now 03330 057829Factors 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
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 £70 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 £1,050 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
Working with professional estimators, we collate cost estimates for the common home improvement and repair jobs in the UK.
All the costs are estimates only. For accurate costs for your particular requirements, you are encouraged to reach out to professional tradespeople to receive a quote for your job.
Our estimators are Chartered Members (MRICS) of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Members of the Chartered Institute of Building (MCIOB). See full disclaimer.
Geena
This is a really helpful article and exactly what I was looking for to give an idea of requirements and costs. Thanks!
Michelle
This is very helpful. Thanks
Yasmin
Helpful site and information. Many thanks
Sandra
Very informative and helpful. Gives a good price guide but also sets out some benefits of doing work.
Loft Boarding Specialist
I'm very happy to read this article.
Loft Boarding Specialist
I've been surfing the web, and I love reading your Article.
Checkatrade
Hi Alam, I would recommend contacting a tradesperson near you. Use the search bar in this article by entering your postcode.
Alam
Hi, I'm looking for: - installation of a loft ladder with new trap door - New 2 x tube lights - New Double sockets - Full loft Boarding 30ft x 17ft I am in SW16 4QA area.
Loft Boarding Specialist
Thanks for this great article, very insightful. Looking forward to read more articles from you.