Blog>Expert Advice>Everything you need to know about loft boarding
Last updated: 22 July 2024
Everything you need to know about loft boarding
Loft boarding is a great way to add valuable storage space in your home. Here, we outline the benefits, expert tips on what to do and not to do when boarding your loft, and the building regulations to be aware of.
Loft boarding is often an ideal solution if your home needs more storage.
Having storage space for seasonal items, luggage and things you just can't bear to get rid of will help the rest of your home stay clutter-free and well-organised.
Why board your loft?
We've already mentioned the extra storage space that loft boarding provides, which is an obvious benefit. But what other benefits are there to boarding your loft space?
Increased property value
A home full of clutter is a red flag for prospective buyers that your property doesn't have enough storage.
Boarding out the loft and creating a place for everything is a good move if you're ... on the move! It'll increase your property's attractiveness with potential buyers and could add value to your home.
Improved energy efficiency
Boarding your loft space can also help improve your home's insulation, increase energy efficiency, and lower your heating bills.
Easier access and improved safety
Loft boarding makes it easier to access items stored in the loft space by providing a safe and stable surface to walk on. There's less risk of putting a foot through the ceiling!
Storing belongings in a loft space that hasn't been boarded can be dangerous and compromise the loft insulation.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
Key considerations when boarding your loft
A loft boarding specialist will consider all the following factors before boarding your loft:
1. Obstacles
In many ways, your loft space is like your home's engine room. Water pipes, gas pipes, wires, and cables feed various services throughout your property.
When boarding your loft, these pipes and cables must remain accessible, i.e. not covered by the boards.
2. Insulation
In the UK, the recommended depth for loft insulation is 270mm. This will ensure your home is well insulated, helping to keep it cool in summer and warm in winter. A well-insulated home is more energy efficient, which helps to reduce your energy bills.
Before boarding your loft, check the insulation depth. It will need to be topped up if it doesn't meet the current standard.
3. Materials
Before work begins, your tradesperson will measure up for the required materials. They'll look at the usable width, length, and distance between trusses and loft joists to calculate the number of loft boards needed. Chipboard loft boards are a common choice of material as they're load-bearing and moisture-resistant.
Loft leg supports may also be needed if you're having a raised loft boarding system. These attach to the top of the trusses and joists, allowing the loft boards to sit above the loft insulation to avoid compressing it.
Finding a professional for the job
Installing loft boards incorrectly can have several consequences. It's therefore key to hire a professional tradesperson to for a safe and competent installation. Find an approved loft boarding specialist in your area by searching your postcode below.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
Building regulations and loft boarding
There are several building regulations to be aware of when boarding your loft. A professional will know all the regs that need to be met and followed.
These include:
1. Structural integrity
Ceilings are designed to support a certain amount of weight.
New houses in the UK are designed to carry 25kg per m² of permanent load and 180kg per m² of temporary load.
In an older property especially, your loft must be boarded with the correct sub-frame to provide adequate strength.
Never be tempted to remove trusses or timbers in your loft to create more useable space. These are important structural elements that support your roof and loft space, and altering them can lead to serious problems.
If in doubt, contact a structural engineer for advice.
2. Fire safety
As we've touched upon already, pipes, wires, and cables should not be covered.
The same applies to any downlights you may have fitted in the ceilings below. Even though modern LED lights aren't as hot as their halogen counterparts, most manufacturers recommend not covering them directly with insulation.
Your loft boarding specialist can fit downlight covers or loft lids to cover any downlights.
3. Insulation
As mentioned, loft insulation should be at a recommended depth of 270mm. This provides a U-value of at least 0.16W/m2K.
U-value is a measure of how much heat is lost through a given thickness of a particular material – the lower the value, the better.
4. Ventilation
Ventilation in your loft space is crucial to prevent moisture and condensation from building up, which can lead to damp.
You may notice vents in your home's soffits. These are designed to encourage airflow from one eave to the other, so they must not be covered with insulation or boarding.
A final note on accessibility. Safe access to your loft space is key, so make sure your loft hatch and ladder comply with safety standards, ensuring they're secure and easy to use.
How much does loft boarding cost?
Several factors impact the cost of boarding a loft, including:
The size of your loft
The method of boarding you choose
Access to the loft space
The quality of materials used
As a guide, budget around £70 per m² for basic chipboard flooring (materials and labour).
If you opt for a raised loft boarding system, expect to pay somewhere in the region of £1,050for an area of15m²up to around £2,800for an area of40m².
For further information to help budget for your project, read our guide to loft boarding costs.
On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.
Find reliable loft boarding specialists near you
A reputable loft boarding specialist will not only make sure their work adheres to all relevant building regulations, but they'll have all the necessary tools and equipment to complete the job efficiently and to a high standard.
What's more, if you need additional loft insulation, a loft ladder or hatch; lighting, or shelving installed, they can often offer this too.
Search your postcode to find trusted and experienced loft boarding specialists near you.
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
FAQs
Do you need planning permission to board your loft?
You don't need planning permission to board your loft as long as it's just used for storage and not as a living space.
How long does it take to board a loft?
Depending on the size and complexity of the project, it typically takes 1-2 days to board a loft.
More Expert Advice Articles
More Loft Floor Boarding Articles
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job