Loft boarding has become a popular choice for homeowners looking to expand their storage space by utilizing their attic or loft. Installing loft boarding and loft flooring can open up a whole new area in your home for safe, organized storage or even an additional living space. However, before you grab a toolbox and start on a DIY project, there are several essential aspects to consider, from structural safety to insulation and materials. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to decide if DIY loft boarding is a feasible option for you and how to approach the project if you decide to tackle it on your own.
Understanding Loft Boarding and Its Purpose
Loft boarding refers to the process of installing a solid floor across the joists of your attic. This flooring is designed to create a stable surface, allowing homeowners to safely store items and even move around in the loft. Loft boarding is a popular solution in homes where storage space is limited. The installation of loft flooring provides a platform that can be used to organize seasonal items, tools, holiday decorations, or even larger belongings that take up unnecessary space in your living areas.
Loft boarding is a home improvement process that involves adding a stable and accessible floor in an attic or loft space. Many homeowners find that their lofts are underutilized due to accessibility challenges, lack of a safe walking surface, or concerns about weight capacity and structural limitations. By installing loft boarding, you create a safe, stable area for storage and potentially even light usage beyond storage, such as a hobby area or workspace.
Key Reasons for Loft Boarding
The primary purpose of loft boarding is to increase usable space in a home by transforming the attic from an underutilized area into a valuable storage space. As homes become increasingly compact and property prices continue to rise, finding extra storage solutions without expanding or moving becomes a practical solution. Here are some of the main reasons why homeowners choose to install loft boarding:
Enhanced Storage Capacity
A loft is often spacious, but without a stable floor, it remains largely inaccessible for storage. By adding loft boarding, you can safely store seasonal items, holiday decorations, bulky sports equipment, tools, and other infrequently used belongings. Properly installed loft flooring maximizes this area, allowing homeowners to free up space in their primary living areas, reducing clutter, and making everyday spaces more organized.
Increased Property Value and Appeal
Well-utilized storage space is an attractive feature for potential buyers. While loft boarding is unlikely to turn an attic into a legal living area without extensive renovations, it can still increase a home’s appeal by providing more functional square footage for storage. Some real estate agents report that a loft boarded for storage purposes can improve resale value because it enhances the practical use of the property.
Thermal Efficiency and Energy Savings
Many lofts are insulated to improve the home’s energy efficiency, but these layers of insulation often make it challenging to walk or store items. Adding raised loft boarding allows you to maintain insulation levels while gaining a stable surface for storage. If the flooring is installed correctly, it preserves the efficiency of your loft’s insulation by keeping it uncompressed. This added efficiency can lead to energy savings, as it helps retain warmth in winter and keeps the home cooler in summer.
Improved Accessibility and Safety
Attic spaces without flooring are often difficult to access safely. The joists that run across the loft are not intended as walking surfaces and can pose hazards for anyone attempting to maneuver without proper boarding. Adding loft boarding makes it safer to access and use the loft, especially if combined with a sturdy loft ladder and clear path across the flooring. This accessibility means that homeowners can more easily and safely retrieve or store belongings without the risk of stepping between joists and damaging the ceiling below.
Potential for Light Usage Beyond Storage
While most lofts are not designed for full living spaces without significant renovations, some lofts with proper flooring can accommodate light uses beyond storage. For example, some homeowners might create a small, quiet workspace, reading nook, or hobby area in a well-ventilated loft. With appropriate insulation, lighting, and boarding, the loft can become a versatile space that supports more than just storage.
Differences Between Loft Boarding and Full Attic Conversion
It’s essential to understand that loft boarding is distinct from a full attic conversion. A loft conversion involves significant structural alterations, often raising the roof, reinforcing joists, adding skylights or windows, and installing insulation and drywall to create a legal living space. This conversion process is extensive and often requires building permits and adherence to local building codes.
Loft boarding, on the other hand, is focused on adding flooring to the attic without extensive remodeling or altering the structural elements of the space. Since it’s mainly intended for storage, loft boarding is less costly, quicker to install, and generally does not require building permits (though consulting a structural engineer may still be advisable). It offers a functional improvement without the scale and cost of a complete attic conversion.
Types of Loft Boarding Solutions
There are various boarding solutions available, each suited to different attic needs and structures:
Standard Loft Boarding Directly on Joists
This method involves placing boards directly onto the loft joists. While it’s a more affordable and straightforward approach, it often compresses existing insulation, which can reduce thermal efficiency. It’s more suitable for homes where insulation isn’t a primary concern or where the loft is already insulated under the joists.
Raised Loft Boarding
Raised boarding systems are becoming more popular as they allow for loft flooring to be installed above the insulation, preventing compression and retaining thermal performance. These systems often use loft legs or stilt-like structures to create a raised platform, keeping the insulation intact beneath the boards.
Modular Loft Boarding Systems
Modular loft boarding systems are pre-cut, easy-to-install board kits designed to fit together in various loft configurations. They’re ideal for DIY projects, allowing homeowners to customize the layout based on their specific storage needs and attic dimensions. Modular systems are often lightweight yet sturdy, making them suitable for attics with lighter load-bearing capacity.
The Purpose of Professional Loft Boarding Installation
While DIY loft boarding is a feasible option, professional installation offers expertise in structural safety, layout efficiency, and load distribution. Professionals can also provide assessments of the loft’s structural integrity, ensuring the loft boarding is installed with minimal impact on the attic’s joists and insulation. Moreover, professional installations are often covered by warranties, providing peace of mind that the installation was done safely and correctly.
Should You Attempt Loft Boarding Yourself?
Many homeowners consider DIY loft boarding because of the cost savings. But is it realistic to DIY this project? The answer depends on several factors, such as your DIY skills, the tools you have, and your knowledge of structural safety. Before you decide, consider the following aspects of loft boarding that could affect whether or not you should attempt it.
Key Considerations for DIY Loft Boarding
While DIY loft boarding can be rewarding, several critical considerations will affect your ability to carry out the project safely and effectively.
Load-Bearing Capacity of Joists
Before boarding your loft, it’s essential to assess the load-bearing capacity of your attic’s joists. Attic joists are generally not designed to support heavy loads; they’re meant for roof support. Adding loft flooring without evaluating the strength of these joists could cause structural issues. Consulting a structural engineer before beginning may be necessary to ensure your loft can handle additional weight.
Insulation and Ventilation
Most lofts have insulation installed between the joists to maintain home energy efficiency. When installing loft boarding, it’s crucial to avoid compressing the insulation, which would reduce its effectiveness. A raised boarding system allows you to install flooring above the insulation without disturbing it. Additionally, ensure that you leave ventilation gaps to avoid issues with moisture buildup or condensation, which could lead to mold and dampness.
Accessibility and Safety Precautions
If your loft currently lacks a secure access point, you may need to install a loft ladder or hatch to make the area accessible. Safety is also paramount when working in an attic space, as one misstep could result in a fall or injury. Using temporary support boards while you work can prevent accidental falls.
Step-by-Step Guide to DIY Loft Boarding
If you feel confident and have considered the necessary precautions, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you board your loft.
Planning and Measuring
Begin by measuring the attic space you wish to board. Plan out the layout of your boards to avoid having to cut more pieces than necessary. Be sure to account for any obstacles like ventilation pipes or wiring and design your layout around them.
Install Loft Legs or Supports
If you’re raising the boards above the insulation, install loft legs or supports across the joists. These are typically screwed into place and act as a platform for the loft flooring. The raised supports will prevent any compression of the insulation, maintaining its thermal efficiency.
Cut and Position Boards
Use a circular saw to cut the boards to size as needed. Start by laying boards across the loft legs or directly on the joists if you’re not using supports. Ensure each board is securely positioned and aligns with adjacent boards. Leave a small gap between boards for ventilation purposes.
Secure the Boards
Drill pilot holes through the boards and into the joists or loft legs, then secure them with screws. This will prevent the boards from shifting and create a solid, stable surface for your loft storage. Repeat the process across the loft area.
Ensure Safety and Accessibility
Make sure there’s a clear, accessible path across your boarded loft, especially near the access hatch. Install any additional lighting or safety barriers to make moving around the loft safe.
