loft-flooring

It’s the foundation of any usable space, whether downstairs in the living room or up in the attic - quality flooring can really help pave the way for you to be able turn that loft into someplace practical, comfortable and generally a much safer environment to be in.

So with that being said, we decided it would be a good idea to take a look at some of the principals behind laying down a good, safe and sturdy loft floor.

Think about energy efficiency (subfloor)

Beneath your attic flooring on show, there also needs to be a sub layer that’s used to support the entire surface and compress insulation materials between the joists and trusses.

Without going into too much detail here (you can find out more about attic insulation in the link above) the majority of a home’s heat rises through the attic floor and escapes via the roof. This can be avoided by installing 2”X3” planks to raise the joists above the level of the insulation material before the subfloor is brought in. Further materials, such as cork or padded foam can also be used to add an extra layer of insulation beneath your final layer of flooring on show.

Consider weight and ventilation before you begin (subfloor and flooring on show)

We’ve already spoken about the importance of proper attic ventilation, and this is certainly something you’ll need to take into account before you begin to install your attic floor. The effects of extreme hot and cold temperatures throughout the year can severely warp wooden boards. Also, there is a danger that, because of the build up of stagnant heat, moisture will form around the joists, which can add to further flooring problems. Be sure to protect the wood by laying a plastic barrier between the underside and joists. This will keep any moisture from the house coming up into the wood.

Secondly, you’ll need to consider how much weight your attic can handle before you decide what type of flooring to lay down on show. Not only is it extremely difficult to get heavy flooring materials up into the attic in the first place, but once installed they will be a constant weight, bearing down and gradually weakening the structural integrity of your home. It’s far better to use synthetic, lightweight flooring on show, so long as they’re of a good quality.

Types of attic flooring (flooring on show)

How you decide to finish off your attic floor will very much depend on how you intend to use that space. If you’re only using your attic as a place to store your personal belongings, then you won’t necessarily need to invest in expensive-looking flooring materials - it’s simply a matter of ensuring the floor is solid enough to withstand the weight and is well-insulated.

If you plan on using your attic as a bedroom, for example, then this would be an entirely different matter. Laminate flooring is an ideal choice because it’s very light and resilient against scratches and bumps. In terms of aesthetics, bare-looking floors also make a room appear more spacious than carpet, so opt for light, neutral colours.

If you prefer the ‘natural look’, then by all means leave your naked subfloor on show. This will, however, reduce the effectiveness of your attic’s insulation.