Our Easy Guide on How to Board a Loft
Do you want to learn how to board a loft? Our step-by-step guide will not only show you how, but also provide information on the reasons why boarding your loft is a good idea, the tools you might need to get started, and the cheapest way to board a loft for those on a budget.
What Is Loft Boarding?
Loft boarding is the process of using wooden boards to create more storage space in your home. The boards provide a sturdy platform which enables you to store more items in the roof space.
Loft boarding has additional benefits such as improving insulation and therefore lowering your energy bills by making the home more energy efficient.
What to Consider Before Making the Decision to Board Your Loft
Headroom - ensure there is enough headroom in the loft to put boards down and still leave space for storage.
Airflow - make note of where the air vents are, and ensure they are left uncovered. Not doing so can have a detrimental effect on insulation and create imbalances in pressure. This could impact how much cool air can circulate - meaning insulation doesn’t get the necessary airflow required to function properly.
Building regulations - if you are simply boarding your loft rather than turning it into a usable living space, you shouldn’t need building regulations permission to go ahead. However, if you plan to convert your loft into a living space it must pass building regulations. If you are unsure, get in touch with your local council for more information.
Joists and trusses - joists or trusses should not be overloaded. It’s best not to install boards directly onto them to keep any additional weight off.
Ready to Board Your Loft?
Knowing how to board a loft safely means you can easily maximise the space in your loft and utilise it for your needs. This is useful when you need more storage space in your home and your loft space is currently untouched. Loft boarding is a great solution to make the most of your loft and store all those things you don't need access to all year round, like your abundance of Christmas decorations or suitcases for holidays.
How to Board a Loft Safely in 4 Easy Steps
1. Preparing to Board Your Loft
Before starting any DIY job, safety is the key. Below you can find our safety gear checklist, and a list of all the tools you need so that you have everything you need to perform the job correctly.
Advised safety gear:
- Gloves
- Overalls (disposable)
- A dust mask
- Protective eyewear
- Sensible footwear
Tools you’ll need:
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Jigsaw
- Workbench
- Hammer
- Screwdrivers
- Drill
2. Taking Measurements
Before you start to lay any boards or measure the space, check the depth of your insulation. For it to be thermally effective, mineral wool insulation needs to be at the current government-recommended depth of between 250-270mm. If you are unsure about loft insulation or how to lay it, refer to our guide on how to insulate your loft.
After establishing your insulation depth, it’s now time to measure the area the boards will cover. Be sure to note it is not necessary to board your entire loft, many people only focus on the central area in their loft as the height of the roof can sometimes hinder access. Standard loft boards come in two different sizes; 2400mm x 600mm and 1220mm x 320mm; both of which are 18mm thick. Consider the size of your loft hatch as the boards you use will have to fit through.
3. Laying Down Your Boards
Before starting the work, make sure you're wearing your protective gear to minimise injury. A top tip from us is to place a board between the ceiling joists to act as a temporary work platform, this makes for a more stable area when working. Place the boards into the desired space and lay them in a staggered pattern so that the joins don't line up and create a weak point.
Look out for any wires running through your loft when placing and cutting the boards. Consider loft lighting, and cut the boards to make way for access to the tops of the light fittings.
Additional Tip:
Running along the loft, you might experience gaps as the staggered pattern continues. These gaps can be filled with pieces of infill, which simply need to be cut as you go along. If necessary, use a hammer to lightly tap the infill pieces into place before securing them with screws as you would with normal-sized loft boards.
4. Installation
Once the boards are in the desired position, one that allows easy access and enough storage room, you're ready to make the positions permanent. Drill 2 or 3 pilot holes along the edge of each board, lining up with the centre of the joist below and fix them into place with screws.
*Please note we do not provide services that fit loft boards. We also recommend that if you are not familiar with DIY activities, you get a professional to board your loft.
How Much Does It Cost to Board a Loft?
The cost of loft boarding depends on the loft's size and materials used. In the UK, the average price ranges from £500 to £1,500
If you need to board your loft on a budget make sure that you take accurate measurements, choose budget-friendly materials such as plywood, chipboard or recycled materials, and look for deals and discounts at DIY stores for the materials you need. If your budget is tight, you could always take your time boarding your loft - do it in stages to spread the cost and make it more manageable.
High Quality and Safe Loft Ladders from Loft Centre
We hope our easy guide on how to board a loft has helped you successfully complete this task. In creating new space in your loft you might find that you are in need of a new loft ladder to provide convenient access to this new storage space. Our loft ladders can provide you with easy access to your loft space - take a look at our recommendations below:
The Dolle Click 76 Timber Folding Loft Ladder
The ClickFix 76 is a versatile and easy-to-assemble loft ladder. This ladder offers a 3 stage process of clicking together the casing, ladder and trap door without the use of tools for a much quicker and simpler assembly.
Looking for a sturdy option? Check out these options...
Dolle ClickFix Thermo Comfort Steel Folding Loft Ladder
Dolle ClickFix Thermo Comfort loft ladder provides a sturdy, well-designed steel folding loft ladder with comfortable deep treads in an anthracite colour. A white finished wooden casing frame and trapdoor complement the ladder and provide a high-grade insulated product.
Columbus Piccolo Premium Aluminium Concertina Loft Ladder
The Piccolo Premium incorporates the same heavy-duty aluminium ladder as our standard model, but with the additional benefit of being spring-assisted. This makes the operation of the ladder even smoother and safer.
Contact Loft Centre Today
If you have any questions around loft ladders or which design could work in the space you have available, contact us today to speak to a friendly member of the team who can talk you through your options. Email us at [email protected] or call us on 01243 785246 and let us help you find the perfect loft ladder today.
