If you want to raise the floor of your loft, you may want to consider installing loft boards. You can choose the size of your boards based on how much space you currently have in your loft. Choosing the right size will also depend on what you’ll be storing up in the loft. If you’re planning to raise the loft floor, you should also get planning permission. Using loft boards to raise the floor will make it easier to store items in the loft.
Tidy and neat loft boards
The use of tidy and neat loft boards is a great way to keep the space in your loft clean and tidy. These boards will allow you to use the entire space of your loft, including the edges, and it will allow you to maximise your storage options. You can use the boarded area for various purposes, including storage for your clothes and other belongings.
Before you start storing anything in your loft, think about what you’re going to put in it. Are you going to store seasonal items, such as clothes for baby or teenage years? Choosing seasonal items will make it much easier to sort. For instance, if you’re storing baby toys, you can put these into boxes, while you’ll keep your teenage clothes in their proper place.
Choosing the right size
Choosing the right size for your loft is essential if you want it to meet building regulation requirements. To get the right loft board size, measure the length and width of the ceiling. A good rule of thumb is two-thirds of the loft’s length. You should also know the thickness of the boards, which should be at least 18mm.
You should also factor in pipes and electrical fixtures. In addition, make sure you have adequate insulation. You might need to consider removing any damaged insulation or laying panels over pipes. Moreover, remember that your board must fit through your loft hatch. If you have no loft hatch, you may need to store your belongings in a storage space.
Once you’ve chosen the right size, the next step is to lay the loft boards across the joists. Make sure they’re not too wide, but just long enough to reach the centre point of the joist. Afterwards, use screws to secure each board into its location.
Choosing the right size for loft boards depends on how much room you want to board. If you have a large space for a loft, choose boards of the same width as the joists. Larger boards also mean less cutting, which is important if you plan to install new floorboards.
Choosing the right size for your loft boards is vital if you want to create an airtight space. Properly installed insulation will save you money in the long run. If you’ve opted to board the loft yourself, make sure that you have sufficient woodworking experience and know how to handle wood.
You’ll also want to consider the height of the loft. A small loft can become too cluttered for you to use. A ladder with a small hatch can make climbing the loft difficult. It will also make it difficult to find items. The height of your loft is also crucial, as you’ll be carrying heavy boxes up and down it.
The attic area is an important part of your house’s ventilation and insulation, so choosing the wrong lumber for the attic may cause dampness or wood rot. Also, heavy hardwood boards don’t add to the insulation, although they’re fine for ground level. Plywood or OSB are both great choices for attic floors.
Raising the loft floor
Raising the floor of your loft can be a simple DIY project. This technique involves attaching extra timbers to the timberwork on the loft’s walls and roof, raising the floor level by approximately 200mm. The additional height allows for adequate insulation and ventilation. There are several techniques to choose from, including the traditional method or modern systems.
First, determine how much area you want to cover. Boards will typically come with tongue and groove edges, so you will not have to cut the boards to fit the joists. You can also add PVA wood glue to the grooves to increase structural stability. To begin, decide how much of the loft floor you’ll be covering. Then glue each board.
You may want to hire a carpenter to install the ladder for you. You may have to increase the loft hatch’s dimensions to accommodate the ladder. The carpenter should be able to install the ladder in a day or two. Raising the floor with loft boards can add a great deal of value to your home.
If you’re considering raising the floor of your loft, you may want to consider several factors before committing. While the process itself is fairly straightforward, it can also pose some safety risks. Loft floors can become loose and creaky, and water can expand and break the boards. Plus, the boards can be heavy and easily damaged. Using boards is a cheaper alternative to wood. Loft boards can also be painted. Just make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure a successful installation.
Before installing loft boards, you should check that the installation meets Building Regulations. Make sure you install mains electric lights before laying the boards. This should be done by a qualified electrician, otherwise, you could end up with a potentially dangerous situation. It’s also important to follow safety guidelines and regulations. You should also wear protective gear, as you will be working in a dusty environment.
Another important consideration when raising the floor of your loft is the insulation. If you have insulation, a raised floor system will protect it from damage and improve air circulation in the space. You can also consider the loft’s construction, since this will affect the type of floorboards you choose.
Planning permission
Before you can get planning permission for loft boards, you must consider whether they are an appropriate use of the space. Loft conversions can be an excellent option to make more usable space. However, they are not without risks. In addition to potentially compromising the structural integrity of the building, loft conversions also require extensive works and building regulations. Before you get started, you should contact Building Control to ensure that your plans comply with the regulations.
The cost of boarding a loft can range from PS1500 to PS3000. This can also include the cost of installing insulation in the loft. This can vary depending on the type of insulation you need and the size of the space. However, if you simply want to use the loft as storage space, you do not require planning permission. You can use a ladder to access the space. This ladder can fold into the attic space when it is not in use. On the other hand, if you want to use your loft as extra living space, you will need to comply with Building Regulations and have a proper staircase and fire doors installed.
The first step in loft conversion is to apply for planning permission. You can find the information you need online or in your local planning authority’s office. If you do not know where to apply, you can also ask your builder or architect for advice. They will be able to help you determine whether you need planning permission for loft boards.
After obtaining planning permission, you will have to wait for a decision from the local planning authority. In general, you should receive a decision within eight to thirteen weeks. However, if you need to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment, the process can take up to 16 weeks. However, you should also remember that most planning permission notices last for up to three years, meaning you have time to start and finish your loft conversion before the deadline expires.
If you have a spiral staircase, you should be aware that there are specific building regulations for these. The height and width of the stair should be no more than 100mm. If your stairs have more than one level, the measurements vary.