How to Floor and Insulate Your Loft

When you ask people what annoys them most about their homes, close to the top of the list of is usually lack of storage space. While there are lots of things that we have in our homes that we need regular access to; there are also a whole host of things that we only need access to just once or twice a year (or even less). This is where loft storage really comes into its own.

If you’re looking for extra space, flooring your loft is a great way to go. But how to floor a loft isn’t something we’re all familiar with. This is why we thought about producing this guide, ‘How To Floor a Loft’ to help you.

We’ll lead you through 6 steps to give you a clear idea of what’s ahead. But if you need further help about how to floor a loft, be reassured that the team at Lothian Building Supplies is here for you.

1. Decide what you want from your loft

How you go about flooring your loft will depend on what you want to use your loft for. For example, if you want to create a dream master bedroom and ensuite shower room, you should seek professional help as this isn’t a job for most DIY-ers.  Likewise, while we stock Velux windows, which are a great finishing touch to any loft, we do recommend that you have these professionally fitted. However, if you want to use your loft for storing belongings that you only need access to occasionally, then this guide will help you tackle the project in hand with confidence.

2. Measure up and work out

Most people who want to use their loft for storage don’t floor the whole area in their attic. This is because the areas under the angles of the roof can be difficult to access. Leaving hard to access areas unfloored cuts your costs and your workload – so be realistic. Once you’ve decided the area you want to floor, it’s time to measure up.

Ideally you should ask someone to help with the measuring up as it’ll speed up the process and make it a whole lot easier. Once you have measured up, it’s time to work out how many boards you need. You can check out our board options and sizes right here. Top Tip – when you’re ordering your boards, add a little extra to be on the safe side.

3. Don’t forget about access and insulation

When you floor your loft, you’ll soon discover how much extra storage space you have. The thing is, it’s important to finish the job you start. Two of the biggest things people often forget about when planning how to floor a loft are – easy access and insulation. While you mightn’t need to go up into your loft every other day, there are 101 great reasons to make sure that when you do need to get up there, that the access is easy. That’s why we have this loft ladder on our site.

And of course, saving on our energy bills is something that’s on all our agendas. So don’t forget to check out our insulation options and install your insulation before you lay your floor.

4. Prepare for the task ahead

Ask any professional and they’ll say that the success of any project is directly proportional to the preparation you put in and this is particularly true when it comes to working out how to floor a loft. The key things to think about are having space to work, having all the tools you’ll need to hand and if possible, having an extra pair of hands to help you.

5. Place your boards

The first part of the process (after installing your installation that is), is to lay out your boards. When you’re doing this, it’s important to make sure you don’t trap any cables, to try (if you can) to leave access to light fittings in the ceilings below and lay your boards in a random pattern so you don’t create weak spots.

6. Fix and admire

When you’re happy with the layout, it’s a simple case of fixing the boards in place, admiring your work, and decluttering your home.

Ready to get started? Check this out. And don’t forget that you only have a few days left to enjoy our 10% discount offer – an offer that could add up to a sizeable saving!