How Much Does Loft Boarding Cost On Average

Are you wondering how much does loft boarding cost? If yes, you should check out our guide here on the prices you can expect.

Does your home have an unfinished loft? Lofts are a great way to add more storage or recreation space to your home.

Using your unfinished loft as is, however, isn’t ideal. Bare joists and unsupported floorboards can cause heavy items or even you to fall through the ceiling. This doesn’t just damage your home but puts you at risk!

The solution? Adding loft boarding to your loft. The next question homeowners face is how to determine the loft boarding cost.

Like any home improvement project, it can be challenging to determine the final costs. There are many variables, such as the loft size and the types of materials used that influence the cost. Is boarding your loft a DIY project or are you having professionals do it for you?

Whatever the case may be, we can still help you get an idea of your loft boarding costs. Here’s how you can determine the cost of boarding your loft.

The Benefits of Boarding Your Loft

The main advantage of boarding your loft is to give your home additional storage space. This is a great way to keep old keepsakes and holiday decor out of your living space. But there are a few more advantages to boarding a loft besides decluttering your home.

Boarding a loft can save you money on energy costs. Boarding your loft allows you to add insulation to prevent heat loss reducing your heating and cooling bills.

Finish the loft area to add an extra bedroom or hobby space. You may need planning permission or a permit to turn the loft into a habitat space. But, it will increase your home’s property value.

Common Loft Boarding Scenarios

How your plan to use your loft will determine what it will look like and give you an idea of the loft boarding cost. There are a few common scenarios that will dictate the cost.

One option is to partially board the loft closest to the loft hatch or entrance. This is the most economic option as you don’t need to pay for supplies to cover the entire loft. This can cost as little as $200-$300 for supplies and is a fairly easy DIY project.

Some people will add insulation and board the entire loft to use solely as a storage area. This will cost more as you will need enough supplies to cover your whole loft. This will cost closer to $1,000 for materials depending on the size of the space.

A few homeowners will convert their loft into a living area. This is the most costly option as you will need drywall, HVAC, and electrical outlets in addition to the simple loft boarding materials. Costs for this can go well above several thousand dollars.

Having an idea of your loft’s dimensions and level of finishing will give you a good idea to the loft boarding cost. There are, however, several more variables to consider including installation costs and materials.

Do You Need Additional Structural Support?

Certain walls in your home are load-bearing to support the weight of the structures above. Was your home built to support a future finished loft? If yes, then you don’t need to worry about adding additional support.

Not all homes had the idea of a finished loft included in their building plans. Many older homes, for example, don’t have the structural support to hold a fully finished loft.

Additional support includes adding more joists and vertical reinforcement to prevent your loft from falling through the ceiling. In most cases, you will need to work with a professional engineer to properly install additional support. These materials and labor costs will add to your overall loft boarding cost.

The Cost of Loft Floorboards

There are many types of board materials you can use to board your loft. Your area will determine the average cost for floorboards.

If you’re planning to use your loft to store light objects, 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) will work well. Sheets of plywood and OSB cost around $10 or $6 respectively. You can also use loft flooring designed by this company that sits over loft insulation.

Are you planning to use your loft to store heavy objects or convert into a habitable space? You’ll need to invest in stronger subflooring and regular floorings, such as carpet, wood, or linoleum.

You also have to ensure your loft floor meets building codes and passes inspection. Inspections and flooring for a finished loft will be greater than a simple loft storage room cost.

The Cost of Insulation

Adding insulation to your loft will save you money on heating and cooling. It also helps keep your items in storage safe from extreme heat or cold. Like floorboards, the cost of insulation depends on the area where you live.

Insulation comes in many forms. Common insulation used in lofts includes:

• Spray foam insulation
• Rigid insulation boards
• Blanket insulation
• Glass rock and mineral wood
• Loose-fill
• Insulated panels

You need to do your research as each type offers several pros and cons and some will fit your needs better than others. The type of insulation varies in price ranging from $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot.

DIY or Professional Loft Installation?

Can you make your loft boarding project into a DIY job? Yes, you can. Boarding a loft by yourself can save you money, as long as you have access to tools and some experience.

Many homeowners can board their lofts for simple storage. If you’re planning to do more than board an area for storage, you should consider professional installation.

Most professional loft boarding installers charge per hour or by the day. A simple or small loft boarding project will cost less as it takes less time. A fully remodeled loft will take several days to complete and will cost much more.

Research to get an idea of the labor costs in your area.

Understanding the Loft Boarding Cost Before Boarding Your Loft

Boarding a loft is a wonderful way to add storage space and increase the value of your home. But before you start, you must understand the loft boarding cost to ensure it fits within your budget and meets your needs. Want to find more great life tips and tricks? Check out my latest blogs to learn more!