Loft board installation can be an appealing home improvement project, offering a cost-effective way to enhance your property’s value and create convenient storage space. However, it’s essential to understand the potential costs involved to manage your expectations.
What Affects the Cost of Boarding Your Loft?
Several factors influence the cost of loft boarding:
- The size of the space to be boarded.
- The type of loft board material.
- Choice between raised or standard loft boarding.
- Whether you hire a professional installer or opt for DIY.
Costs can vary significantly based on how much of your loft you wish to board. One advantage of loft boarding is that you’re not required to complete the entire space at once; allowing you to board specific sections and add more as needed.
Various loft board options are available, with chipboard being the most common. Choices include environmentally friendly versions, lighter options, and higher-quality boards with a smooth finish. Prices typically range from £3 to £10 per 1220x300x18mm panel, depending on the selected type.
For standard loft board installation, you can screw the boards directly into the loft floor joists. In contrast, raised loft boards require a subframe system to elevate the boards above the insulation. Kits for these systems range from £80 to £800, based on size, while individual supports cost between £2 and £5, with cross-beams priced at £5 to £8. Additionally, screws are available from around £5 for a box of 200. While raised systems may have a higher initial cost, they can help reduce energy bills by allowing insulation to function effectively, making them a worthwhile long-term investment.
Opting for professional loft board installation provides peace of mind, ensuring that your loft flooring is robust enough to support your movements while searching for belongings.
Considering all factors, the average cost for a raised system is approximately £1,400 for 15m². At Key Loft Storage, we offer a range of bespoke loft boarding packages that include ladders, lighting, and more, with prices starting from £580 and going over £1,750 based on your specific needs. We collaborate with you to create your ideal loft storage solution.
Why Choose Raised Loft Boarding Over Standard?
There are numerous benefits to loft boarding, but raised systems offer even more advantages compared to standard boarding, which may justify the higher upfront cost.
While standard loft boarding is the quickest method, it often isn’t suitable for most buildings, especially those with existing insulation, wiring, or pipework, as it can damage these features.
Raised loft systems elevate the boards above the joists, allowing sufficient space for insulation at the recommended depth of 200mm. At Key Loft Storage, we exclusively use the strongest raised loft boarding system available.
Insulation that is compressed risks becoming damp, leading to mould or rot—issues that can be costly for homeowners. Some installers may remove insulation entirely to facilitate standard board installation, significantly reducing your home’s thermal efficiency. In contrast, raised loft boarding protects and enhances the insulation, allowing it to retain its depth and perform effectively in reducing heat loss, ultimately saving you money on energy bills.
Get in Touch for a Loft Board Installation Quote
If you’re interested in loft board installation, contact us for a FREE, no-obligation instant quote. Start your loft transformation today with Key Loft Storage!