Loft Boarding Cost

How Much Does Loft Boarding Cost?

Loft boarding is when wooden or composite boards are installed across the floor joists of a loft space in order to provide a secure and stable surface for walking on, and for suitable storage or living space.

The boarding of a loft doesn't create a living area on its own, but it’s certainly the first step in the process. However, if you are just looking for some storage space for shelves and boxes, this is the perfect solution.

The cost to board a loft depends on several key aspects and factors, including the size of your loft, the type of boarding you want to have installed, and whether the space is insulated, not to mention the accessibility of your loft space.

On average, a basic loft boarding of around 10m² will start from around £400, but a more thorough installation that includes features like raised boarding, insulation, lighting and a hatch, the price will rise to around £1,500 or more.

Loft Boarding Prices

It’s important to fully understand the cost of boarding a lot, and what impacts that price. Overall, the type of board you wish to install and how easy it is for the tradesperson to access your loft space are the biggest contributing factors, with some added considerations like insulation.

For a small loft space of around 10m², using standard chipboard panels and not adding insulation, the price you pay will be around £400 to £700.

Upgrading the boards to moisture-resistant, tongue and groove boards will see the price rise, particularly if you are adding insulation beneath the boards. For a medium-sized loft of between 15m² and 20m², with this specification, you will typically pay somewhere between £800 and £1,400 for the full job.

For a fully comprehensive package that includes boarding, along with extras like a telescopic loft ladder, enlarged hatch, and lighting installation, costs can climb to £2,000 or more. Ultimately, the layout of your loft, ease of access, and any obstructions will also impact the final bill.

Cost Breakdown by Loft Type or Layout

Different homes have many different loft layouts depending on their structure, and this can affect the price you pay for your loft boarding. For example, terraced houses are generally quite compact, meaning lofts are smaller and have restricted access.

For these homes, you may find that the boarding costs are quite low, with such a small surface area to board out. The job should be quick and easy, with material costs being low and limitations on the amount of upgrades you can incorporate.

Detached homes tend to have much more spacious loft areas and benefit from better access points. This can make the installation much smoother, but also increases the amount of materials you will need to purchase, and the job will be much longer, meaning you pay more for labour.

Boarding a larger loft in a detached home could cost anywhere between £900 and £1,600, particularly if you opt for raised systems or add extra features.

Finally, bungalows present quite a unique case. They tend to have quite large loft spaces, with lots of headroom. However, they also tend to have low joist strength and complex layouts, which makes the job of boarding the space somewhat challenging.

Boarding a bungalow loft could cost upwards of £1,000, especially if you’re incorporating insulation or fitting an enlarged hatch for easier access.

What are the Supply Costs for Loft Boarding?

The cost of materials, or the supply cost, for loft boarding presents a significant chunk of the overall price. The most cost-effective option is to opt for standard chipboard panels, and these typically cost between £6 and £10 per metre.

However, moisture-resistant boards are much better suited for ventilated lofts, but do cost more at around £10 to £15 per square metre.

Raised loft boarding is a system that is designed to protect any insulation beneath and also to maintain airflow. They are very effective systems, but are significantly more expensive than their counterparts at between £25 and £35 per square metre.

Adding insulation rolls underneath the boards will cost about £5 to £8 per square metre, depending on thickness and type.

There are a few other supply costs to be aware of in this job. Loft hatches, if a new one is required, will cost between £50 and £150, depending on whether you opt for an insulated version.

Loft ladders are another essential item for a newly boarded loft, providing a safe and efficient route into the space - these cost anywhere between £80 and £250. Lighting kits suitable for lofts usually range from £40 to £100.

What are the Additional Costs of Loft Boarding?

Looking away from the core costs of the boarding and insulation, there are some optional extras that can take your loft space to the next level, but will come at an additional cost.

The most common upgrade for a loft space is a quality loft ladder. Depending on the style and quality level you opt for, you will pay between £150 and £300 for both the supply and installation, with wooden folding ladders costing more than a basic aluminium version.

The enlarging of a loft hatch is another common upgrade, allowing for better access into the loft space, and costs around £150 to £250.

Loft insulation is commonly installed at the same time as a loft boarding job. Insulating a loft will bring you a lot of benefits, most notably in your energy costs.

The cost to insulate a loft space costs anywhere between £280 and £1,250, depending on a range of factors from the type of property to the type of insulation.

The addition of lighting is an effective upgrade, making it more accessible and, above all else, much safer to use the loft space. The installation of LED bulbs with a switch near the hatch costs between £50 and £150.

There are a few other potential costs, including storage features like shelving, professional cleaning of old insulation, and waste removal.

Tradesmen's Costs for Loft Boarding Installation

We’ve already covered the cost of materials for boarding a loft, but what about the cost of labour? The cost of labour for a loft boarding installation depends on the complexity of the job and the system being installed.

Typically, a carpenter or loft installation specialist charges an hourly rate of between £25 and £40. Daily rates usually range from £200 to £300, and the total labour for boarding a 10m² to 20m² loft typically falls between £300 and £600.

The cost of labour generally covers all aspects of the job, from measuring and marking to the actual installation. Some tradespeople also include some basic waste removal too, so you should always speak with them before agreeing to the work to find out exactly what you get for the price.

How Long Does It Take to Board a Loft?

The time it takes to board a loft really depends on the size of the loft, how easy it is to access and how complex the materials are to install. For a small 10m² area, the work can usually be completed in half a day or within 3 to 6 hours. A medium-sized loft of 15m² to 20m² generally takes 1 to 2 full days to complete.

For larger lofts of 30m² or more, there may be a requirement to stagger the work over 2 to 3 days, especially if insulation is being upgraded or if a raised boarding system is being installed.

Types of Loft Boarding

Standard Chipboard

Affordable and widely available, chipboard is ideal for small budgets. However, it's not moisture-resistant and may sag over time in humid lofts.

Pros:

• Cheap
• Quick to install

Cons:

• Not durable in damp conditions

Moisture-Resistant Boards

Designed for better longevity in humid or poorly ventilated lofts, these are ideal in older homes.

Pros:

• More durable than chipboard

Cons:

• Slightly higher cost

Raised Loft Boarding Systems

Systems like LoftZone create a raised platform above insulation, preserving airflow and preventing compression.

Pros:

• Maintains insulation performance
• Reduces condensation risk

• Higher material and labour costs

Factors Affecting the Cost of Loft Boarding

There are quite a few different factors that can influence the total cost of your loft boarding, with the most obvious factor being size due to the additional labour and materials.

Additionally, the type of insulation installed in your property will also impact the price, as it may need to be either upgraded or protected alongside the installation.

The type of boards and systems you opt for has quite an impact on the price. For standard boards, you will pay much less, but they may not be suitable for every loft.

Access also matters, and tight or narrow spaces naturally take longer to work in, increasing labour costs.

Loft Boarding Cost Calculator

If you’re looking for an easy way to estimate the cost of loft boarding for your home, simply multiply your loft's size in square metres by the cost of your chosen board type.

For example, if you're using a raised boarding system at £30 per m² for a 15m² loft, materials alone would cost around £450. They consider adding insulation at around £8 per m², which would add another £120 onto the overall cost.

For this, labour costs should be around £500, and consider any extras like a ladder or lighting, which could add another £250, making the total roughly £1,320.

Planning Permission and Building Regulations

It is unlikely that you will need planning permission for a loft boarding, as it is considered permitted development. However, if you live in a listed or protected building, you may need to seek approval from your local council, particularly if you are altering the structure of the joists, installing electrical wiring, or affecting insulation levels.

Benefits of Loft Boarding

Boarding your loft essentially adds another room to your home. You will get access to an organised and accessible space, perfect for the storage of pretty much anything.

Instead of balancing boxes on joists or worrying about whether the current floor can take the weight of boxes, you will have a space safe to walk around on and store things effectively.

Loft boarding will also improve your home's energy efficiency, particularly when used in conjunction with insulation upgrades. Raised boarding systems maintain airflow and prevent compression of insulation, keeping your home warmer and reducing energy bills.

How Much Does It Cost to Remove Loft Boarding?

If you ever need to remove loft boarding, maybe for an upgrade, a repair or for a full loft conversion, the cost of the removal, much like the cost of installation, depends on the size and accessibility of the space.

Labour costs for removal are typically between £200 and £400, and if waste materials need to be disposed of, this could add another £50 to £150 - typically, a skip would be the best option here.

FAQs

Q: Can I board over existing insulation?

A: Yes, however, ensure that you do not compress the existing insulation, as this will reduce its effectiveness. Raised systems will allow for proper airflow and insulation depth, so these are the best options for installing over insulation.

Q: Is it safe to use my loft for heavy storage?

A: A qualified installer will be able to tell you what limits your joists have, as standard joists in many homes are not designed to sustain very heavy weights in concentrated areas.

Q: Do I need permission to board my loft?

A: Not usually, unless you are making structural changes or adding electrics, however, building regulations may still apply, so speak with your tradesperson for advice.

Q: What is the best type of loft board?

A: The top choice for most is moisture-resistant or raised boarding systems, as they are generally the best for longevity and thermal efficiency.

Q: Can I install loft boarding myself?

A: While it is possible for a DIYer to attempt to install loft boarding, it is quite a difficult job that is best left to the professionals to ensure the job is completed properly.