The cost of loft boarding depends mainly on whether the boards need to be raised above deep insulation or can be fixed directly to the joists, how much of the loft you want boarded, the condition and spacing of the joists, and how easy it is to get boards through the hatch and across the loft. Raised boarding takes longer and uses more material than boarding direct, but it is usually the right choice in a well insulated loft, because squashing insulation under boards makes it far less effective. This guide explains each driver so you can compare quotations without guessing.
Raised boarding or boarding direct
Modern loft insulation is often much deeper than the joists. Laying boards straight onto the joists compresses that insulation, which cuts its performance and can cause condensation on the cold side. The usual answer is to fit loft legs or a raised timber grid to lift the boards clear, so the insulation keeps its full depth underneath.
Where the insulation is no deeper than the joists, or the loft is only lightly insulated, boarding direct onto the joists is simpler and quicker. A quick look at the depth of insulation tells you which approach applies.
Area boarded and what it is for
Most people do not need the whole loft boarded. A walkway from the hatch to the water tank, plus a storage area either side, is often enough and keeps the cost down. Boarding every corner under a low pitched roof uses a lot of board for space that is hard to reach.
Think about what the loft will hold. Light boxes and seasonal items suit standard loft boarding. Anything heavy needs the joists checked first, since ceiling joists are sized to hold up a ceiling, not a store room.
Joists, hatch and access
The condition of the loft has a big effect on how long the job takes.
- Joist spacing and whether any are cut, notched or damaged
- Cables and pipes that run across the joists and must stay clear
- A small hatch that limits board size, meaning more cuts and joints
- Steep or narrow access through the house to carry materials up
- Old insulation that needs lifting and relaying neatly
- Headroom, which affects how comfortably the work can be done
Hatches, ladders and lighting
A small, awkward hatch is one of the most common reasons boarding takes longer. Boards come in sizes that fit common hatches, but a very small opening means narrower boards and more fixings. Some people enlarge the hatch or fit a loft ladder at the same time, which is carpentry in its own right and should be included in the same quotation if wanted.
A light in the loft makes it far more usable. Adding a new light or socket is electrical work and should be done by an electrician, but it makes sense to plan it alongside the boarding.
Ventilation and cables
Lofts need airflow at the eaves to stay dry. Boarding should stop short of the eaves and never block vents, otherwise condensation can form on the underside of the roof. Cables lying across the joists should not be buried under insulation and boards in a way that makes them overheat or impossible to trace. Where cables are in the way, they should be clipped clear rather than crushed.
Getting a quote that compares fairly
Send a photo from the hatch looking in, the rough size of the area you want boarded and the depth of the existing insulation. Say whether you want a ladder, a hatch enlarged or a light added. That makes it clear whether raised boarding is needed and lets the quotation set out exactly what is included. Loft boarding is a good job to add to the winter maintenance checklist, since autumn is when most people start clearing space for storage.
Frequently asked questions
Related services
Related jobs
- Internal door hanging and fitting
- Skirting board and architrave fitting
- Shelving and flat pack assembly
- TV mounting service: TVs fixed securely to your wall
Areas covered
Related guides
Jobs a handyman can do, and when you need a specialist
A straight list of what to book a handyman for, and what not to.
Preparing your house for winter: a maintenance checklist
The autumn jobs that stop small problems becoming expensive ones.
Boxing in pipes: a neat finish that still lets you reach them
Hiding soil stacks and pipe runs without trapping the valves you will one day need.
Cost to lay laminate flooring: what affects the price
The preparation and finishing that sit around the boards themselves.