Almost always, yes. Most lofts can be boarded, although the installation is not always simple. There are restrictions and regulations around what you can and cannot do in your loft.

Can you lay loft boards directly onto your joists?

No. Putting boards directly onto your joists will squash your insulation and restrict airflow in your loft. Not only is this against building regulations, but it can also cause damp and mould to form from restricting the airflow.

Can you board over loft insulation?

Yes, as long as the boarding is raised above your insulation level and has a small gap to allow airflow. Not raising the boarding can cause dampness and mould to form from restricting the airflow.

Do I need permission to board my loft?

You can board out your loft without building consent, but it can only be used for storage or a non-living space, such as a hobby room.

Can I board my loft and use it as a bedroom?

If you're converting your loft into an extra bedroom or a room considered a living space, the work must meet the government's building regulations. The room must be accessible via a permanent staircase and comply with the correct fire regulations. This requires a full loft conversion, which is not a service we offer.

How long does it take to board a loft?

Depending on the size of the area and the ease of access, most loft boarding jobs take between one and two days to install.

Can I board my new build loft?

Absolutely. UK Loft Boarding specialises in boarding out new and old loft spaces. All our work is carried out in accordance with building regulations and does not affect your NHBC new build warranty.

Does boarding your loft void/invalidate NHBC?

No, it will not affect your warranty as long as it is installed correctly. There are several reasons your builder may say otherwise, such as concerns about squashing insulation, roof truss strength, or potential dampness. However, correctly fitting loft boards using one of our raised floor systems will not affect your warranty.

Loft Boarding Buying Guide | Expert Tips & Advice

Your Complete Loft Boarding Decision Guide

Making the right choice for your loft space doesn't have to be complicated. This guide walks you through everything you need to know.

Why Board Your Loft?

Loft boarding transforms unused space into practical storage. Here's why homeowners choose it:

Maximize Storage Space - Gain 10s of cubic metres of usable storage
Protect Insulation - Raised boarding preserves insulation effectiveness
Easy Access - Walk safely through your loft with proper boarding
Improve Home Value - Additional usable space increases property appeal
Cost Effective - More affordable than loft conversion
Quick Installation - Usually completed in 1-2 days
Energy Efficient - Modern solutions maintain thermal efficiency

Types of Loft Boarding Systems

1. Raised Systems (Recommended)

How it works: Elevated boarding systems that maintain airflow and insulation value. Available in two approaches depending on your property structure.

Available Options:

Metal Leg System (LOFT-E®): Durable steel legs for modern properties with strong ceiling joists. Maximum load capacity and longevity.
Timber Subframe Platform (LBNW Raised Timber): Raised platform supported by structural walls for older properties where ceiling joists cannot support loads. Ideal for period homes and properties with weaker ceiling structures.

Why We Recommend Raised Systems:

Preserves loft insulation performance
Building regulation compliant
Prevents damp and mould
Manufacturer-recommended solution
Solutions available for all property types
We do NOT use plastic legs - only premium metal or timber subframe for maximum durability and safety

2. Direct to Joist Boarding

⚠️ Not Recommended: Boards placed directly on joists without legs.

Why We Don't Recommend:

Crushes insulation below, reducing efficiency
Violates building regulations
Can cause damp and mould
Traps moisture and heat
May void NHBC warranty on new builds

3. LOFT-E® System (Our Specialty)

Premium Solution: Our proprietary raised leg system specifically designed for optimal loft storage.

LOFT-E® Benefits:

Manufacturer-designed and tested
Maximum load capacity
Industry-leading quality
Fully compliant with all regulations
Direct from manufacturer - best pricing
Warranty backed by experts

Key Considerations Before Buying

1. Loft Access

How will you get up there?

Loft Hatch: Essential for safe access (included in packages)
Loft Ladder: Aluminum or wooden options available
Headroom: Check ceiling height for comfortable access

2. Structural Capacity

Ensure your joists can support the weight:

Most modern homes: 25kg/m² or more
Older properties: Structural assessment recommended
Our survey identifies any limitations

3. Building Regulations Compliance

Loft boarding must meet building regulations:

Insulation preserved or improved
Safe, stable, and load-bearing construction
Non-living space (storage only)
Proper ventilation maintained

Our work is fully compliant and certified.

4. Insulation Impact

Your loft insulation is important:

Raised legs maintain airflow underneath
Prevents moisture accumulation
Protects insulation life and performance
Consider additional insulation upgrades

5. Budget & Packages

Solutions for every budget:

Loft Access (£395+) - Hatch and ladder only
Large Access (£535+) - Premium hatch and ladder
Boarding Packages (£625+) - Full storage solution

Preparing for Installation

Before Our Team Arrives:

Clear Your Loft: Remove personal items and storage
Ensure Access: Clear pathways for easy movement
Protect Items: Move valuables from the area
Check Access Points: Loft hatch or attic entry needs clear access
Confirm Date/Time: Be available on installation day

After Installation:

Allow a brief settling period (usually same day)
Test hatch and ladder operation
Load gradually rather than all at once
Store heavy items toward center
Keep weight evenly distributed

Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Direct to Joist Boarding

Damages insulation and violates regulations. Always use raised leg systems.

❌ Ignoring Load Limits

Don't exceed your joist capacity. Our survey determines safe limits.

❌ Poor Quality Installation

DIY or cheap solutions lead to problems. Professional installation protects your home.

❌ Blocking Ventilation

Loft must breathe. Proper ventilation is essential for long-term health.

Have Questions?

We've compiled answers to the most common questions homeowners ask when considering loft boarding. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page for detailed information about load capacity, building regulations, installation timelines, warranties, maintenance, and much more.

Ready to Get Started?

Our manufacturer-qualified surveyors can answer all your questions during a free, no-obligation survey.

We'll assess your specific loft and provide expert recommendations tailored to your needs.

Book Your Free Survey

LOFT-E® METAL RAISED FLOOR SYSTEM

Raise your loft floor above the insulation

All new build houses today have lofts that must conform to building regulations and government recommended loft insulation heights.

The LOFT-E® system has been designed to solve two problems when planning on boarding your loft for storage.

Firstly, boarding directly on top of your loft insulation is incorrect. Squashing or having to remove the existing loft insulation should never be done.
Building above the insulation is now possible by using a product that is designed to last a lifetime. The LOFT-E® system can not only raise the loft floor platform above the insulation level, but it can also account for variations in joist height.

Secondly, a problem that plastic products face in a loft are the consistent temperature changes, plastic softens during the heat of summer and therefore has the potential for the legs to buckle and the storage floor to collapse. This can also happen in the cold of winter with the legs getting so cold that they can become very brittle and can have a tendency to fracture, again leaving you with the same problem. Hence why we chose 100% recyclable steel.

There are 2 main parts to the LOFT-E® system. you can read about them here: