Boarding a Loft: A Step-by-Step Guide

Boarding your loft is a great way to increase the value of your home and make use of space that may otherwise go unused. It can be a daunting task, but with the right information and some elbow grease, you’ll have your loft boarded up in no time. Here’s what you need to know about boarding loft.

Measure Your Loft Space

The first step in boarding up your loft is to measure the area that you want to board. This will help you determine how much material you’ll need for the job. If you don’t have measuring tools available, ask someone at a local hardware store for assistance.

Purchase Materials

Once you know how much of each material you need, it’s time to purchase them from a hardware store or online retailers such as Amazon or Lowe’s. For this job, you will likely need plywood boards, lumber (2x4s), insulation material such as fiberglass batting, screws or nails and sealant/caulk (optional). Make sure all materials are rated for indoor use so they won’t rot or warp over time due to moisture buildup in the attic boarding space.

Install Plywood Sheets

Using either screws or nails, attach the plywood sheets directly onto the joists that run along the ceiling of your loft space. Make sure that each sheet is level before moving on to the next one if not, make adjustments until they are all even with each other before continuing on with the installation. You may also want to use sealant/caulk around any edges where two sheets meet up in order to create an airtight seal and prevent drafts from entering through any gaps between the sheets and joists.

Add Insulation Material

After attaching all of your plywood sheets securely into place, it's time to add insulation material between them (if desired). Fiberglass batting works well as an insulation material since it is lightweight yet still effective at keeping out drafts and providing extra warmth during colder months of the year. Securely staple this material into place along each edge of every board before adding any additional layers of protection (like drywall).

Accessibility and Safety

Boarding a loft can create accessibility issues for those who may not be able to climb ladders safely (such as young children or elderly people). Also, consider how easy it will be for anyone accessing the area once it has been boarded up will they need ladders or steps? If so, these need to be securely fixed in place and tested regularly for safety reasons. It’s also important to make sure there is good lighting in any areas accessed by ladders or steps because this helps reduce the risks associated with trips and falls while navigating stairs/ladders at night time. Finally, railings should also be installed if necessary. these provide extra security around stairwells and ladders which can help prevent accidents from occurring in high-traffic areas.