If you're considering boarding your loft, you're probably wondering: How much will it cost, and is it worth it? With costs ranging from £500 to £1,500, it's understandable if you're unsure whether it's a smart investment.
Loft boarding costs can vary widely based on factors like the size of your loft, the materials used, and whether you hire a professional or do it yourself.
In this guide, you'll find a detailed breakdown of loft boarding costs, what affects the price, and smart ways to save money without cutting corners.
What Are Loft Boards and Why Do You Need Them?
Loft boards are sturdy panels installed over the existing ceiling joists in your loft to create a safe, level surface for storage or even light use. They help maximise attic space, making it easier to store seasonal items, keepsakes, or household essentials without the risk of damaging insulation or stepping through the ceiling.
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Typically made from chipboard or timber, loft boards also act as a barrier to reduce heat loss, improving your home's energy efficiency. However, they must be installed correctly—if placed directly on insulation, they can compress it and reduce its effectiveness. That's why many homeowners choose to hire a professional, ensuring the boards are raised to maintain insulation performance while providing a covered, secure, and durable loft floor level.
Why Board Your Loft?
6 Key Benefits for Homeowners
Boarding your loft is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to maximise your home's unused space. Whether you need extra storage or want to improve your home's energy efficiency, a well-boarded loft has several advantages.
More Storage, Less Clutter. A boarded loft provides a safe, accessible vertical space to store seasonal decorations, suitcases, and other rarely used items. This helps free up space in your home and keeps living areas tidy and organised.
Better Insulation & Lower Energy Bills. Loft boarding can help reduce heat loss by ensuring insulation remains effective. When properly installed, it prevents compression of loft insulation, helping to maintain warmth in winter and lower heating bills.
Increased Property Value. A boarded loft makes your home more attractive to buyers. It offers additional storage (like truss shelving) or even potential for light use, such as a workspace. This can boost your property's appeal and increase its resale value.
A Safer Loft Space. Without boarding, walking in your loft can be risky. A properly boarded loft reduces the chance of accidents, provides a stable surface, and protects insulation from damage.
A Cost-Effective Alternative to External Storage. Instead of paying for a storage unit, boarding your loft is a one-time investment that offers a long-term storage solution—saving you money in the long run.
Potential for Additional Uses. Depending on your loft's size and structure, a boarded loft could be adapted into a hobby space, a small office, or even a rentable area. While full loft conversions require more investment, boarding is a practical first step toward making your loft more usable.
How Much Does Loft Boarding Cost in the UK?
The cost of boarding a loft varies depending on the size of your loft, the type of boarding system used, and your location. In 2024, you can expect to pay anywhere from £1,000 to £1,500 for standard loft boarding in a typical three-bedroom home. If you opt for enhanced loft boarding with insulation and a raised system, costs can range from £1,500 to £2,500. Custom solutions or larger loft spaces can push the price to £2,000.
Breakdown of Loft Boarding Costs:
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Standard boarding (chipboard laid directly on joists): £70 per m²
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Raised boarding (to protect insulation and improve ventilation): £1,050 for a 15m² loft
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Full insulation & premium boarding: £2,000+
Your location also plays a role. Homeowners in London and other major cities often pay more due to higher labour and material costs. The following section will explore what affects loft boarding prices and how you can save money on your project.
What Affects the Cost of Loft Boarding?
The cost of loft boarding isn't one-size-fits-all. Several factors influence the final price, from the size of your loft to the materials used and whether you hire professionals or take the DIY route. Here's what you need to know before setting your budget.
1. Loft Size
The larger your loft, the higher the cost because more materials and labour are required. Average costs for basic loft boarding hover around £55 per square metre. However, some installers offer bulk pricing, meaning the cost per square metre may decrease for larger lofts.
For example:
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10m² loft → Materials: £200-£300, Labour: £400-£800 → Total: Around £1,000
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15m² loft → Materials: £300-£400, Labour: £600-£1,000 → Total: Around £1,350-£1,500
If you need raised boarding or extra insulation fill, average costs can increase by £200 to £300, bringing the total cost closer to £1,500+.
2. Type of Boarding Material
The materials you choose play a significant role in pricing. Here's a quick breakdown:
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Chipboard (£8-£15 per pack) – Affordable and widely used, ideal for basic storage.
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Plywood (£15-£30 per panel) – Stronger and more durable but pricier than chipboard.
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OSB (Oriented Strand Board, £10-£20 per panel) – A cost-effective yet durable option.
If you want moisture-resistant loft boards, expect to pay £20-£30 per sheet, which can increase overall costs but provide added longevity.
3. Loft Accessibility
If your loft hatch is small or awkwardly placed, it may need widening or modification, typically costing around £300. If you also need a loft ladder for your new space, expect to pay between £150 and £400, depending on the type of ladder and the job's complexity.
4. Insulation Requirements
Building regulations in the UK recommend loft insulation of 250-270mm. If your insulation isn't up to this standard, you may need an upgrade, which will increase the cost.
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Insulation materials: £12-£35 per roll
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Professional insulation installation: Around £250 per day
Since boards should not be placed directly on insulation, a raised boarding system may also be needed, further increasing costs.
5. Professional Installation vs. DIY
Professional installation costs £55 per square metre plus £250 per day for labour. It might sound pricey, but you're paying for the assurance of complying with building regulations.
For a fully-boarded 15m² loft, professional teams can complete the job in one to two days, depending on access and complexity.
Meanwhile, DIY loft boarding is a cheaper option (especially for an easy job), but it comes with the risk of incorrect installation or non-compliance to regulations.
Hidden Costs of Loft Boarding: What Else Should You Budget For?
Loft boarding isn't just about the materials and labour—there are additional costs that homeowners often overlook. To avoid surprises, here are some extra expenses you may need to factor into your budget.
1. Loft Ladder Installation (£150 - £400)
If your loft isn't easily accessible, adding a loft ladder is essential. Prices vary depending on the type of ladder (e.g., folding, telescopic, or electric) and the complexity of the installation.
2. Lighting & Electrical Work (£75 - £300+)
A boarded loft is more useful with proper lighting. A basic lightbulb and switch can cost £75 - £150 while installing electrical sockets or rewiring can push costs up to £300 or more.
3. Pipe Insulation (£1.75 per metre + £70 labour)
If your loft has exposed pipes, they need proper insulation to prevent heat loss or freezing in winter. The materials cost around £1.75 per metre, while professional installation adds around £70.
4. Structural Adjustments (£300+)
If your loft hatch is too small, widening it for easier access can cost around £300. If your joists aren't strong enough to support the boarding, reinforcing them will add to the expense. (You normally won't need to do anything to your roof.)
5. Debris Clearance (Varies)
If your loft contains old insulation, dust, or general debris, clearing the work area before boarding can increase costs, depending on the amount of waste and the contractor's rates.
Loft Boarding Costs by Loft Size: What to Expect
The size of your loft is one of the biggest factors influencing the overall cost of loft boarding. Here's a breakdown of estimated costs based on different loft sizes so you can plan your budget accordingly.
Small Loft (Up to 20m²) – From £1,100
For smaller lofts, up to 20m², standard loft boarding starts at around £1,100. This includes basic chipboard boarding laid directly over existing joists without additional insulation or raised flooring. This is a budget-friendly option if you need simple storage space without making major structural changes.
Medium Loft (20m² - 40m²) – From £2,200
A medium-sized loft (20m² - 40m²) typically costs around £2,200. At this size, you may want to upgrade loft access by adding a loft ladder or widening the hatch, which increases usability. A raised boarding system may also be an option to preserve insulation and improve ventilation.
Large Loft (40m²+) – From £3,300
For large lofts (40m² and above), costs can exceed £3,300, especially if you opt for a raised system with insulation. Larger spaces require more materials and labour, and ensuring proper ventilation and structural integrity becomes even more important.
How to Save Money on Loft Boarding Without Cutting Corners
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With a few smart strategies, you can reduce costs without sacrificing quality. Here's how:
Buy Materials in Bulk. Purchasing materials in bulk can lead to significant savings. Many suppliers offer discounts on larger orders, reducing the unit cost.
Get Multiple Quotes from Contractors. Labour costs vary, so it's always best to compare quotes from multiple contractors before deciding. Ensure that each quote includes materials, labour, and any additional fees so you don't face unexpected charges later.
Mix DIY with Professional Service. Clear the loft yourself, take your own measurements, and transport materials yourself.
Time Your Project Wisely. Booking your project in off-peak months can help you secure a better deal and a closer completion date.
Check for Tax Incentives & Rebates. Check with your local authority or a tax professional to see if any energy-efficiency incentives apply to your project.
Use Efficient Boarding Techniques. Raised boarding protects insulation and prevents condensation damage. Also, you can avoid boarding right up to the edges where space is less usable.
Consider a Full DIY Approach (If You Have the Skills). If you're confident in your abilities, DIY loft boarding can significantly reduce labour costs.
Loft Boarding Regulations
What You Need to Know
While simple loft boarding for storage usually doesn't require planning permission, there are rules in place to protect your home's structural integrity, safety, and energy efficiency.
1. Structural Safety & Load-Bearing Capacity
Loft joists are designed to support the ceiling below, not heavy loads. If your joists are too thin or weak to handle the additional weight of loft boards and stored items, reinforcement may be required. A professional installer can assess whether your joists need strengthening to prevent sagging, cracks, or even collapse.
2. Insulation & Ventilation Requirements
Regulations require loft insulation to meet minimum energy efficiency standards, with a recommended depth of 270mm for mineral wool insulation. If your loft isn't adequately insulated, you may need to upgrade before boarding.
3. Planning Permission: When Is It Needed?
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For storage purposes only → No planning permission required
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For a habitable loft conversion (e.g., bedroom, office) → Planning permission & stricter regulations apply
To convert your loft into a living space, you must comply with fire safety rules, floor strength requirements, and sound insulation standards. This ensures safe escape routes, proper headroom, and adequate noise reduction between floors.
Lastly, let's address the ultimate question:
Is Loft Boarding Worth the Cost?
If you're wondering whether loft boarding is a good investment, the answer depends on your goals. If you want to reduce clutter, improve insulation, or add value to your home, the benefits often outweigh the upfront loft costs.
A boarded loft provides a safe, accessible space to store seasonal decorations, family keepsakes, or bulky items—keeping your main living areas neat and organised. Additionally, if you ever sell your home, potential buyers will appreciate a functional, well-maintained storage space rather than an empty, dusty attic.
