Do you have an unfished loft in your home? Then you’re wasting space. You can turn your loft into extra storage space, a sitting room, a cozy library, a home office, etc.
And it’s not that hard.
We’ve put together this guide to show you how to board a loft with the tools you already have lying around the house. Make sure you keep reading below to learn more!
Table of Contents
Measure the Loft
Grab a measuring tape and find the dimensions of your loft. Write down the numbers you get then measure the entire space a second and third time.
This may seem excessive, but it’s worth double and triple-checking than running out of wood or wasting money on material you won’t need.
You should also spend some time thinking about your loft goals.
If you plan to use it for storage, you may not need to board the edges of the loft, which can be hard to reach. However, if you want to turn it into a makeshift roof, you should buy enough boards for the entire floor.
You can learn about the different benefits of boarding a loft if you aren’t sure what method will work best for you.
Gather up Your Tools
Having all the tools you’ll need on hand before you start will make the job a lot easier and fast. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Measuring tape
- Drill
- Screwdriver and screws
- Electric saw
If you don’t have these things, make sure you pick them up at the store when you’re buying your boards.
Stay Safe!
Before you start anything, make sure you’re wearing the proper protective gear. This is even more important if your loft has exposed insulation.
At the very least, wear gloves and a dust mask. You may also want to put on safety goggles and construction overalls to protect you from insulation dust.
Lay Your First Board
Grab your first board and lay it over the loft joists with one end pushed up against the wall. The other end of your board should fall directly in the center of another joist. If it doesn’t, mark the board and cut it down to the right size.
Drill two to three holes on both edges of the board then fill them with screws to secure it into place. Once the screws are in, your first board is done!
Repeat the Process
Line up your second board next to your first with one end sharing the joist the other is using. Again, cut the board down to size (if necessary) so the other end lands in the middle of another joist.
Secure it into place then repeat the process with your third board, then the fourth, then the fifth, etc.
How to Board a Loft so You Can Use the Space
Learning how to board a loft is simple, but it will take some time. Take your time and have patience.
Rushing through the job will only make it easier for mistakes to pop up, which will slow everything down and make you spend more money.
Want to learn some other helpful home improvement tips?
We’ve got you covered! Make sure you check out the rest of our blog today!
