Whether you are looking to convert attic space into a loft for additional living space or already have a loft area built but are looking to do some renovation work, one of the key aspects to consider is how to choose the best loft flooring option and how to properly install a loft floor for maximum energy efficiency, usability, and comfort.
A loft that results from converted attic space differs from a loft apartment, which is generally an open floor plan space with high ceilings that has been transformed from a warehouse or other commercial building into living space. In this article, we will be referring to flooring a loft that sits above the remainder of a home’s living space. The other type of loft flooring will be installed no differently than any other type of regular flooring.
When it comes to installing loft flooring, one of the most important points to keep in mind is that the area below the exposed loft floor must be adequately insulated, just as you would insulate the walls, to maintain maximum energy efficiency, as well as to increase the noise reduction between rooms. Due to the height of a loft room, and the fact that heat will always rise in an open space, it is important that the loft floor be well insulated to reduce the transfer of heat from the rooms below into the loft space.
Once insulated, you will then need to install a loft sub-floor, which is made up of plywood sheets that sit on the rafters above the insulation. Then you can install any type of loft flooring of your choosing, depending on what you are using the space for. Hardwood flooring, carpeting, laminate flooring and tile are all viable options.
Here are the basic steps needed for a DIY loft flooring installation:
1. Before installing any type of loft flooring, make sure that any electrical wiring, plumbing or drain lines have been installed where needed. All pipes and wires can be run through the space between the rafters that will sit between the new loft floor and the ceiling on the level below.
2. Install insulation between all floor rafters to reduce the transfer of noise between rooms and to prevent the transfer of heat from the rooms below into the loft space. Insulation is the key to creating a comfortable living space in your loft area, so do not skimp when it comes to the amount of insulation used (it should be laid to the full depth of the rafters).
3. Once the insulation is installed, use ½ inch plywood to create the loft sub-floor. Nail the plywood sheets into the rafters using stainless steel nails (4” nails are best). Make sure that all seams are located at center points of the rafters and that all corners are tightly fit. Be sure to first mark any areas where plumbing pipes or electrical lines are located to avoid nailing into the pipes or wiring. You must also be careful where you step during this process so you do not put your foot through the space between the rafters and the ceiling below.
4. Lay the loft flooring of your choice over the installed sub-floor to complete your loft flooring conversion. You can lay carpeting, hardwood flooring, laminate flooring, tile or vinyl. Follow any standard procedures for installing the flooring of your choice.
Loft floors require a bit more prep work to install that typical floors, since there is often piping and wiring between the floor joists and rafters that need to be avoided and the area between the rafters needs to be well insulated before laying the sub-floor, but a DIY loft flooring project is still a project that many homeowners can tackle on their own and goes a long way towards turning unusable space into prime living space.
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