Loft Conversion vs Loft Boarding: What’s the Difference?

If you’re looking for ways to create more efficient use of your loft then you might have come across the two terms, loft boarding and loft conversion. They are actually not the same thing rather very different things.

Loft boarding gives you more storage space whereas a loft conversion will create a room from space you can use on a daily basis. The cost, the building work and the rules are all very different for both of these.

Before you start getting quotes, you should know the differences so you can better analyze the quotes you receive.

What Is Loft Boarding?

Loft boarding is mainly for storage. It involves adding boards to the loft floor so you have a safe surface for boxes, suitcases, Christmas decorations and other items.

Most lofts don’t have a proper boarded floor. You normally have insulation between the joists instead and if you step in the wrong place, you can damage the ceiling below.

Loft boarding gives you a solid surface for you to walk on and to store things. Often a good installation will raise the boards above the existing joists. This leaves enough space for the insulation underneath. This is crucial because pressing insulation down can negatively impact on how well it works.

The cost of loft boarding is around £500 – £1,500. The cost is determined by the size of the loft and the amount of floor you want boarding.

Most work can be done in one day. The work also causes far less disturbance than a full loft conversion.

What Is a Loft Conversion?

A loft conversion will turn your existing loft space into a proper usable room and you could use it for a bedroom, home office, play room or use it as you like.

Loft conversion needs way more work than loft boarding as you have to convert the loft according to the building regulations for structure, insulation, fire safety and access.

The existing floor might not be strong enough to be a living room and you might need new joists to support the extra weight.

You also need fixed staircase and the right insulation type. Depending on the type of conversion you may also need roof windows or dormer windows or changes to the roof.

In the UK, a Velux conversion costs from as little as £22,000 while a full mansard conversion can cost you around £95,000 or more.

The Key Differences

Purpose

Loft boarding gives you storage space. A loft conversion gives you a proper room.

Building regulations

Loft boarding for storage normally does not require approval from the building control. Loft conversions are subject to building regulations approval.

Structural work

Loft boarding uses the existing loft. You may need stronger floor joists for a conversion as the room will be used as a room.

Headroom

Having enough space to stand in a boarded loft does not mean the loft is suitable for conversion. Head height needs to be checked before planning a conversion.

Planning permission

Loft boarding is allowed under permitted development. Some loft conversions are also allowed under permitted development but this will depend on the property and the type of work.

Cost

Loft boarding costs range between £500 to £1,500. Loft conversion cost starts from around £22,000 and can be a lot more.

Time

Loft boarding can often be finished in just one day. Depending on the type and size of the project, a loft conversion can take approximately 6-12 weeks.

Which One Do You Need?

Think about what you want to use the space for.

If you need somewhere to store boxes, suitcases and other belongings, loft boarding may be all you need. It’s much cheaper than a conversion and can make your loft far easier to use.

If you want an extra bedroom, home office or another room for day to day use, you will need a loft conversion. Loft boarding alone won’t give you the insulation, fire safety, access or structure you need for a proper living space.

There is also another option. You can board your loft now and consider a conversion later.

If you think you may convert the loft in the future, speak to a loft conversion specialist before boarding it. The future conversion may need different floor joists, insulation and access.

Planning this early can save you from paying for the same work twice.

Be Careful With Cheap “Loft Conversion” Quotes

Some companies use the term “loft conversion” for basic boarding work which is totally wrong. A quote of a few thousand pounds is unlikely to cover a proper habitable loft conversion.

Ask exactly what the quote includes and check whether it covers:

• Building regulations approval
• Proper insulation
• A fixed staircase
• Suitable floor structure
• Required fire safety work
• Enough headroom for the planned room

If these things are missing then the contractor gave you a quote for loft boarding instead of loft conversion.

The Bottom Line

Loft boarding and loft conversions are designed to serve different purposes.

Loft boarding is an easy way to create more storage space. It’s fast to do the boarding and costs way less than conversion.

A loft conversion is a much bigger undertaking. It turns the unused area into a proper room but it also means more building work, more time and a much bigger budget.

Your needs from the loft determine the right choice. If you only need storage, boarding is sufficient but if you need another room then a proper loft conversion is the better option.

If you are unsure, get the loft checked out before you start throwing money at it. What you plan to do with the space, the structure of your roof and the amount of headroom you have will help determine which option makes sense.