Best loft boarding system?

[Elixa]

Hi, I’m desperate got some extra storage and the loft is the only option. Going to try and get maybe 3 quotes from companies found online.

I know nothing about boarding lofts so have tried reading around and lots of info about Loftzone being the best system to use with lots of companies saying they use this. However I also came across a company using something called Loft-E, saying this is superior to “other” plastic systems (guessing it’s a a dig at loftzone?).

Can anyone offer any advice on if I should be looking for companies using these and which would be best? Or have read about using battens, would this be better an either of those?

I’ve got no idea what my loft looks like as it’s not accessible to me via step ladders, being a petite female I can’t quite reach but the house was built mid 1950s at the latest according to when I had the house valued, but maybe as early as 1920s according to some locals!

Many thanks in advance.

 

[RandomGrinch]

I’ve got no idea what my loft looks like as it’s not accessible to me via step ladders,

Then forget about boarding for the moment, your first task is to get proper access to the loft - a large hatch with a pull down ladder.
If you want to make a usable storage space, this should probably be the first priority - there's no point having a beautifully floored storage area , if you can't get up there to use it!

 

[Elixa]

Haha! Yes thank you, I am wanting a company to come and do the whole thing! New bigger hatch, pull down ladders, boarding, light, maybe even a window if budget allows.

But they all say their system is the best (of course!) and I haven’t got a clue about any of this. Read that using battens allows more weight but then the battens themselves are heavy, then read plastic is rubbish but loftzone is the only “approved” system but for new builds so that’s not relevant to me. Realised after some further reading that the loft-e are just loft legs and different entirely to loftzone anyway.

Have ended up calling some companies that use loftzone so when they come I’ll pick their brains but they will undoubtedly not give unbiased advice hence me wanting to pick the brains of people with some independent knowledge!

Worries me that the loftzone system says it can only take 24kg weight per m2 though. That’s doesn’t seem much considering the weight of the average human.

 

[RandomGrinch]

Worries me that the loftzone system says it can only take 24kg weight per m2 though. That’s doesn’t seem much considering the weight of the average human.

The problem isn't necessarily the limit of the loft zone system - what's important is the state and size of the ceiling joists, that the system will be layed upon.

I have DIY installed a new hatch, lighting and a Loft Zone system.
I liked it, as it was light weight to handle and easy to install.
When I first installed it, I layed it directly onto my existing slim 3x2 ceiling joists.
The system worked and supported me and all the junk in the loft.
However, it was a bouncy!
I have since reinforced my joists, for a much sturdier structure.

I am wanting a company to come and do the whole thing! New bigger hatch, pull down ladders, boarding, light, maybe even a window if budget allows.

For examples from a company that specialises in creating loft storage spaces and conversions - you could have a look at some videos from "Build it with Rob" - random video linked below...

The videos should give you a good idea of the processes involved.

But before you start, it really would be a good idea to have a look up there, and see what you have to deal with!

 

[Elixa]

Thank you! That’s really useful info and the video

 

[foxhole]

No company can recommend best solution without inspecting loft, you may have a boarded loft if you have not been up there.

 

[Elixa]

I haven’t been up there but partner has (he doesn’t do DIY etc so can’t ask him any useful questions) and it’s definitely not boarded. Yes I agree I need companies to look and have now had 2 quotes since posting on here and unfortunately it seems to not be the case that they will give advice for the best system to use as both have contradicted the other! One company said loft zone should be used, the other said TimbaR (timber frame??) should be used up there. Very frustrating for someone like me with zero knowledge when you get told different things from the experts!

 

[cdbe]

None are great, better with 100mm mineral wool between joists, 200mm PIR on top and some thin OSB on top of that to form a deck. Obviously companies can't charge you vast amounts of money for that.