How to put a floor in the loft?

first78

Can anyone tell me how to floor a small space of my loft so I can get some stuffed stored up there.

Is it just a case of getting some wood and nailing it to the beams? If so then what wood should I be looking for?

Sorry for such a silly question but I have no clue when it comes to DIY!!

Thanks!!

elsien

I used Wickes loft boarding panels, as a diy novice. Tongue and groove so easy to fit together. The only problem I hit was different height joists, so I had to cut some panels down to a shorter length to fit them properly. I screwed mine down because I had some vague idea it might make them easier to lift if I ever needed to.

ValHaller

Don't nail down boards in a loft, unless you fancy redoing the ceilings underneath ....

Use screws.

first78

Do the loft boarding panels come as a set size?

Is there a particular size of screw I'd need to use? Will have to borrow Father-in-Laws drill I guess.

elsien

http://answers.wickes.co.uk/answers/9987-en_gb/product/116420/questions.htm

Some questions and answers here.

Jamie_Carter

The loft boarding panels usually come in a set size that is designed to be able to fit through most loft hatches.

2" screws should be fine, but it doesn't matter if they are slightly shorter.

Make sure you check that there are no cables or pipes passing through the joists before screwing them down.

first78

Jamie_Carter wrote: »

The loft boarding panels usually come in a set size that is designed to be able to fit through most loft hatches.

2" screws should be fine, but it doesn't matter if they are slightly shorter.

Make sure you check that there are no cables or pipes passing through the joists before screwing them down.

I just assumed with the wooden beams they would be solid...how do I check if there are pipes or cables passing through them??

Jamie_Carter

first78 wrote: »

I just assumed with the wooden beams they would be solid...how do I check if there are pipes or cables passing through them??

They won't be passing through them along the length. But they may be clipped to them, or just go through holes that are drilled through them sideways.

cyclonebri1

ValHaller wrote: »

Don't nail down boards in a loft, unless you fancy redoing the ceilings underneath ....

Use screws.

Infact don't bother nailing or screwing the stuff down, if it's just storage it won't move, and if it does, move it back.;);)

27col

first78 wrote: »

I just assumed with the wooden beams they would be solid...how do I check if there are pipes or cables passing through them??

You use the Mk1 eyeball!

27col

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

Infact don't bother nailing or screwing the stuff down, if it's just storage it won't move, and if it does, move it back.;);)

A bit of pva glue on the joints and the thing will rapidly became so heavy that it will never move.