what do you use to floor an attic

7 Best Attic Flooring Options (Including Pros and Cons ) | Best Attic Flooring for Storage

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What are the best tips for installing an attic floor?

• Drape insulation over the rafters or trusses.
• Make sure the insulation can drop a few inches between each rafter.
• Use reflective tape to bind the seams.
• If you are unwilling to seam tap, opt for 10M or Fast Action with an adhesive line.

What flooring is best for attic space?

What Kind of Attic Flooring Works Best in Different Situations?

• Tongue-and-groove wood. Most building supply stores carry 3/4-in. ...
• Engineered hardwood. One solution to the expansion and contraction problem is engineered hardwood. ...
• Laminate. The trouble with real wood flooring is that no matter how many coats of finish you apply, it’ll eventually wear out and start looking ugly.
• Other flooring options. ...

What is the best insulation in an attic?

• BEST OVERALL: Owens Corning R-38 Kraft Faced Fiberglass Insulation
• BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Frost King CF1 “No Itch” Natural Cotton Insulation
• BEST BLANKET: Owens Corning R-30 EcoTouch Fiberglass Insulation
• BEST SPRAY FOAM: FROTH-PAK 620 Sealant – 2 Component Foam Insulation
• BEST RADIANT FOIL: US Energy Products Double Bubble Foil Insulation

More items...

What is the right insulation for an attic?

The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or about 10 to 14 inches, depending on insulation type. When adding additional insulation, you do not have to use the same type of insulation that currently exists in your attic. You can add loose fill on top of fiberglass batts or blankets, and vice-versa.

What should I floor my attic with?

Resilient flooring, such as laminate or vinyl, is one of the best choices you can make for attic floors. This type of flooring can soften the sounds when installed over an underlayment.

What wood should I use to floor my attic?

Plywood. Your attic might be cleared by an engineer to use as light storage if the joists don't bear the weight necessary to create a living space. If this is the case, you can install oriented strand board or ½-inch plywood.

Is it OK to floor your attic?

That begs the question; can my attic support a floor? The answer, in most cases, is a definite yes. Even though it wasn't put there, the joists supporting your ceiling are quite strong. Putting down flooring won't stress them any more than the floors in your bedroom, kitchen, or bath.

What kind of plywood should I use for attic floor?

You need 3/4-inch plywood. The thinner plywood is acceptable when the joist spacing is 16 inches. If you plan to finish the floor in the attic and turn the room into a living space, however, you should always use 3/4-inch plywood.

Is it OK to put plywood in the attic?

An attic can be floored with 1/2″ CDX plywood, if it is being used only for storage. However, the same can't be said if you are planning on using the space as a living space. In that case, you will need to use 3/4″ thick plywood. As an alternative, 3/4” OSB can be used.

Is it OK to put plywood over insulation in attic?

Once the insulation is down, you can turn your attic into valuable storage space by covering the floor with plywood. It will also make the attic a safer place in which to walk.

How can I make my attic floor stronger?

If the attic joists are not adequate, one way to strengthen the floor for live loads is to sister the old joists. Sistering is the process of adding a new joist next to each existing joist. In the case of 2 x 6 joists, you can pair them up with additional 2 x 6 joists by nailing them together, side by side.

How do I install an attic subfloor?

0:3014:32DIY Attic Floor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut as you can see you want to be very careful while walking around up here because we got aMoreBut as you can see you want to be very careful while walking around up here because we got a concrete floor that's right below us so very.

How do I board my attic?

4:348:03How to Board a Loft | ADVICE | Homebuilding - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStart at a convenient place such as the loft hatch. And work out from there screw the first loft legMoreStart at a convenient place such as the loft hatch. And work out from there screw the first loft leg into position by driving the four screws through the base. And into the joist.

How thick should plywood be for flooring?

Some experts suggest that 15/32-inch plywood should be standard if the underlying floor joists are spaced 16 inches apart or less, but you should use slightly thicker 3/4-inch plywood for joists spaced further apart. However, check with your local code authorities for the official recommendations.

Is OSB cheaper than plywood?

OSB is less expensive than plywood. To build a typical 2,400-square foot home, OSB may cost $700 less than plywood. OSB is considered by many to be a “green” building material because it can be made from smaller-diameter trees, such as poplars, that are often farmed.

Is OSB stronger than plywood?

Osb is stronger than plywood in shear. Shear values, through its thickness, are about 2 times greater than plywood. This is one of the reasons osb is used for webs of wooden I-joists. However, nail-holding ability controls performance in shear wall applications.

How can I make my attic floor stronger?

If the attic joists are not adequate, one way to strengthen the floor for live loads is to sister the old joists. Sistering is the process of adding a new joist next to each existing joist. In the case of 2 x 6 joists, you can pair them up with additional 2 x 6 joists by nailing them together, side by side.

How do I board my attic?

4:348:03How to Board a Loft | ADVICE | Homebuilding - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStart at a convenient place such as the loft hatch. And work out from there screw the first loft legMoreStart at a convenient place such as the loft hatch. And work out from there screw the first loft leg into position by driving the four screws through the base. And into the joist.

What are flooring joists?

Floor joists are horizontal structural members that span an open space, often between beams, which subsequently transfer the load to vertical structural members. These joists, part of the floor system, carry the weight of everything inside a room, including walls, furniture, appliances, and even people.

How do you install subfloor in attic?

Install the SubfloorSnap a chalk line on the center of each attic joist. ... Lay the first plywood sheet on the attic joists along the longest side of the attic wall. ... Drill 2 1/2-inch screws through the plywood and into the floor joists every 6 to 8 inches. ... Lay the next sheet tightly beside the first sheet.More items...

How thick is plywood for attic door?

Measure the plywood and attic door. Purchase half-inch (1.27 cm) thick plywood to act as your flooring. You’ll need to make sure that the plywood can fit through your attic door. Take the measurements for your subfloor and measure enough plywood so that you can cover the entire frame.

What to wear when removing insulation?

Wear long sleeves, thick pants, and a respirator when removing the insulation to prevent inhaling dust and debris.

Can ceiling joists be used as floor joists?

Talk to a contractor to be sure that your ceiling joists are sufficient to work as floor joists . The existing joists are most likely sized to be sufficient to hold up the ceiling, but they're not necessarily sized for you to walk around on them or handle a bunch of furniture.

Can you add joists to a floor?

If the ceiling joists won't be sufficient to support a floor, you may need to add additional joists. You can either add larger floor joists between the existing ones, or you can double the joists that are already there to strengthen them—a process called sistering. [2] X Expert Source Andrew Peters.

Can a ceiling truss carry a load?

You must make sure that your ceiling trusses will be able to handle the load of the new floor and the weight from storage or people walking around. [1]

Can you use a hammer on a ceiling?

Do not use a hammer or you may damage the underlying ceiling.

Can you use a flashlight in the attic?

Don't just rely on a flashlight while working in your attic. Get an extension cord so taht you can bring in a hanging light.

Why do you need an attic floor?

Using an attic floor will help ensure that moisture isn’t allowed through the foundation wall into your home.

What is attic flooring?

Wood attic flooring is typically solid or engineered wood, which is designed to have a high strength to weight ratio.

What does it mean when the attic floor is wet?

If your attic floor is wet that means that there is a problem with the insulation or ventilation. You might have a leak in the roof or in the walls, or maybe you haven’t installed proper moisture barriers.

How long does it take to build an attic floor?

Depending on the material that you use to do your attic floor, it will most likely take a few hours to complete. It doesn’t have to be a long process, but it will take some time.

What are the options for a new kitchen?

Your options include: wood, vinyl, carpet, tile. All of these options are great choices, and it will depend on what your situation is.

Where is carpet installed?

Carpeting is typically installed on the floor of your home , but it can also be used as an attic flooring material.

Which is harder to clean, carpet or tile?

Carpet and tiles are more popular but harder to clean.

What is the key to a successful attic flooring project?

The key to a successful attic flooring project is to complete the project without damaging the roof or floor structure, or weakening the attic insulation.

What is the first rule for adding attic floors?

First rule for adding attic floors: Do no harm!

What is loftzone attic?

The LoftZone Attic Storage Kit is a lightweight and very easy-to-install prefabricated metal framing system. It raises the height of the lower chord of the attic truss or ceiling joist. This allows the full depth of attic insulation to work as intended. The metal beams are adjustable to take into account variable joist spacing. The system can bridge over pipes, uneven joists or other obstructions. The system also provides an air-gap between the top of the insulation and the underside of the board. This helps to remove any damp air that could cause condensation.

How much insulation does an attic need?

Also, your home’s energy efficiency almost always suffers when the attic is converted for storage. Since an average attic needs 16 inches or more of insulation, the insulation is always thicker than the ceiling joists or trusses.

What are the two types of attic construction?

There are two main types of attic construction, trusses and conventional framing. Each requires a different approach to safely install flooring for attic storage.

How are roofs built?

There are two ways roof structures are generally built, conventional framing and truss framing. In both cases, the framing is designed to take the weight of the roof load (which includes wind and weather, like heavy snow), distribute it outward to the exterior walls where it’s transmitted down to the foundation and finally to the soil. But while these framing systems serve the same purposes, they are actually built quite differently.

What is loftzone attic floor kit?

The LoftZone Attic Floor Kit allows you to build your floor above the attic insulation, preventing heat loss and high energy bills.

Why do you need insulation in the attic?

Don't skip the insulation in the floor. While you can get by cheaper by adding no insulation, there are two reasons to add insulation between floor joists. First, if you never build a room in the attic, the insulation in the floor area will save energy costs. Air from rooms below will not escape rapidly into the attic. Also, if you do build a room or rooms in the attic one day, the floor insulation will help soundproof the attic space.

Why do you need insulation between floor joists?

First, if you never build a room in the attic, the insulation in the floor area will save energy costs. Air from rooms below will not escape rapidly into the attic.

Can you nail particle board down?

While you can nail the flooring into place, a screwdriver will countersink screws and create a squeak-free finish. If plywood or particleboard is slightly warped, it may pull loose if you nail it down. Using a nail gun is no guarantee that boards won't pop up. Screws will hold flooring to joists more tightly.

Can you nail down subflooring before installing tile?

If you ever need to cover them with finished flooring, you can always nail down another subflooring before installing tile or hardwood. Use old boards that are close to the same thickness in a given section of the attic however. You don't want lots of different floor heights, or walking in the attic will be difficult.

Can you add flooring to an attic?

Don't add flooring until you review wiring and plumbing needs for the future. Go into the attic to inspect how wiring is routed through joists or on top of them, for example. In the future, you may want to construct a small apartment or master suite in the attic. Build a new floor base with this in mind. You might choose to run all wiring straight through beams, so that you can install outlets or light fixtures in a relatively simple manner in the future.

Can you build a solid floor in the attic?

Attic space offers many options for building storage or living space, especially if you already have a well-built basic flooring in place. It's possible to create a solid floor without investing a lot of money. You can, for instance, use recycled materials.

Can you use recycled materials on a floor?

You can, for instance, use recycled materials. By building the floor with care, regardless of limited cost, you will have a solid base for installing finished flooring. You can add carpet, hardwood or tile over the floor in the future. Advertisement.

How much does it cost to install attic flooring?

The price of attic flooring can range from as little as $40 for a pack of tiles and as much as $500 for a full carpet or wooden floor.

How much can an attic dek floor hold?

The Attic Dek Flooring Storage System consists of a pack of four flooring panels. Each panel can support up to 250 pounds. In addition, the four panels combined claim nearly 10 feet by 10 feet worth of space, so you can finally utilize the unused space in your attic for an affordable price!

What is Sunnyglade flooring?

The Sunnyglade Wood Plastic Interlocking Flooring Tiles are easy to install, thanks to their interlocking base. These tiles require no glue or nails and have even spacing between each tile.

What is the best flooring for a loft?

For something softer underfoot, opt for carpet flooring. This is the perfect option to convert the loft room into a bedroom or den, as carpet flooring will give the space a more cozy feel. It will also help to insulate the room.

What is the best way to make a hardwood floor look rustic?

A smooth floor is achieved by using interlocking boards. A rustic look is better achieved by using individual boards.

Can you use a jigsaw to install basement flooring?

The tiles you use for your basement flooring should either fit together like a jigsaw piece or clip over an interlocking deck. These designs allow for easy installation and often do not require any extra tools.

Is laminate flooring scratch resistant?

Usually, the top layer of laminate flooring is both water-resistant and scratch-resistant. For this reason, if you are changing the attic into a child’s playroom, laminate flooring is a good option since spills and light scratching won’t be an issue.

What to use to get drywall nails out of ceiling?

A pneumatic nail gun would be recommended by professionals. Hammering will likely loosen the drywall nails in the ceiling below causing them to "pop" out of the finish compound.

What is the dead load in an attic?

Unless expressly built so, an attic's joists are meant for carrying the load of the ceiling below and related elements , collectively known as the dead load. The ceiling load may include items like drywall, ducts, recessed lights, bathroom fans, and attic insulation. Most houses' attics are built without flooring and are not designed to carry ...

Can you build an attic without flooring?

Most houses' attics are built without flooring and are not designed to carry the heavy load of finished space. However, in some cases, the joists are intentionally built strong enough for the homeowner to later build out the attic.

Can you use attics as a guest bedroom?

Many people want more room in their homes. Neglected spaces like basements and attics offer seemingly free space to use for guest bedrooms, kids' playrooms, or home offices. Often, though, you need to get the basics in shape before you can tackle the real remodeling work. Attics typically do not come with usable flooring, so this must be corrected before remodeling can begin. How you do this varies, depending on the nature of the existing joist/flooring system.

Can a rafter be removed without approval?

Under no circumstances should any rafter bracing be removed or manufactured trusses be altered without the approval of an engineer. The integrity of the roof will be affected.

Can you build a room in an attic?

Alternatively, your attic may already have some sort of floor, but this doesn't necessarily mean you can build rooms. The previous homeowner may have simply covered the joists with plywood to use the space for storage. While this is not the optimal setup, it is acceptable to have ceiling joists covered with plywood or OSB to use for light attic storage of dead loads. In attics built purely for storage purposes, you may find 2 x 6 ceiling joists, or in some cases, even 2 x 4 joists. Flooring for dead loads may not be sufficient for live loads—the loads created by people and the features of living space.

How thick is a good plywood for an attic?

Thick plywood sheets are durable, but they're also heavy, and it may be safer to use 1/2-inch plywood -- which is actually 15/32 inch thick -- to avoid loading the ceiling joists with extra weight. Two considerations will help you choose between the only two viable options for your attic: 3/4- and 1/2-inch plywood.

How thick is plywood for a subfloor?

Plywood comes in 4-by-8-foot sheets with thicknesses ranging from 1/4 to 1 1/4 inches. The thickness that builders use most often for subfloors is 3/4 inch, and when they need extra reinforcement, they use 1-inch material. Thick plywood sheets are durable, but they're also heavy, and it may be safer to use 1/2-inch plywood -- which is actually 15/32 inch thick -- to avoid loading the ceiling joists with extra weight. Two considerations will help you choose between the only two viable options for your attic: 3/4- and 1/2-inch plywood.

Can plywood be used in the attic?

The decision regarding the thickness of plywood to use for the subfloor in the attic has a lot to do with how you intend to use the attic , and it also depends on the spacing of the ceiling joists. Oversizing is an unnecessary expense, but you don't want to fall through.

What is the attic design?

Attic design includes ceiling joists that are typically designed to hold up the roof. Check with a builder or engineer to ensure your attic can support the extra weight. Another issue involves insulation. If your attic is properly insulated, it's likely that the insulation extends up past the ceiling joists.

How wide is plywood for attic?

Plywood comes in large sheets. It might seem impossible to haul it up to the attic. Cut the plywood into manageable strips about 10 inches wide to make the job easier. Install two-by-four blocking between joists, or wherever needed, to support edges of the plywood that do not have support from the bottom. Advertisement.

Can you smash insulation down with plywood?

Smashing the insulation down with plywood can interfere with the insulating properties of the home.

Is attic flooring good for storage?

Attic flooring is one way to add storage space. Attic storage might be a good idea, but other issues such as insulation, joist spacing and intended usage should be taken into consideration. Plywood flooring thickness is important for proper weight distribution.