What type of flooring is best for attics?

Author: Dr. Obie Klein PhD  |  Last update: Saturday, April 26, 2025

Laminate flooring is a fantastic flooring for a loft or attic space. It is quite easy to maintain and can look just like hardwood floors. It's also budget-friendly, saving you dollars on your overall attic renovation, and water-resistant for accidental spills.

What is the best flooring for an attic?

Laminate is the best flooring for attics. Engineered Hardwood: If you want to use real wood for your attic flooring, engineered hardwood requires less maintenance and refinishing than traditional lumber.

Is it okay to put flooring in an attic?

Tired of renting a storage space for all those things you can't bear to throw away? An attic can provide a wealth of storage space if it is properly prepared. Installing a floor in an attic will make it a safe and useful space. It is highly recommended that you work n your attic in the spring, fall, or winter.

What is the 7 and 7 rule for attics?

This rule means, at least half of your attic space must be 7 feet high by 7 feet wide, with a total of 70 square feet. Keep in mind, codes vary from place to place, but for using the attic as an actual room, this rule typically applies.

How thick does attic flooring need to be?

This is considering that not much weight will be placed on the floors. This is the choice for attics used solely for light storage. Meanwhile, 3/4 plywood for attic floor is the recommended dimension regardless of the joist centre measurements and weight requirements.

Instant Attic Flooring

Does attic floor need vapor barrier?

For that reason, building codes in more humid locations will often require them, in which case you might not have much say about whether to install one or not. In drier climates, however, attic vapor barriers can be more of an optional add-on than they would be elsewhere.

How much does it cost to remodel an attic?

For the basics, you'll pay $30 to $60 per square foot, or up to $200 per square foot for all of the extras. Unfinished attics tend to have very little, even less than an unfinished basement in many cases. You might have exposed insulation and framing, and no electrical or HVAC systems.

Are attic bedrooms legal?

BUILDING CODES

Regulations vary from county to county, but most attic conversion building codes require: A minimum of 70 sq. ft. of floor space.

What is attic in floor plan?

An attic is an unfinished room at the very top of a house, just below the roof. It's often the setting for creepy stories because it's a room people don't go in very often. A finished attic is extra space you can use for a playroom, bedroom, or storage area. In fiction, it's a great place to stash crazy people.

How much does it cost to put a floor in the attic?

The cost of attic flooring will depend on the current state of the attic and what materials you choose. Replacing floor joists to beef up the strength will cost anywhere between $1,000 and $10,000, while installing subfloor will run between $500 and $800.

Do I need to reinforce attic floor?

The floor of a loft is usually designed to support the weight of a person moving around to access items stored in the loft. But when you add weight to this, it can cause the floor to weaken, and eventually, it could even collapse. This is why loft reinforcement is necessary.

Should attic floors be insulated?

A finished attic should be insulated much like the rest of the house, with insulation in the walls, ceiling and floor. If the attic is unfinished, putting proper insulation on the attic floor is one of the simplest ways to keep heating bills down and keep cooling needs in check.

Is it OK to floor your attic?

Before installing flooring in your attic, it's vital to examine the space with a critical eye. Some attics can safely handle flooring right away without major modifications to the space or structure. Others require a major overhaul before flooring can go down. And some attics simply aren't meant to be finished.

What floor covering is best for insulation?

Basement flooring options that provide the best insulation include: cork, EVA foam, PVC, and plastic. With numerous suitable options manufactured using a variety of these materials, there is an option or flooring package for every price point.

Can you put boards over insulation in an attic?

When you're ready to install your loft boards, you should position them above your insulation using Loft Leg supports designed for this purpose. This will avoid compressing the insulation and ensure it is working to its maximum potential.

Do I need a permit to turn my attic into a room?

Reach out to your local municipality to see if you need a permit for your attic remodel. A permit is usually only needed if: You are adding electrical wiring or ventilation. You plan to change the structure of your home in the process, such as knocking down an existing wall or adding a dormer.

Does an attic bedroom add value?

Financially, loft conversions are a sound investment. They provide a return on investment (ROI) of around 50% to 75%. In high-demand areas, this ROI can be even higher, which makes loft conversions an attractive option for homeowners who want to maximize their property's value and appeal.

Does an attic count as a floor?

A loft or mezzanine is also the uppermost space in a building, but is distinguished from an attic in that an attic typically constitutes an entire floor of the building, while a loft or mezzanine covers only a few rooms, leaving one or more sides open to the lower floor.

How much does it cost to finish a 500 sq ft attic?

Finishing an attic generally costs between $30 and $60 per square foot, including labor and materials. This gives you an average overall cost of $4,000 to $16,000 for the standard sized attic. Of course, the cost depends on how big your attic is and what type of finish you want.

How much value does an attic add?

Finishing your attic can add significant value to your home. A midrange attic bedroom remodel can provide a return on investment of around 72.5%, which can make it a valuable investment for homeowners who are looking to increase the value of their property.

How much is a full attic conversion?

The average loft conversion costs between £20,000 to £60,000 in the UK. The price of a loft conversion varies widely based on the type of loft conversion you have, the quality of materials used, and the labour costs in your part of the UK. The average cost of a Velux loft conversion is between £20,000 to £30,000.

How do I know if my attic can support a floor?

If you have an attic with joists measuring over 16 inches or reaching 24 inches OC, this is not ideal for the installation of flooring or converting your attic into a livable space. However, if you hire a contractor, they can offer advice on how to increase the structural support to get it there.

Can you put too much stuff in your attic?

Safety concerns: Attics may not be designed to support heavy loads, raising safety concerns about overloading the attic with too many or too heavy items, potentially compromising the home's structural integrity.

Is it safe to walk on attic floor?

The Golden Rule of Attic Safety

Here's the golden rule for attic adventures – always step on the studs or trusses. These are the bones of your attic, offering the firm support needed to bear your weight.

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