Quality flooring is crucial for every loft conversion and highly depends on its intended use. Considering the different types of flooring available, you might be spoilt for choice when selecting a suitable option. It’s also advisable to ensure that you have a qualified flooring specialist for your project. If you’re wondering which flooring for loft conversion you should choose, we have made your decision easier by highlighting the different options you can consider.
Carpet flooring
If you have converted your loft to a bedroom, carpet flooring would be ideal because it’s comfortable and warm. It’s also an aesthetic option and offers sound insulation so everyone else doesn’t have to suffer through the torture of listening to loud footsteps. Carpets are also quite luxurious and affordable. However, they might not be the best choice if you have allergies because they accumulate dust. You will need to vacuum it frequently or replace it compared to other options.
Wooden flooring
Another option that you can consider is installing wooden flooring in your loft conversion. It adds a luxurious and elegant feel to any space. Apart from being warm and durable, wood is also quite aesthetic and easy to maintain and clean. If it starts wearing, you can always sand and refinish solid wood. It also adds significant value to your property if you plan to sell it in the future. However, you should note that wood is among the expensive options so it’s bound to increase the overall cost of your loft conversion. The different types of wood flooring that you can opt for include the following:
- oak
- pine
- hardwood
Laminate flooring
Laminate resembles real wood aesthetically, making it a cheaper alternative to wooden flooring. It is an ideal option if you’ve decided to convert your loft to a game room or playroom for children because the material is easy to clean. Laminate is versatile because of its many designs and colours that mimic wood. However, you should bear in mind that it has poor soundproofing but you can always counter this by choosing a suitable underlay. Unlike real wood, laminate can’t be refinished so you might have to replace it.
Vinyl flooring
Whether you’ve converted your loft into a bedroom, utility room, or bathroom, vinyl flooring is among the options you can consider. Depending on your style and the type of aesthetic you’re looking to achieve, vinyl comes in different unique designs and colours that you can choose. The different options you can choose from include luxury vinyl tiles(LVT), vinyl tiles and vinyl sheets.
Tile flooring
Another option to consider for your loft conversion is ceramic tiles especially if you’re looking to achieve a modern and stylish look. They’re also very durable and you get a variety of options to choose from. This includes porcelain tiles, glazed ceramic tiles, and terracotta tiles. Your contractor should help you choose the right type of tiles for your loft.
Preparing your loft conversion for flooring
You need qualified loft conversion specialists to ensure that your attic space is properly prepped for flooring. Everything should be done according to the building regulations to avoid getting in trouble with the local authorities.
It’s advisable to ensure that the joists are properly strengthened before installing the flooring. You can also add new floor joists to the existing ones to make them stronger. The supporting joists should not bear into the chimney and they should be fire protected. You should ensure that your contractor is conversant with all the health and safety rules to avoid compromising the structural integrity of your loft.
Things to consider when choosing loft conversion flooring
There are several things you need to consider when choosing the right flooring for your loft space. These are some of the crucial factors that determine the durability and functionality of your loft flooring. They include the following.
Floor insulation
Floor insulation is a crucial consideration for most loft conversions due to the fluctuation in temperatures. There are some flooring solutions such as wood which have better insulation properties. However, if you have something like laminate that has poor insulation, you can always improve it by choosing a suitable underlay. Proper insulation ensures that your loft space is comfortable enough.
Material type
From wood, and ceramic tiles, to vinyl, there are different flooring materials that you can choose for your loft conversion. The material you choose will vary depending on what you intend to do with the conversion. You also need to consider how much the materials cost so that you can budget accordingly. The weight of the flooring material is crucial because it will help you determine whether you’re going to need any extra reinforcement.
Moisture resistance
Moisture resistance is another factor to consider when choosing a suitable loft conversion flooring option. If the attic space isn’t properly ventilated, poor moisture resistance can cause several issues such as moulding and warping which will ultimately compromise the structural integrity of your property. Depending on the type of flooring you have, you can add a moisture barrier for extra protection.
Maintenance requirements
Maintenance requirements are another crucial factor that impacts the durability of the loft flooring. Depending on the material you’re working with, flooring maintenance can involve regular vacuuming, grout maintenance, refinishing or replacing.
Other things you need to consider include underfloor heating and acoustics, among other factors. If you were wondering which flooring for loft conversion you should choose, the above information will help you make an informed decision. Most importantly, ensure that you carefully choose who to contract for the project to avoid any disappointment.