Making a storage loft: how do you go about it properly?

Making a storage loft: where do you start?

First look at how much space there is in the ridge. A storage loft is only useful if you can work there bent over or kneeling and the boxes fit properly. Measure the height to the ridge and the width where you can still reach. Then decide where the hatch goes, preferably above a free spot in the attic, so the ladder does not end up in the middle of a room.

• Height and usable width in the ridge
• Direction and spacing of the joists
• A free spot for the hatch and ladder
• Pipes, ducts or equipment in the ridge

What requirements apply to the structure of a storage loft?

The joists must safely carry the weight of the floor and your belongings. In older homes, loft joists are sometimes only meant to carry the ceiling below. In that case extra joists are added, or the floor is supported on the purlins or the walls. For a hatch, a joist is cut, which must then be supported with trimmer joists.

Also think about moisture. An enclosed loft in an insulated roof needs ventilation, otherwise condensation can form. Read insulating an attic if you want to tackle the roof at the same time. Within the existing roof a storage loft is usually permit-free, but the structure must meet the building regulations.

Which ladder or hatch do you choose for the loft?

For a loft you use now and then, a folding loft ladder with an insulated hatch is the usual choice. It takes up no space and closes draught-free. If you go up more often or want to store heavy items, a fixed steep staircase is more convenient, although it takes up space in the attic.

What the parts cost is set out in what a storage loft costs.

How was the storage loft in Heerhugowaard made?

For the Sloots family in Heerhugowaard, the attic had to make room for a bedroom for the son and a hobby room for the father. To keep the storage space, we built a storage loft above it, reached through a hatch, with two rooms below with metal stud walls and roof windows. You can see the result at storage loft Heerhugowaard.

If you also want to make the attic itself habitable, read creating an attic room or see our service attic and loft.

Frequently asked questions