Attic Deck

Attic deck installation is the foundational step that must be completed before any unused attic space can be used for storage and especially before the area can be finished. There are some systems that can be bought specifically for this purpose from home improvement big box stores and elsewhere. These systems are made of composite materials in most cases and are measured to span 16 or 24 inch trusses. This is a nice way to get that work done and get the floor area ready for some stacked storage, but it is not appropriate for a space that is going to be remodeled.

For an area that you envision as a bonus room, you need to have that deck squared away so you can safely walk around to do the rest of the job. But there are some things that need to be taken care of even before that is done. Getting ready to do an attic deck requires planning and attention to detail because we do not want to miss anything or skip a step in the process, because this would be a big mistake. In the course of this remodel job, many important things will be done and worked on, but perhaps none as important as your attic deck. This part has to be right or none of the plans you make will work out. Be careful to do this part right and you will have a solid foundation to build upon to help you finish this great remodeling project upstairs.

Checking Attic Insulation

Before we even proceed working on the attic deck, it is necessary to check on the status of the insulation already in above the ceiling of the floor below us. This is the time to make sure there is enough insulation to keep the main floor of the home warm inside. Not enough insulation can result in heat loss up through the ceiling and in to your new bonus room. The last thing we want is a downstairs that's freezing cold and an upstairs that's hot as an oven. Check the thickness of the insulation and add more as needed.

Many times it is easiest to use blown insulation for these projects, but if you do it is important to go a good job of installing attic insulation and to not close off ventilation coming in from the eaves. This is critical especially since finishing an attic deck is indicative of an eventual finished room, a room that would be moldy and damp all the time without this proper air flow from bottom to top. Make sure area that will be covered up by the deck material is good to go before the project begins.

Decking the Floor Space

This part of the job may be tricky, and the specifics of floor decking application will depend on the span of the trusses. There are some boards that are rated for wider spans than others. It is best to err on the side of caution and make sure the new floor is going to be strong enough to support anyone who spends time in the attic once the project is all finished. Get some ideas on specific techniques by checking out process photos of different projects to see how these things typically go. The important thing to remember is that the attic deck has to be able to support the weight of everything that ends up in the room, from furniture or toys and exercise equipment to people.

Putting down a deck is very similar to putting down a subfloor in a main floor area of the home. However, there may be some spots that require sistering in some boards to strengthen the area below the deck to make sure it is strong. Think about everything that is needed to make the project successful and get some prices on materials and labor using the quote form on this page. Attic deck installation is a great thing to do in an unfinished attic because it opens up the area for foot traffic and thus for more storage. And it is an even better project in preparation to finish the attic because it is the foundation upon which that whole installation will rest.

Deck work in an attic is important as a task early on because it helps make it safe to proceed with the project and to work on other areas of the room with ease. A good attic deck should be sturdy and well insulated below, and a deck like this also needs to be able to manage the entire load it will eventually bear. Get an attic deck done right and use a local remodeler for excellent expert service to make this job easier and faster. The cost of this project is affordable when you shop around.