7 Best Attic Flooring Options (Including Pros and Cons ) | Best Attic Flooring for Storage
Best Attic Flooring Options (Including Pros and Cons ) | Best Attic Flooring for Storage
Best Attic Flooring Options
The attic is the space that lies in between your ceiling and roof. In these types of spaces, you can use a variety of insulation options such as sealed cork, needlepunch or urethane foam. A common question that people may have regarding their attic is what should be done with the floor. Your options include:
1. Wood Attic Flooring
Wood attic flooring is typically solid or engineered wood, which is designed to have a high strength to weight ratio.
This is a nice option as it will be strong enough to support your weight and not sag under the load too easily.
It can be sanded and finished in the color of your choice, and multiple pieces can be installed easily for large rooms without having to worry about seams that are hard to hide.
This type of flooring is meant to be used in areas that will not get wet, which means that it can be used in a bathroom or laundry area.
It cannot be installed over insulation, but some designs include grooves on the bottom side to allow for air flow.
It typically comes with a 20-year warranty and can be installed by you or a contractor.
Some pros of wooden attic floors include;
– Wood is naturally healthy and can be cleaned to look as good as new for years to come.
– It is a natural insulation option, meaning it does not add too many pounds to the floor and elements cannot pass through easily.
– Wood is typically used in construction for floors, furniture, and cabinets. This means that it has a proven track record of being durable and will last longer than plastic or vinyl flooring options.
Cons of Wooden flooring
A few negatives of wooden attic floors include;
– It cannot be installed over insulation, which is a drawback for people who will be using the space as a closet or as a potential place for extra storage.
– The rotten wood smell that occurs over time can become difficult to remove.
2. Vinyl Attic Flooring
Vinyl attic flooring is typically made up of a solid sheet of vinyl with a sticky backing. This type of flooring is inexpensive and can be purchased in large rolls that can be easily cut and installed quickly.
Vinyl can be used for many different styles, including engineered wood floors, which can also have cuts for carpet.
It is typically best to purchase vinyl in ¾ inch material, as this allows sufficient airflow to pass through the floor while still protecting your home from cold and heat extremes.
Pros of Vinyl Attic Flooring
Many pros of vinyl attic floors include;
– It is water resistant, which means that it can avoid the rotting and mildewed odors that other attic flooring options experience. Therefore it is best used for areas that will not receive much additional water.
– It can be easily installed by yourself with simple tools such as nail guns or a hammer and nails.
– It is very strong even without the glue used in engineering wood floors.
Cons of Vinyl Attic Flooring
A few cons of vinyl attic floors include;
– It can be difficult to clean and maintain. Some models claim to be easy to clean, but manufacturers are not fully disclosing the proper tools and methods that will work best
. Therefore if you have a difficult time cleaning your home it may be because of the flooring you choose and you will need a professional to help with this.
3. Laminate Attic Flooring
This type of attic flooring is similar to vinyl in that it is composed of a solid sheet of material.
However, instead of a solid material used for the flooring, laminate is made up of two layers which are joined together with glue.
This kind of flooring can be cut with a circular saw and installed quickly using nails.
It typically comes pre-manufactured in ¾ inch material, which allows for airflow while still protecting against moisture and heat extremes.
Pros of Laminate Attic Flooring
Several pros of laminate attic flooring include:
– It is inexpensive and can be purchased in large rolls, which makes it easy to work with.
– Laminate is easily installed, even without professional help. This means that you can avoid paying contractors to install your floors for you.
Cons of Laminate Attic Flooring
A few cons of laminate attic flooring include:
– It is not water resistant and can rot over time if moisture gets underneath it.
4. Rubber Attic Flooring
Rubber attic flooring is composed of two layers, much like laminate but with a solid layer in between.
One side of the material can be glued down easily, while the other has a special coating that is made to stick to the floor and stay there permanently.
This type of material is typically more expensive than laminate, but is also more resistant to rot and decay from moisture.
It does not need any other waterproofing options when it is installed because it already contains waterproof properties for added resistance to heat and humidity.
Pros of Rubber Attic Flooring
A few pros of rubber attic floors include;
– It has a high threshold of resistance to moisture, which means that it will not rot or mildew as easily over time.
– It is extremely durable and will last longer than other flooring options. It can be cut with any kind of saw without damaging the floor, so it is not necessary to purchase a circular saw.
– It can be installed easily and quickly. You will not need any help from a professional, but you will need to cut it with a knife or scissors.
Cons of Rubber Attic Flooring
A few cons of rubber attic floors include:
– It is more expensive than vinyl and laminate options.
5. PVC Attic Flooring
This type of attic flooring is made out of polyvinyl chloride, which is a very durable material that can withstand high temperatures without failing.
It comes pre-manufactured in ¾ inch, 2 inch, or 3 inch material and is typically sold in rolls. It lasts for a long time because it does not absorb moisture like other flooring types.
Just like rubber attic floors, it can be purchased in all different colors and styles. Pros of PVC Attic Flooring
Many pros of PVC attic floors include:
– It is extremely durable and will last years despite extreme temperatures and humidity.
– It can easily cut with a normal knife or scissors.
– It is very easy to install. Simply unroll the material and use the built in adhesive strips to attach it to the studs of your walls or joists.
Cons of PVC Attic Flooring
A few cons of PVC attic floors include:
– It can melt in temperatures , which means that it is not recommended for garages or attics that will often become hot and humid.
6. Plywood Attic Flooring
Plywood attic flooring is similar to engineered wood flooring in that it is made up of multiple layers. It can be purchased pre-manufactured or made by you at home with some help from tools.
These layers can include fiberglass insulation and plywood.
However, this type of material is less expensive than engineered wood so if you are looking for an inexpensive attic material, it may fit your needs as well as others on the market.
Pros of Plywood Attic Flooring;
– It is less expensive than engineered wood.
– It is extremely durable and will last for many years.
– It is easy to install if you want to make it yourself, otherwise it can be purchased pre-manufactured as well.
Cons of Plywood Attic Flooring;
A few cons of plywood attic flooring include:
– It is not as resistant to heat as other options on the market, so it can melt or warp in high heat environments.
7. Carpet Attic Flooring
Carpeting is typically installed on the floor of your home, but it can also be used as an attic flooring material.
This type of attic flooring is specially made to resist wear and tear and moisture. It comes in different thicknesses so you can choose exactly what kind of resistance you need from your flooring.
It also comes in different colors and styles which makes it easy to match a room décor. It is typically sold in rolls, making it easier to install.
Pros of Carpet Attic Flooring
A few pros of carpet attic flooring include:
– It is extremely durable and will last many years.
– It can be cut with a simple scissors or a knife for easy installation.
– It comes in multiple colors and styles.
Cons of Carpet Attic Flooring
A few cons of carpet attic flooring include:
– It is not resistant to mold or mildew.
Attic Flooring FAQs
1. What is the best attic flooring options?
Your options include: wood, vinyl, carpet, tile. All of these options are great choices, and it will depend on what your situation is.
Wood is usually the cheapest, and would be a good choice for a recreational space. Vinyl is a good option in case any moisture gets in the room.
Carpet and tiles are more popular but harder to clean.
2. What is the best attic flooring for storage?
Plywood would be a good choice because it will last a long time. Laminate probably wouldn’t hold up as well.
3. Does flooring attic affect insulation?
The insulation that is present in your attic will likely not be affected by the flooring that you put in the room.
However, some flooring types are better than others at heat and cold resistance so it’s important to choose a material that works for your situation.
4. Why buy an attic flooring kit?
An attic flooring kit is a great choice for many small jobs. It’s easier to use these kits over building your own for a job or a small space.
- Why is my attic floor wet?
Water can sometimes get into the room through leaks in the roof or cracks in the walls. It can also get in when you have not properly installed insulation or moisture barriers.
6. Why do attic fans need to be installed?
In order for the fans to work properly, they need to be placed in the room, and their ventilation openings must be free of debris.
That means that if they are installed in a small space like under a staircase, they’re not going to work properly.
7. Why should I put attic flooring in my attic?
Using an attic floor will help ensure that moisture isn’t allowed through the foundation wall into your home.
It will also help prevent the floor from deteriorating over time and keep it dry. It’s an easy installation and will make your attic more comfortable.
8. Why is my attic flooring 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.
9. Why is my attic floor wet?
An attic floor can be wet for many reasons. It can get wet from water seeping through cracks or leaks in the roof or walls. It can also get wet if there are leaks in the ductwork, or you haven’t properly sealed them up.
10. How long does it take to install 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.
