Installation guide
How to install loft stilts
No specialist skills needed – a typical loft platform takes an afternoon with a drill, a tape measure and a spirit level.
- 1
Plan your layout
Decide the area you want to board and mark your joist positions. Space stilts at 400–600mm centres along each joist. As a rule of thumb, allow one LoftRise stilt per 0.3m² of finished floor.
- 2
Fix the stilts to the joists
Part the insulation gently to expose the joist top, place the stilt base flange on the joist and screw it down through the pre-formed holes. Tuck the insulation back around the stilt – never compress it.
- 3
Fit the timber battens
Lay timber battens (typically 45×45mm or similar) across the stilt top plates, check they are level, then screw each batten to the stilt top plates.
- 4
Lay and fix the loft boards
Position standard loft boards (18mm chipboard loft panels work well) across the battens, stagger the joints, and screw them down. Leave a small expansion gap at the edges.
- 5
Check and load up
Walk the platform to confirm everything is solid, then move your storage in. Keep heavier items spread out and close to the stilt positions for the best support.
Safety first
Always stand on joists or boarded areas – never on the plasterboard between joists. Work in good light, keep cables and pipes visible, and if your loft has unusual structures or trussed rafters, ask a professional before boarding.