Attic Flooring - MDF or p5 chipboard

spakman

Hi,

I've been looking into getting my attic floored - it won't be bearing any major weight, Xmas decorations, kids toys, clothes etc.
I've got a couple of quotes that have come in roughly the same price - the main difference being one uses mdf, other uses p5 chipboard.
Which would be best for an attic floor?
MDF is generally stronger than chipboard, but I'm not sure what p5 is!
But if there is a leak/spill, mdf will swell. Would chipboard also swell?
The mdf wouldn't be using tongue and groove, which would make it easier to lift a board if needed.
Sorry for all the questions

TheBully

Why not just use plywood?
Also, tongue and groove in an attic floor?? Where are u getting that from?

spakman

It's not that I don't want to use plywood, of the two people I got quotes from, one said they use MDF and the other said they use p5 chipboard. Maybe I need to check out a few other places!

spakman

Actually, having read up a bit more,p5 is a moisture resistant flooring grade chipboard, so sounds like the best bet!

TheBully

Can I ask what kind of money you were quoted to sheet out an attic if you don't mind? Ballpark figure?

spakman

Also includes increasing hatch size, putting in a folding ladder and a light. Around the 500 mark.

TheBully

spakman wrote: »

Also includes increasing hatch size, putting in a folding ladder and a light. Around the 500 mark.

That sounds reasonable. I have my attic converted but I have plywood in the storage areas up there, and it's perfect! While he has s putting up a light, maybe get a socket up there too, in a very cold winter you may want to put up a heater. Just a thought.

Sleeper12

TheBully wrote:

Why not just use plywood? Also, tongue and groove in an attic floor?? Where are u getting that from?

Attic chip board is t&g. Usually 4x2 sheets.

Op there are different quality attic doors. Some have a ladder and others have folding stairs. The better ones are airtight. I don't know what one you were quoted for but if it were me id rather pay the bit extra for the airtight door

drunkmonkey

How big is the attic, what's the spacing of the joists and the thickness of them.

Hows the wiring running, run whatever cables your think you might need in the future like TV points or internet now.

It's probably a chance to upgrade the insulation if it needs it.

I'm at the tail end of an attic conversion and it's plywood we used but we're sticking 3 rooms and a bathroom up there.

spakman

Thanks for replies. It will only be used for storage, not enough room to convert.
It's a new build, so loads of insulation up there (will be getting floor raised as insulation is above level of joists).

drunkmonkey

Would it not be easier to put the insulation between the joists, how high have you intended to raise the floor? you'll have to raise it a tiny bit if there's wires running across it.

agusta

osb board is probally the best and most cost effective over time

looksee

We had the attic floored (t&g chipboard) and the joists were raised to allow for insulation, I think it is pretty standard now.

gutteruu

MDF should be banned from attics. It soaks up moisture, expands and losses all strength, leading to people falling through it in years to come.

OSB board is good and cheap. Ply is best. The last attic I done, I ran 4x2's across the joists and laid floor on this. This left room for insulation, wiring etc. I used 18mm ply. I done my own with 12mm ply and it bends like hell when I stand on it. Don't let your builder squash insulation to install flooring. Insulation is designed to sit 'fluffy' if you will. If you compact it won't work as well. Get the guy installing it to draw on the flooring where the cables run under it. Its an easy thing to do but will make life a lot easier when you need to find a cable again.