If you are planning to board your loft for storage, you already know that you need a raised system to protect your insulation. The UK Building Regulations recommend 270mm of insulation, and squashing it with standard boards will ruin its thermal efficiency. But when it comes to choosing the right supports, you are likely faced with a choice: Loft Stilts or Loft Legs?
In this guide, we will compare these two popular options, looking at stability, load-bearing capacity, installation, and overall value, to help you make the best choice for your home.
What Are Loft Legs?
"Loft Leg" is a well-known brand name in the UK for raised loft floor supports. They typically come in two main sizes:
- Standard Loft Leg (175mm): Designed to sit on top of a 100mm joist, providing enough clearance for an additional 170mm of top-up insulation.
- Loft Leg XL (300mm): Designed for newer homes with deeper insulation requirements.
They are made from recycled polypropylene and feature a single central column design with a base that screws into the joist and a top plate for the board.
What Are Loft Stilts?
Loft Stilts are a heavy-duty alternative designed to provide a superior, ultra-stable platform for your loft boards. Manufactured in the UK from high-strength plastics, they are engineered to support significant weight without the wobble or flex sometimes associated with single-column supports.
Head-to-Head Comparison
1. Stability and Load Bearing
The primary concern when boarding a loft is safety. You need a floor that feels solid underfoot and can safely hold your storage boxes.
While standard loft legs are adequate for light use, their single-column design can sometimes lead to a slight flex or wobble, especially if the joists are uneven or the boards are not perfectly aligned. Loft Stilts, on the other hand, are designed with a more robust, wider-stance structure. This heavy-duty design distributes weight more evenly across the joist, resulting in a significantly more stable and rigid floor. If you plan to store heavier items or want a floor that feels as solid as a standard room, Loft Stilts are the superior choice.
2. Ease of Installation
Both systems require you to screw the supports into the timber joists and then screw the OSB loft boards onto the top plates.
However, the wider base and sturdier design of Loft Stilts can make them easier to align and secure. They are less prone to twisting as you drive the screws in, which speeds up the installation process. For a detailed guide on how to install our system, check out our installation instructions.
3. Insulation Clearance and Ventilation
Both Loft Stilts and standard 175mm Loft Legs are designed to clear the recommended 270mm of insulation (assuming 100mm joists). They both allow you to lay the crucial 170mm top-up layer without compressing it.
Crucially, both systems also provide the necessary air gap between the insulation and the boards. This ventilation is essential to prevent condensation and protect your roof timbers from damp and rot.
4. Durability and Origin
Loft Stilts are proudly manufactured in the UK using high-quality, durable materials. They are built to last the lifetime of your home, ensuring your loft floor remains safe and secure for decades.
Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?
If you are looking for a basic, entry-level solution for very light storage, standard loft legs will do the job. However, if you want a heavy-duty, ultra-stable floor that is easier to install and built to handle more substantial storage needs, Loft Stilts are the clear winner.
By choosing Loft Stilts, you are investing in a premium product that provides peace of mind, protects your insulation, and creates a safer, more usable space in your home.
Ready to Start Your Project?
Use our Loft Stilts Calculator to find out exactly how many supports you need for your loft. We offer convenient packs of Loft Stilts for DIYers, as well as trade pallets for larger projects and professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Loft Stilts better than Loft Legs?
Loft Stilts offer a more robust, heavy-duty design compared to standard single-column loft legs. This results in a more stable, rigid floor that can safely support more weight with less flex.
Can I use Loft Stilts with 270mm insulation?
Yes, Loft Stilts are specifically designed to be used with the UK recommended 270mm of insulation. They raise the boards high enough to prevent the insulation from being squashed, maintaining its thermal efficiency.
Do Loft Stilts fit all joists?
Loft Stilts are designed to fit standard UK timber ceiling joists. They have a wide base that can be securely screwed into joists of various widths.