Converting an attic into livable space can add valuable square footage to your home. However, attics often have unfinished floors made from exposed wood joists or rough plywood. To make your attic feel like part of the home, it’s important to install finished flooring. When choosing attic flooring, you need to consider factors like your budget, durability, moisture resistance, insulation needs, and ease of installation. The most common types of flooring used in attics are carpet, laminate, vinyl, and engineered wood. Each has pros and cons to weigh when deciding what will work best for your space.
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Carpet
Carpeting is a popular choice for attic floors for several reasons:
- Soft and warm underfoot
- Noise absorbing
- Wide variety of styles and colors
- Budget-friendly option
- Easy DIY installation
Padding beneath the carpet helps insulate the floor. The carpet fibers also provide sound dampening by absorbing echoes and ambient noise. This is beneficial for attics being converted into media rooms, playrooms, or bedrooms. The softness of carpet also makes it suitable for rooms where kids will be playing and sitting on the floor.
The two main downsides of carpet are moisture resistance and durability. Spills and leaks can stain or damage carpet fibers if not cleaned up quickly. The fibers can also crush down over time in high traffic areas, giving the carpet a worn appearance. Regular cleaning and vacuuming will be needed to keep carpet looking its best.
Overall, carpet is a good choice for attic floors that won’t get excessive moisture and don’t need to withstand heavy wear and tear. The range of styles, colors, and textures available make it easy to coordinate with your room décor. Budget-friendly pricing is also a plus.
Carpet Installation
Installing wall-to-wall carpet is a DIY project many homeowners can tackle. The basic steps include:
- Clear out attic space
- Vacuum and clean subfloor
- Replace any damaged boards in subfloor
- Install tack strips around perimeter
- Roll out carpet padding
- Cut carpet to size allowing for 2-3” extra all around
- Tuck carpet into tack strips and stretch to remove ripples
- Trim excess carpet at edges
- Seam edges if needed
Having the right tools like a utility knife, knee kicker, and carpet stretcher will make installation much easier. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper tack strip placement and carpet stretching. When installed correctly, wall-to-wall carpet can last 10-15 years with proper care and maintenance.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring mimics the look of natural wood, tile, or stone. It has seen a surge in popularity as a versatile and affordable flooring option. Many homeowners are now using laminate in attics to get the visual appeal of hardwood with a lower price tag.
Here are some benefits of using laminate flooring in attics:
- Durable and scratch-resistant wear layer
- Stains wipe clean easily
- Wide variety of wood lookalike colors and grains
- Easy floating click-together installation
- Relatively affordable compared to hardwood
- Low maintenance
Laminate floors are constructed of four layers fused together under heat and pressure:
- Wear layer – Clear melamine resin coating that resists scratches, stains, dents, and fading
- Decorative layer – Photographic image layer that creates the wood or stone pattern
- Core layer – HDF (high density fiberboard) that provides rigidity and structure
- Backing layer – Melamine resin or polymer sealing out moisture
Compared to hardwood, laminate is very forgiving when it comes to moisture, spills, and scuffs. The pressure fused layers create a durable surface that maintains its beauty over decades. Most laminate floors carry warranties of 15-25 years for residential use.
One downside of laminate flooring is that it can appear obviously artificial when examined up close. It also produces a hollow tapping sound when walked on compared to solid hardwood. However, the overall performance and aesthetic make laminate a cost-effective choice for attic floors.
Laminate Flooring Installation
Installing laminate follows a simple floating floor method. No nails, glue, or special tools are needed. The tongue and groove edges click together much like a puzzle. Here are the basic DIY steps:
- Clean subfloor thoroughly
- Lay foam underlayment as moisture barrier
- Lay first row with tongue edges facing wall
- Click subsequent rows together on long side
- Use spacers at wall to allow expansion gap
- Cut final row to width with table saw
The floating installation allows the floor to move naturally with temperature changes. Leaving 1/4″ spacing at walls prevents buckling or separation. With a user-friendly click and lock system, most homeowners can install a laminate floor over a weekend.
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring offers the allure of hardwood for less. The durable planks emulate wood grain and stone patterns but cost far less than natural materials. Waterproof construction also makes LVP ideal for attics and other second story spaces.
Benefits of LVP flooring include:
- Completely waterproof
- Scratch and stain resistant
- Quiet and comfortable underfoot
- Floating click installation
- Affordable imitation of pricier floors
- Extensive style and color selection
LVP is constructed in distinct layers:
- Clear urethane wear layer – Protects against wear and tear
- Vinyl layer – Provides cushioning and structure
- Print layer – Photographic layer with wood/stone image
- Rigid composite core – Prevents warping and buckling
This multilayer construction makes LVP extremely durable and able to withstand kids, pets, and heavy foot traffic. Flooding or roof leaks pose no concern thanks to waterproof construction. LVP provides insulation against heat and cold for improved energy efficiency.
The vinyl surface resists scratches and scuffs that would mar hardwood. The textured embossing is nearly indistinguishable from real wood or stone. LVP provides the beauty and warmth of natural flooring with superior durability and moisture protection.
LVP Installation
LVP flooring installs as a floating floor just like laminate. The planks click together for fast DIY installation:
- Prepare level subfloor
- Lay underlayment foam
- Arrange planks tightly avoiding gaps
- Click long edges together first
- Tap short ends into place with rubber mallet
- Use spacers at perimeter for expansion
With no adhesive needed, LVP floors can be walked on immediately after installation. Damaged planks can also be easily replaced if needed. Typical costs range from $2-8 per square foot installed.
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood offers the beauty of solid hardwood with enhanced moisture resistance. This makes it a great option for attic spaces that may experience wide temperature and humidity fluctuations.
- Top veneer layer is real hardwood
- Precision milled for lasting quality
- Resists swelling and gapping
- Durable construction
- Can be nailed, stapled, or glued down
- Sandable and refinishable
Engineered wood consists of multiple layers fused together under pressure:
- Top layer – Genuine hardwood veneer showing the visible grain
- Middle layers – Crossed plywood strips preventing warping
- Bottom layer – Solid softwood backing for stability
The plywood core makes engineered wood more dimensionally stable than solid hardwood. The plies expand and contract in different directions to prevent separation or cupping. This durability suits attics that experience greater temperature swings.
While more expensive than laminate or LVP, engineered wood costs significantly less than solid hardwood. The factory pre-finishing also makes installation easier. Overall, engineered flooring combines the classic appeal of real wood with enhanced moisture and site-finished performance.
Engineered Wood Installation
Installation methods for engineered wood include:
- Nail or staple down – Most traditional method
- Glue down – Bonds planks to subfloor for smoother surface
- Float – Planks click together over underlayment
Follow manufacturer guidelines to determine the best option. Allow wood to acclimate on site before installation. Use cork spacers for expansion gaps of 1/2 inch between flooring and walls or fixed objects. Compared to laminate or LVP, installation of engineered wood requires more skill and experience.
How to Choose Attic Flooring
Choosing attic flooring requires weighing factors like:
- Budget
- Moisture resistance
- Durability for intended use
- Noise reduction
- Insulation qualities
- Ease of installation
| Flooring | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Carpet | Soft, warm, noise absorbing, affordable, easy installation | Vulnerable to moisture damage, needs frequent cleaning |
| Laminate | Durable, scratch-resistant, stain-proof, wide style selection, DIY friendly install | Prone to damage from excess moisture |
| Luxury Vinyl Plank | Waterproof, scratch and stain resistant, affordable, extensive styles | Hollow sound when walked on, lacks richness of real wood |
| Engineered Wood | Real wood veneer, moisture resistant construction, can be refinished | More expensive than alternatives, professional installation recommended |
For attics, LVP is often the best choice thanks to its durable waterproof construction. Carpet provides noise insulation but requires meticulous moisture protection. Laminate flooring works well for dry attics, while engineered wood offers premium performance albeit for higher cost.
Conclusion
When converting an attic into living space, the flooring choice impacts aesthetics, comfort, noise, insulation, and durability. Carpet muffles sound but struggles with moisture issues in attics. Laminate provides affordable wood looks but lacks water resistance. Luxury vinyl plank floors are 100% waterproof with extensive style options. Lastly, engineered hardwood delivers premium performance and beauty. Consider factors like your budget, goals, and attic environment to select the ideal attic flooring for your home.