Cross batten spacing, advice needed.

[russa]

Hi,

I am going to board my loft for light storage. The loft has 2x4 joists 2 feet apart and lots of cables and pipes runing over the top.

So I dont have to move the cables and pipes I am going to cross batten with 2x2 and lay 8ftx2ft chipboard over the top.

I have read probably every post on here about boarding lofts but can't seem to find any advice on what space should be left between the cross battens.

As I only got 2x2 for the cross batten I was thinking of leaving 2 feet between each one and using 10x3" screws.

Does this sound right?

Many thanks for any advice given.

 

[JohnD]

This is just for light storage and safe access to the loft, not a habitable room or anything heavy.

I usually space the battens to suit the size and orientation of the boards. you need at least one batten under each edge, and one in the middle, with a max span of 2' and closer is better

I am not keen on those expensive little loft boards

You might find you can carry an 8x2 ply board up into the loft, it has fewer joints and is a better material than chipboard.

I strongly recommend pre-drilling before driving in the screws, especially through the battens

 

[russa]

Many thanks for taking the time to reply.

I have brought chipboard but it's 8x2 pre-treated, Wickes had a special on

I was going to put 4 batterns per 8 feet but might try three (one at each end and one in the middle) and see how it goes.

Do you still recommend that I pre-drill if I use an impact driver?

Thanks again.

Russ

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Stick to no more than 600mm centres or your chipboard will likely bow assuming its 18mm thick.

 

[russa]

Apologies, does that mean one battern per 600mm?

Cheers

Russ

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Yes or 2ft in old money.

 

[russa]

many thanks, 2ft it is