Ever been told, “you can’t use a truss roof for storage because it can’t handle the extra weight”?
It’s one of the most common misconceptions we hear from Brisbane homeowners, and honestly, it’s time to retire this myth once and for all. Truss roofs get a bad rap, but the truth is much more exciting: yes, you can absolutely create functional, safe storage in a truss roof, and thousands of families across Brisbane and surrounds are already doing it, with the right advice and the right installation team.
Firstly, let’s cover why we LOVE attic storage
Most people think attic storage is simply about “a place to put boxes,” but attic storage offers far more value than homeowners expect. Once you unlock that unused area above your ceiling, the benefits ripple through your daily life. Here are some of the biggest advantages.
More space without extending your home
Building an extension, carport, or additional room is expensive and disruptive. Attic storage gives you extra usable space without altering the footprint of your home.
Clearer, cleaner living areas
You don’t realise how much visual noise clutter creates, until it’s gone. By moving bulky or seldom-used items into the attic, your living areas instantly feel calmer and more organised. There’s even research that shows it improves mood, productivity, and quality of sleep.
Makes your home more functional for growing families
As families expand, so do belongings. Attic storage gives you breathing room during key life stages:
- Welcoming a new baby
- Kids outgrowing toys or clothes
- Storing uni apartment items when kids move home
- Keeping sentimental items safe
Read 5 other reasons remodelling an attic is a worthwhile investment.
Myth-busted: can truss roofs handle the weight?
Short answer? Yes, when designed and constructed properly. We can absolutely create storage in your truss roof, and we do it safely and effectively by working around the trusses. We can even engineer them out for a deluxe storage experience.
The myth that “truss roofs can’t handle any extra load” comes from a misunderstanding of how trusses work. Unlike traditional cut-roof framing, trusses form a lightweight, engineered system that distributes load through multiple smaller members. This makes the structure efficient and strong, but it does mean you can’t just throw down some chipboard and hope for the best.
When we install engineered flooring, battening systems, structural supports and certified attic ladders, your attic becomes a genuinely useable space.
Creating truss roof storage
Now, you may be thinking, “But how do you do it?” Well, it’s not magic (even though it may seem like it). We follow the guidelines of a structural engineer, which vary depending on truss spacing.
We don’t lay flooring directly on the truss chords. Instead, we batten out the area first, then lay the flooring on top of the battens. The result? A safe, engineered platform capable of carrying 75kg per m² plus foot traffic that’s ideal for boxes, seasonal décor, luggage, documents, kids’ keepsakes, camping gear and all the bulky household items that clutter up your living spaces.
Accessing your new roof space
Your attic storage isn’t useful if you can’t get into it.
The positioning of the attic ladder can be a hurdle because trusses can run in the opposite direction of popular locations like hallways. Truss roofs can also feel a bit crowded, limiting your storage space. But no worries! Our savvy consultants find the best spot for your ladder, leading to the least restrictive area best suited to storage. So you’re always in good hands.
Why DIY truss roof storage often goes wrong
Many homeowners assume attic storage is a simple DIY job: throw down some boards, nail a few supports, and you’re good to go. But in reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth. You can’t cut or modify trusses without a structural engineer and flooring should never be laid directly on trusses (that’s a one-way ticket to ceiling deflection and other structural issues). When it comes to truss roofs, it’s always best to call in the experts.
Here are some other ways DIY-ers get it wrong:
Trusses are not designed for direct load
Laying flooring directly on truss chords can cause sagging, cracking and long-term structural issues. Trusses are engineered to work a specific way, and altering their load path is dangerous.
DIY platforms rarely meet load requirements
Household timbers and off-the-shelf flooring products usually don’t meet the 75kg/m² storage load needed for safe attic use.
Hidden services become hazards
Air-con ducts, electrical wiring, plumbing vents and insulation can be crushed or punctured if handled incorrectly.
Insurance and warranty issues
Self-modifying structural elements may void warranties or insurance claims in certain situations.
This is why professional, engineered attic storage is not just the safest option, it’s also the most cost-effective long-term solution. Fixing DIY mistakes often costs more than doing the job properly the first time.
Real truss roof attic conversion Brisbane projects with Roof Space Renovators
We don’t just talk the talk, we’ve built dozens of attic storage spaces for homeowners across Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Gold Coast and surrounding regions. Below are a few real-life case studies from clients who thought their roof was unsuitable, only to discover it was really a hidden storage gem.
For a Wynnum West home, we took a home whose truss roof seemed too tangled for storage and turned it into a fully functional attic storage room. We installed raised battens, engineered flooring and a quality attic ladder to create a safe, walkable storage platform. Read the full case study.
It was a similar story for this Albion home, who also opted for a skylight installation while we were onsite. Read more.
After the flooding in February 2022, homeowners in a Paddington came to us wanting a secure, elevated storage space. Their ground floor had been compromised, and they needed a place to keep belongings safe from future weather events. This project highlights the value of attic storage not just for clutter, but for home protection and resilience, something especially important to Queensland homeowners. Learn more here.
Unleashing the hidden potential of your truss roof
So there you have it folks, truss roofs can indeed be converted into practical, budget-friendly storage spaces. We’ve tackled numerous truss roof projects with great success – we promise it’s not an urban legend!
In a world where floor space is a treasure, why not look up and consider the space under your roof? Don’t let myths and tall tales prevent you from unlocking the potential of your truss roof.
If you’re ready to make the most of your truss roof, reach out to our team at Roof Space Renovators. Our experts will guide you through the process, ensuring you get a tailor-made attic storage solution that suits your needs. Don’t let your attic space go to waste – it’s time to elevate your storage game with Roof Space Renovators.
FAQs
Still curious about what’s possible in your truss roof? Here are the answers to the most common attic storage questions Brisbane homeowners ask us.
What storage options do you have?
We offer budget, clean and deluxe attic storage. Read more about our storage types here.
I am heavier than the 75kg load capacity, can I still walk on the storage flooring in my roof space?
Yes, even though you are heavier than 75kg you can walk on the flooring, just make sure to spread the storage load to 75kg. The 75kg load is for stagnant weight plus occasional foot traffic.
Do I need council approval for attic storage?
In most cases, no. Storage platforms are considered non-habitable works. If you’re not adding plumbing, air con systems or habitable rooms (like our attic living rooms), storage-only conversions usually fall within permissible building works. We can advise you case-by-case though.
Is it safe to walk in my attic after installation?
Absolutely. Once flooring is installed and the ladder is fitted, your attic becomes a safe, functional storage zone. However, do not step off the installed storage flooring!
