Unreasonably upset that my ceilig joists are NOT 16 inches apart

[KatyMac]

So I can't just 'put down' roof boards because they are 48 inches long and the centres are all wrong

Aaaarrrrgggghhhhh

I need to get a man in - damn

On the bright side, at least you understand the problem - you sound very clued up!

Yes but I can't use a saw & DH won't use a saw (he is very good with a iron tho')

Hence the need for the man

How very dare they! They put my joists in wrong (72 year ago)

It may not be "wrong".
If the centres are less than 16" then shallow joists may have been used at closer centres to get the required strength.

Are you boarding a loft with chipboard?
If so, that is really easy to saw.
Do you really need a man?

Probably - I have Fibromyalgia & Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; my wrists are very weak and I can't do manual sawing or use a jigsaw (or similar) because of the vibration

B&Q used to (some years ago) offer a wood cutting service - worth asking them maybe?

Boarding is very heavy and awkward if your grip or strength is not good.

If you are getting someone in, and have not yet bought the floor, ask if he can supply and fit 18mm flooring ply instead. It is stronger and much more durable than chipboard. I can just carry an 8x2 ft sheet into the loft, the bigger the sheets and the fewer joints, the more rigid it is.

It must be screwed down not nailer as hammering will crack the ceiling plaster.

Best check the size of the hatch before ordering full size sheets of anything. Good luck

I don't think I'd get an 8ft sheet in to the attic - the chimney breast & the wall are in the wrong place

Thanks I will be careful

Hi, just use the cutting service at B and Q.

In fact B and Q cannot be the only people to offer that - they are the nearest to me but many suppliers would need to offer that service.

if you're going to pay a carpenter-sort of person to do the work, chances are that he will own a saw.

If you are Herts/Beds/Cambs one of my friend's DH is a carpenter looking for the odd days work as new build estate he was working has less hours going. PM me if of any interest.

Thanks we are quite a way away - but I appreciate the offer