In the RoomSketcher App, you can create a floating loft (one that you can walk under), like this example:

This article covers the following topics:

• Draw a Floor Plan
• Create the Loft Floor
• (Optional) Add Support Columns
• Add a Railing
• Add Stairs

Draw a Floor Plan

After you have drawn up the floor plan of your room or house, decorate and furnish the main floor, as it’s best to create the loft last.

Note that the wall height of the lower floor must be tall to fit this type of loft.

To adjust the wall height for the floor or level

1. In the RoomSketcher App, click or tap the yellow Menu button, and then under Level, click Properties.
2. On the right side, set the Wall Height for the level.

Create the Loft Floor

To create the floor for your loft space, you can use a Building Block.

1. Open Furniture mode and search for Building Block.
   
   
   
   
2. Hover over a block to see its finish (paint, fabric, glass, wood, metal).
3. Click or tap to select the block that has the finish you prefer, and then tap to place it on your floor plan. Its Properties appear on the right.
4. (Optional) Click Replace Materials to create different floor finishes.
5. Type the measurements for the loft floor:
   - Width and Length will be the actual size of the loft
   - Height will be the thickness of the floor
   - Height Above Floor is the vertical height where you want the floor to start.
6. Important: Click Lock Height Above Floor.
   
   
   
   You've successfully created the floor of your loft! Here is an example:
   
   

(Optional) Add Support Columns 

You may want to add support columns or pillars.

1. In Furniture mode, search for Column.
2. Click a column to select it and click to place it on the floor plan. Its Properties appear on the right.
3. Change the Width and Depth of the column, if needed.
4. Change the Height of the column so that it matches the Height Above Floor of the building block (loft) above. In our example, that is 3048 mm.
   
   
   
   
5. To duplicate the column, click to select it, on the top toolbar, click Copy  then click somewhere else and click Paste .
6. Slide the columns in under your loft floor.
7. Take a Snapshot to view it in 3D.
   
   

Add a Railing

If you want a railing on your loft, there are several methods.

Option 1 - Glass Railing

1. In Furniture mode, search for Glass.  (Tip: You can also search for Shower Enclosure, and you’ll find a piece of glass that is also useful for glass railings)
2. Click to select and click to place the glass panel on the floor plan. Its Properties appear on the right.
3. In the Properties window, you can adjust Height, Width, Depth.
4. Adjust Height Above Floor to equal the sum of the Height Above Floor +  the Height of the Loft floor. Important: Click Lock Height Above Floor.
5. To duplicate the glass, click to select it and click Copy  then click Paste .
6. Drag your new glass railings where you want them on the top of the loft floor.
7. Take a Snapshot to check the location.

An example of glass found by searching for “Shower Enclosure”:

Option 2 - Building Blocks

If you want your loft to be more closed off and private, use building blocks for a half-wall.

1. In Furniture mode, search for Building Block.
2. Click to select and click to place a building block on the floor plan.
3. In the Properties, adjust the Height, Width, Depth.
4. Adjust Height Above Floor to equal the sum of the Height Above Floor and the Height of the Loft floor. Important: After you have set it, click Lock Height Above Floor.
   
   
   
   
5. (Optional) Users with a paid plan can Replace Materials on building blocks.
6. To duplicate the railing, click to select it and click Copy  then click Paste .
7. Place your building block railings on the loft floor.
8. Take a Snapshot to visualize in 3D.
   
   

Option 3 - Columns and Beams

If you want a more open look, here is a way to achieve it.

1. In Furniture mode, search for Column.
2. Click a column to select it and click to place it on the floor plan. Its Properties appear on the right.
3. Change the Width and Depth of the column.
4. Change the Height of the column so that it is a little shorter than the final height of the railing (as you will add a beam on top of the column).
5. Adjust Height Above Floor to equal the sum of the Height Above Floor and the Height of the Loft floor (in our example, that is 3048 mm + 457 mm).
6. Important: Click Lock Height Above Floor.
7. To duplicate the column, click to select it and click Copy  then click Paste .
8. Drag your columns into place to create the railing.
9. In Furniture mode, search for Beam. Click to select and click to place the beam on the floor plan.
10. Adjust the Height, Width & Depth.
11. Adjust the Height Above Floor so that it fits on top of the columns that make up the railing.
12. Place the beam on top of the columns to make a complete railing.
13. Take a Snapshot to view it in 3D.
    
    

Add Stairs

The last step is to visualize how you’ll access your new loft. If you need stairs leading up to it, here is how to add them.

1. Open Windows etc. mode and open the Stairs category.
2. Click to select a stair and click to place it on your floor plan.
3. If needed, adjust your railings, so there is a space where the stair to meets the loft.
4. Place the top of the stairs where you want it to meet the loft. Tip: the red dot marks the top of the stairs.
5. With the stair selected, its Properties appear on the right.
6. Clear Floor to Ceiling.
   
   
   
   
7. Adjust the Height of the stairs to match the height of your loft, and the Width to match it to the width you need.
8. For Type, choose Above Floor so that your stairs head up to the loft.
9. (Optional) Use Replace Materials to customize your stairs.
10. Take a Snapshot to check that everything is lined up properly.