Loft Ladder Guide – Everything You Need To Know.
Posted by Lawrie Fraser on 11th April 2024
loft ladders are perfect for anyone looking to gain effortless and safe access into their loft spaces. In this blog, we will talk about multiple different loft ladder brands, features, and benfits.
What is a loft/attic ladder?
A loft ladder, often referred to as an attic ladder are foldable wooden loft ladders designed to function as a loft hatch and means of access to loft spaces. Loft ladders usually consist of 3-4 sections and fold inwards to rest on the hatch. This allows the loft ladder to take up no loft space unlike other conventional up and over loft ladders, which anchor to the lofts floor space. Our range of loft ladders are designed to provide you with extra loft real estate, safe passage, easy installation, budget & quality options, and ranges to suit different homes.
How much do loft ladders cost?
Loft ladders are priced on a variation of different factors from brand, size, and ,model. However, on average loft ladders range from £128 - £600. However, our loft experts have hand selected the best loft ladder range. With our prices ranging from £155-£232, with no compromise to quality.
How to install loft ladders?
Loft ladders are fairly easy to install. However, quite intricate. The installation time differs per brand as some brands like Keylite have specalist products that have pre-installed brackets, fixings and handles for quicker install. However, the average time to install a loft ladder is generally around 2-3 hours if the hatch opening needs to be made, or 1 hour if the opening is already made. If you need full instructions on how to install your roof window you can read & watch our full loft ladder installation guide.
How do loft ladders & hatch kits actually work?
Loft ladders and hatches are innovative in their own form, they work by a series of brand specific mechanisms and fixings. The hatch is installed to the ceiling opening with a series of small but thick wooden planks, also known as support battens or beams by screws provided by the manufacturer. The fixings and springs ensure the hatch opens and closes away from the frame securely. The loft ladder sits on the insulated hatch again with a series of hinges which make sure the loft ladder is properly situated and will not fall onto the operator of the loft ladder. The finger fold springs on the loft ladder itself makes sure the loft ladder correctly folds back into the hatch effortlessly and safely. The loft ladder usually comes with an opening pole to slowly open the loft ladder as well as locking and closing the hatch when pushing the loft ladder back up.
How to choose which loft ladder you need?
It is important to choose your loft ladder correctly, as some manufacturers will charge returns and restocking fees if the ladder needs to be returned. You should use the following measurements to determine the size of your loft ladder.
Floor to Ceiling Height.
Measure the ceiling to floor height in your home in centimetres. When choosing your loft ladder, you can choose one slightly bigger than your max height and trim it down. However, in no circumstance should you buy a loft ladder smaller than your floor to ceiling measurement.
Hatch/loft opening measurement.
Measuring your loft opening size is important and should be done
by the professional installing the loft ladder. The opening size should be
measured from width(cm) x length(cm). On some occasions depending on your
opening and the brand of loft ladder you are looking for you may need to
subtract 5mm from the attic opening size.
Clearance space for folding section.
To make sure you have enough space to fold and unfold your loft ladder, it is important to know your opening arc to ensure the amount of space is available to swing out the loft ladder sections of your ladder.
Loft ladder sizes by brand.
Keylite loft ladder sizes:
KYL 01 - 55cm x 100cm - Height 280cm
KYL 02 - 55cm x 120cm - Height 280cm
KYL 03 - 55cm x 120cm - Height 320cm
KYL 04 - 60cm x 100cm - Height 280cm
KYL 05 - 60cm x 120cm - Height 280cm
KYL 06 - 60cm x 120cm - Height 320cm
KYL 07 - 70cm x 100cm - Height 280cm
KYL 08 - 70cm x 120cm - Height 280cm
KYL 09 - 55cm x 100cm - Height 280cm
FAKRO loft ladder sizes:
864521 - 55cm x 111cm - Height 280cm
TB Davies EUROFOLD (Budget)
1530-000 - 55cm x 120cm - Height 280cm
What is the best loft ladder?
Each brand of loft ladder has different pros and cons and ultimately the answer lies with what you are looking for in your home. Keylite loft ladders are the best for quality & ease of installation, FAKRO loft ladders are classic and quality, and TB Davies EUROFOLD ladders are perfect for all budgets. Here is some standalone features of each brand:
Keylite Features:
- Pre-installed bracket that allow installation from below the loft.
- Unqiue detachable hinge which enables the ladder to be installed by just one person.
- Continuous seal around the hatch door which reduces heat loss.
- Dovetail joints on all treads for extra slip resistance.
- Fire resistant, with a 30 minute fire rating.
- Available in 3 section or 4 section.
- Scrath resistance ladder feet.
- Recessed locking system for extra saftey.
- White 36mm thick insulated hatch with U-Value of around 1.12/m2.K.
FAKRO Features:
- Fire resistant.
- Non-slip stills.
- Pre-installed handle.
- Dovetail treads for slip resistance.
- Insulated hatch door.
TB Davies Features:
- Tested U-Value of 1.11W/m2K for improved insulation and reduced heat loss
- Fits between standard UK loft joists
- Requires no headroom or storage space in the loft
- Minimum assembley
- 33mm thick insulated white trapdoor
- Spring counter balancing system for easy operation
- 18mm thick frame, together with continuous seal keeps cool drafts out
- Slip resistant dovetail treads
- Manufactured using 100% renewable energy
- PEFC sustainably sourced timber
- 1-year Warranty
- 150kg Work Load Capacity
Where to buy loft ladders?
You can shop loft ladders with us here at YARD Direct, and choose from an expert selected range. Our range includes Keylite, FAKRO, and TB Davies in a range of different sizes and models. When you shop with YARD you can enjoy the UKs best loft shop service, where we lead the market with over 2,000 5-star reviews.