The Best Loft Ladders for Small Spaces

While the loft is the ideal place to store all those boxes of things you can't quite bear to throw out or just want to keep out of sight, it can be a real inconvenience if you can't get up there with relative ease. The solution of course is a good set of loft ladders. 

 

Tight on space and struggling to choose the right ladder? Here are our tips on choosing the right loft ladders for small spaces: 

 

1. First Step: Measuring the Space 

Perhaps the first thing you need to do is measure the distance from the floor of the landing to the top of the roof joints that make up the floor of the loft. Also take a measurement of the loft hatch itself and ensure you choose a set of ladders that will fit. 

 

2. Fold and Slide Loft Ladders for Small Spaces 

One of the most popular styles of loft ladders for small spaces is the fold and slide variety which usually come in 2 or 3 sections. Depending on how safe you feel on a pair of ladders, you may like to opt for the kind that has a handrail attached for that feeling of extra security. Also, you need to consider how the ladder will be stowed. Some fit on the back of the loft hatch meaning they are useful loft ladders for small spaces. 

 

3. Wood or Aluminium Loft Ladders? 

You may also want to consider the noise factor. Timber ladders will prove to be a lot quieter than aluminium and they will feel a lot more secure too. They're also more aesthetically pleasing. Aluminium ladders can have a tendency to bend and flex when you stand on them, which although they're perfectly safe, can make you feel a little uneasy if you're not used to the sensation. 

 

4. Concertina Loft Ladders For Small Spaces 

Another popular type of loft ladder for small spaces is the concertina variety. They work in a similar fashion to sliding ladders but they require less space in your loft and so are useful when there is only limited clearance space up there. It may be worth bearing in mind that a higher-end set of concertina ladders may prove more costly (you can buy the cheaper version but they are invariably of a lower quality). The reason they come out more expensive is that they require a lot of engineering to produce. 

 

5. Load Considerations 

Consider the maximum load of a ladder and ensure you factor in the weight of any boxes you may be carrying up and down. Also find out what the life expectancy is. This usually falls in-between the range of 1 to 10 years. If you take these hints on board, you will be sure to choose the right option when it comes to selecting loft ladders suited to you. 

 

The Loft Access Company have over 22 years’ experience in all things loft related - including installing loft insulation. If have any other questions or would like to book in a no-obligation survey, please get in touch. Thank you for reading!