Roofing and Building Center

Buying a Wooden Loft Ladder

Posted on December 31, 2009 by Samuel Cheeseman ----- Advertisement

A great deal of extra living or storage space can be gained by using your loft. Safe and convenient loft access is an important consideration and a loft ladder is the most common device used to achieve this. These ladders are most often constructed from either wood or metal. Wooden loft ladders are more expensive than a steel or aluminium loft ladder would be but are often preferred as they are more aesthetically pleasing and will blend in with most rooms more effectively. During operation they are also quieter than metal ladders which can tend to make scraping or squeaking noises. A timber loft ladder will usually be produced from either pine or hardwood with the latter being higher quality and more expensive.

Wooden Loft Ladder Designs

A loft ladder will usually have either a static fixed design or one which allows the ladder to slide or fold away to be stored in the loft. A static ladder will take up more floor space but will allow constant loft access so will be more convenient if it will be used frequently. The folding or telescopic loft ladder can easily be stowed in the loft when not in use so will free up extra living space. It will however take a small amount of time to set up and stow away each time it is used which may be inconvenient if this needs to be done several times every day. The vast majority of folding and telescopic loft ladders will be manually operated but some of the most expensive designs are available as electric loft ladders. These will usually fold out and retract with the press of a button which can be fitted onto a nearby wall or integrated into a remote control device. Concertina loft ladders can also be purchased which will fold away in a manner similar to an accordion and require little storage space. The design of a concertina loft ladder is often better suited to metal construction rather than wood.

Safety and Installation

There are some safety issues which will need to be given consideration when choosing timber loft ladders. You will need to check what kind of usage a ladder is designed for before you make a purchase. In the UK ladders are certified in several different classes. A ladder suitable for ‘general infrequent use’ will need to be BS 7553 Class G certified. If this will not be sufficient for you then a ladder certified as BS 7553 Class H is designed for ‘heavy duty regular use’. A supplier will be able to advise you further if you are unsure which ladder will be best suited to your needs.

A wooden loft ladder will often be available with or without hand rails. These can be useful safety features for those who are uncomfortable when climbing a ladder or who are otherwise physically impaired. If you are able bodied and confident using a ladder then you may want to choose a ladder without the safety hand rails. This will be especially true if the ladder will be used to transfer large or awkwardly shaped objects to and from your loft. The hand rails will often provide obstructions in these situations.

Most wood loft ladders will come as a complete kit with the hardware necessary to install them in your home. If your ladder is the correct size for your loft and the hatch does not need to be replaced or enlarged then building a loft ladder from a kit will be relatively simple. Many homeowners who are competent in DIY techniques will be able to complete the loft ladder installation themselves on the day of purchase. Ladders will also be available with replacement hatches but the installation can sometimes be more complex so you may want to speak to your supplier about professional installation if you do not think you are capable of fitting the ladder and the new hatch. Suppliers will also be able to provide advice to homeowners who wish to complete the work themselves.

Costs

Wooden loft ladders are available to suit most budgets. The cheapest designs begin at around £120 or just under $200. It is possible to pay much more than this as the quality of the ladder increases. Many of the better quality sliding and folding ladders are priced between £200-£400 or $350-$650. The most advanced electric loft ladder designs can cost thousands of pounds. When purchasing a loft ladder many of the best deals can be found online.