What's the best way of achieving this to SWMBO compliant standards, (i.e. so the result doesn't just look like a sheet of painted plywood stuck to the ceiling!). Also, at the moment insulation is attached to the rear of the (push up) hatch stapled behing a plastic sheet - how have people attached insulation to their drop down hatches so as not to interfere with loft ladders etc.
Mike
Presumably the existing hinge-up hatch rests on four battens fixed inside the frame. Depending on the frame depth you might be able to re-position the flap so that it is hinged under the battens. The hatch can be fixed in place by a lock so that only the key hole is visible, if you don't want a bolt. Or, spring-held catches are an alternative but then you would need a handle or knob in order to pull the hatch down. Magnetic catches are another possibility, but again a handle or knob would probably be needed. You may have to reposition the battens higher in the frame. Insulation probably isn't necessary but a slab of glued on insulation, such as a cavity wall insulation batt, might be more pleasing to madam's eye. You might get some ideas here:
There are ready made white upvc drop down hatches but you may have to alter the size of the hatch opening to suit:
Probably the most effective way is to buy a complete package including fold down wooden ladder.
I've fitted two of these - one in the house and the other in the workshop for access to the roof spaces.
A wooden casing fits in the space between joists and the ladder (folded in three sections) sits on the hinged trap door which is attached to it. Large springs or struts counterbalance most of the weight so that the trapdoor and ladder can be dropped down and then the ladder unfolded.
In comparison with most aluminium ladders which tend to push into the loft space, these don't occupy extra floor space and don't have as much height requirement. The hatch is insulated as well.
It may be necessary with some designs to lengthen the opening to accommodate the casing but not by much.
The casing can then be finished with an appropriate moulding, architrave or whatever appeals.
Have you found some short ones then? 570 x >~ 1000 seems a common size, Ideally I'd like 570 x 570 or up to about 750 if not, but I can't find anything.
HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.