Loft Ladder Recommendations

Round here there are firms doing a supply and fit service which doesn't cost a lot more than buying the materials.

I used one of the three section wooden folding ones in the house and another in the workshop.

These are easy to use in that they are sprung loaded and are very sturdy when in place. The really nice thing is that the entire thing folds into the space of the hatch.

Previously I've had aluminium ones and found them pretty useless. Apart from being flimsy, they require extra space which is then wasted.

There is more involved in fitting the wooden deals in that they come with the complete frame and hatch. Ergo, you have to cut away between the joists and fit. The frame can be neatened with some architrave moulding.

There are quite a few of these on the market with most originating from Denmark or Sweden.

I find that space in front of you at the top of the ladder very useful. It doesn't allow you to clutter that bit up, so you always have somewhere to rest things you're taking up there.

You usually have to cut joists for any loft hatch unless you're very skinny indeed.

Got any links Andy? That sounds like exactly what I need too.

Thanks

Costco warehouses did and I think still do a uk ladder manufacturer branded timber loft ladder with hatch/frame/spring assisted timber ladder (4x1 stiles & rungs?) at under (big guess) £100. Its several years since I bought and fitted one but it was easy to fit and unlike the two aluminium ladders in the current house I never doubted its ability to take my weight + whatever I was putting in the loft. Looks very similar to

Except that it forces you to waste that area. I have better access from the side at the top.

It rather depends on the roof space layout.

That depends on the spacing. Mine were exactly 600mm and it all fitted perfectly.