When you are creating a liveable loft space, being able to access the loft is almost as important as the space itself. Choosing the right loft ladder for your space is crucial, so I’ve teamed up with Ladders UK Direct to bring you 3 top tips for choosing the right loft ladder.
1) Ladder or Staircase?
If your loft is a simple storage space, all you need is a ladder. But if you have a full loft conversion, you will need a staircase that complies with the relevant regulations.
For a storage space, it is worth thinking about the sort of thing you’ll be carrying up and down the ladder. How much weight are you likely to be putting on the ladder at any given time? Some ladders have higher maximum weight capacities than others. Personal comfort is also important: you are the one using it, after all! You may be more comfortable on a ladder with wider treads, for example.
2) Check Your Measurements
When choosing a loft ladder, make sure you measure the space within the loft, and the space underneath. Most ladders will fit snugly within the hatch, making the space within the loft easier to manage. If space underneath the hatch is tight, this could impact what kind of ladder you can install. You may need to settle for a concertina loft ladder, for example, if your landing is particularly narrow.
It’s also wise to measure the height between floor and ceiling, as this will dictate the length of ladder required. Wooden ladders can be more easily trimmed to fit your ceiling height.
3) Get the Right Look
Once you know your dimensions, it’s then a matter of aesthetics. Do you have a chic, cottage-style home? You may want a wooden ladder that lends an air of rustic elegance. For sleek, minimalist show-homes, a concertina ladder or telescopic ladder made of aluminium or steel may work better.
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