Loft Ladder Measurements
If you’re planning to install a loft ladder, there are some vital calculations you’ll need to do first. Whether you’re shopping for a wooden loft ladder or a concertina ladder, you need to know if it’ll fit your home before you make a purchase.
To help you get it right, we’ve put together this loft ladder measurements guide. Do make sure that your measurements are as accurate as possible – accurate measurements will prevent complications with your loft ladder installation later on.
DID YOU KNOW? You can use the filters on our website to find a loft ladder that meets your exact requirements! Visit laddersukdirect.co.uk/shop/loft-ladders to browse our range.
Floor to Floor Height
One of the most important measurements you need to take before purchasing a loft ladder is the floor-to-floor height. Get this measurement wrong, and your loft ladder might be too long or too short!
The floor-to-floor height is exactly what it says on the tin: the distance between the floor of your loft and the floor below it (where the loft ladder will sit when fully extended). You will need to know this measurement in order to purchase sliding, concertina or telescopic loft ladders.
Floor to Ceiling Height
Floor-to-ceiling height is important because you want to make sure your new loft ladder folds away neatly and the hatch is flush to the ceiling.
To take this measurement, you need to measure the space between the floor and the ceiling of the room under your loft. This measurement is needed if you’re purchasing a folding loft ladder or a ladder that’s integrated with a loft hatch.
Hatch Clearance
When you install a folding loft ladder, you need to make sure there’s enough space for the ladder hatch to move freely. So it’s important to measure the arc between the hatch and the wall.
To take this measurement, you should measure the distance between the back of your loft hatch and the nearest obstruction in the room below.
Loft Hatch Opening
If you don’t have a loft hatch in place already, then you’ll need to take loft hatch opening measurements. These define the size of the hole you’ll need to cut to install your new loft ladder and hatch.
You may need to consider where the structural beams in the ceiling are – you definitely don’t want to cut through those! Also take into account wires, pipes and other obstructions before you start cutting.
Did we mention we sell complete loft ladder and hatch kits here at Ladders UK Direct? Don’t forget to check them out!
Horizontal & Vertical Clearance
When you’re folding your loft ladder away, it will take up some space in the attic. Ideally, you want your ladder to fit neatly into the attic without bumping into your belongings or other obstacles. If you get the horizontal and vertical clearance of your loft ladder wrong, you might have a hard time putting it away.
This measurement is usually determined by the height of your attic. To find out if your chosen loft ladder will fold away into the attic, you should check its maximum clearance in the product specification. If you can’t find it, get in touch with your loft ladder supplier.
Popular Types of Loft Ladder
Having trouble choosing the right type of loft ladder for your home? Let’s take a look at the two most popular styles…
Sliding
Sliding loft ladders are the most common type of loft ladder on the market. The sections of the loft ladder slide together to create one compact unit inside the loft ladder hatch.
Concertina
Concertina loft ladders are ideal if you have very little attic space. Rather than sliding together in large sections, the whole ladder concertinas (folds in on itself) to become a very small unit. These loft ladders are often used for mezzanine floors.
Popular Loft Ladder Materials
When it comes to choosing the right material for your loft ladder, there are two options that dominate the market: wood and aluminium.
Aluminium Loft Ladders
If you’re in the market for an inexpensive, lightweight loft ladder, aluminium is the way to go. Aluminium loft ladders can be used by most people. We’d recommend aluminium loft ladders to homeowners who want to purchase one loft ladder to last a lifetime, but don’t plan to access the attic often. This is simply because aluminium loft ladders don’t offer the most comfortable climb.
Wooden Loft Ladders
Wooden loft ladders are a beautiful, natural alternative to aluminium loft ladders. They’re made to last, can be customised using wood paints and are especially comfortable to climb because of their smooth edges. We’d recommend wooden loft ladders if you’re planning a loft conversion and want to access your attic more regularly.
Now you know a bit more about the measurements you need and the options on offer, we hope you can choose the perfect loft ladder for your home.
We offer a wide range of loft ladders including wooden ladders, mezzanine ladders, concertina ladders and even loft ladder and hatch kits! Head over to our Loft Ladders page to shop.
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Email sales@laddersukdirect.co.uk for more help finding your perfect loft ladder.
