Loft Ladder Kits  If you are contemplating buying and fitting a loft ladder kit it is important that you make yourself aware of the different types available before making a decision about which one is right for you. The issue is not as simple as you might have initially thought, and there are a number of factors to consider besides your budget.  

Different types of loft ladders

There are a variety of different types of loft ladder kits available: basically, loft ladders are either manually or electrically operated and are made of either metal or wood. There are also different styles of mechanism but the main types are concertina, folding and sliding. There are also fixed loft ladders and spiral staircases that are available, so be clear on whether you want your loft access permanently available or to be of the ‘hide away’ kind when not in use. This, of course, will also be dependent upon your available space and budget. Handrails and slip-resistant treads are also features of loft ladders that are available.  

A choice of materials

As you may expect, wooden loft ladders are heavier than metal or aluminium; so choosing between manually or electrically operated ladders can be a matter linked to your choice of material. If you choose from electrically operated ladders then weight is not an issue. You will want to consider the question of durability before making a choice and it is the case that aluminium or metal ladders will prove more durable than wooden ones. That being the case, however, there is also the question of style and aesthetic choice to consider; a metal ladder may not fit in with your design and décor scheme.  

Suiting your budget

Because of their construction and technology required, electric loft ladders are going to be more expensive than manually operated ones. Loft Centre has a range of electric loft ladders starting at just above £2,300, whereas our manually operated ladders start at around £72 for a folding, aluminium ladder, so the price variation really is quite large. Timber ladders will generally prove slightly more expensive, but there are bargains to be had in sales, so check out what is on offer at Loft Centre here.  

Summary

When making your choice, consider the space you have available, your budget, and the safety issues you need to consider; for example, wooden ladders will not move as much as light aluminium ones, and whilst both are strong and secure, such movement may unnerve you; you may also want handrails to help you feel more secure when using the ladder. Once you have decided these you can consider the matter of aesthetics, secure in the knowledge that you will be able to find a loft ladder that will suit your needs.  

Where to go

Loft Centre of course! We sell a number of high-quality loft ladder kits - see what is available now, click here.