When it comes to kitting out your attic, a loft ladder is more than an afterthought. It is an integral part of your overall home aesthetic, far more attractive than simply using a step ladder to get up into the loft space, and a much safer way of facilitating access. By installing a purpose built loft ladder you'll not only gain a lovely piece of furniture that compliments your living space, you could also be saving yourself a grievous injury caused by a fall. That's why it's so important that anybody in the market for a loft ladder takes the time to consider which type is right for them.

If you are currently thinking about buying a loft ladder, especially for the first time, chances are you have already started to feel a little overwhelmed by the wide range of choice available and their respective prices. You want to make sure you are getting the best piece of equipment for your money, but at the same time you may not know where to start.

What exactly are you getting for your money? 

First and foremost, any type of loft ladder is better than having no loft ladder at all. But that doesn't mean any old ladder will suit your needs. It all depends on how you intend to use your loft space.

Some loft ladders are sturdier than others and are intended for regular use, or even designed to be on show as a permanent fixture of your home, while others are not so durable and are only intended to be used now and again. You need to take all of these things into account and weigh the balance between quality and price, in order to make sure you get the best you can for the budget you can afford.

How pricing is worked out

Made from either metal or timber, the timber loft ladders are typically sturdier than the metal ones, but are also more expensive because of higher production costs. Metal ladders are most often made from aluminium, which is cheaper and lighter. Steel ladders on the other hand are ideal for heavy duty use, costly to manufacture, and are therefore priced in a much higher bracket.

Aside from the cost of the raw materials, another contributor to the price of loft ladders is the complexity of their operation. The most straightforward ladders are the sliding variety, and even though you can get timber models, they are typically made from lightweight aluminium and tend to be the cheapest.

More complicated loft ladders come at a higher price because of the level of engineering required in their manufacture. Concertina loft ladders are extremely space-efficient, unfolding like an accordion to grant secure access to even the smallest of loft spaces. They are perfect for homes with limited space, but as you'd expect, the extra innovation that goes into the design and manufacture of the concertina model comes at a higher price.