How Do I Measure For a Loft Hatch?

If you are considering installing a loft hatch into your home, you'll need to ensure you take accurate measurements first. Without doing so, you could end up with the wrong size loft hatch for your space, which could be a costly and frustrating mistake.

If you are hoping to install a new loft ladder to access your roof space, you might be wondering if loft hatches come in standard sizes, so you can simply buy a kit and get cracking installing this into your home.

It's important to remember that if you are building into the loft, you must comply with UK building regulations. However, there are no regulations around loft sizes in the UK.

If you do want to access your loft with ease, a minimum size would be around 562mm x 726mm (or 22" x 30"). This is the most common loft hatch opening size.

<>p>The UK's most common loft opening size is 562mm x 726mm. Which is 56.2cm x 72.6cm. Or 22″ x 30″ in inches.

However, there are a variety of loft hatches sizes to choose from. Some of the other popular sizes are listed below:

450mm x 600mm

600mm x 700mm

700mm x 900mm

Measuring For Your Loft Hatch

To measure for a loft hatch, get a tape measure and run it along the length and width between the timbers that create the loft opening. Please note that the majority of loft openings won't be perfectly square, so you may get a slight difference in measurements.

The plastic loft hatches at Loft Centre are listed by their structural opening / fitting size. So your loft opening should be made to a typical size of 562mm x 726mm.

The fire rated loft hatches at Loft Centre are listed by their frame size. Allowing up to 5mm over the measure should make a reasonably accurate fit. For example, a typical 535mm x 635mm hatch frame should fit into a plasterboard lined opening of 540mm x 640mm.

If you are happy with a standard-size loft hatch, this can make the process of purchasing and installing the hatch and loft ladder a lot simpler. If you do opt for a standard size, many kits come with a traditional extension ladder which can be pulled down and pushed away, being stored conveniently inside the hatch's framework when you next want to use it.

A traditional hatch and foldaway staircase kit are ideal for those who only need to access their loft area occasionally. If you wish to turn your loft space into a more permanent room in your home, you may want to consider installing a permanent staircase instead.

View our range of Loft Centre products