(Dolle Hobby Wooden Loft Ladder pictured)

When it comes to having a loft ladder installed in your home, one of the first questions you might ask yourself is - are all loft hatches the same size? There are so many different loft ladder designs on the market, that it can be difficult to know which one will be the best fit for your home. Can you just pick any loft ladder that takes your fancy, or should you measure your loft hatch first?

If you don't want to make any structural changes to your home, then yes, it probably is wise to measure your loft ladder hatch and use this as a guide when you're shopping. However, if you're happy to do a bit of DIY to create a loft ladder that's bigger than the existing one, then that opens you up to a much wider range of products. 

What are the common loft hatch sizes?

Here in the UK, there are certain building regulations that builders have to follow when they're building a house, so there are a few loft hatch sizes that we time and time again. Here are some of the UK's common loft hatch measurements:

• 562mm x 726mm
• 450mm x 600mm
• 600mm x 700mm
• 700mm x 900mm

Don't see your loft hatch measurements here? Don't panic. There isn't really a standard size when it comes to loft hatches, and it's common for loft hatches to be much bigger than the dimensions we've listed here. Smaller loft hatches are great if you're only interested in installing a streamlined loft ladder - typically made of aluminium. However, if you're keen to have a larger loft hatch opening so you can install a wooden loft ladder, or so you can lift large items of furniture up into your loft space, then you might need to make your existing loft hatch a bit bigger!

What to do if your loft hatch is too small?

If you've had a look at some of the loft ladders we have available here at Ladders UK Direct, and you've realised that your existing loft hatch is too small for the loft ladder you wish to install, then there are ways you can make it bigger!

First, you need to measure out the size of the loft hatch opening you need and allow a few inches (we recommend 4 or 5 inches) on either side. Next, you'll need to make sure the area in the roof that you're cutting into doesn't contain any wires or pipes. You don't want to end up with a ton of other repair jobs to do in the process. You can use a wire/pipe detector to check for signs of metal, but if you are in doubt, always seek the help of a professional. 

If you need to cut through any ceiling joists to alter the size of your loft hatch opening, you will need to enlist the help of a structural engineer. They will carry out tests to ensure that the roof you're cutting into (and the walls below it) will remain stable and upright after the work is done. Once you've made the loft hatch opening big enough, all you need to do is place your order and we'll make sure you get all the installation instructions you need to install your loft ladder and start using your attic space right away.

Best-selling loft ladders

So, now you know that all loft hatches aren't the same size, let's take a look at some of our best-selling loft ladders to see what size loft hatches they require. As always, if you're unsure about which loft ladder would best suit your home, our team of specialists is on hand to help you out. You can send us an email with your requirements at sales@laddersukdirect.co.uk, and we'll be more than happy to offer you some guidance. 

Dolle Hobby (1200 x 700) 

The Dolle Hobby Wooden Loft Ladder (pictured at the beginning of this blog), is one of our best-selling loft ladders, and for good reason! It features a stunning, wooden design, is comfortable to climb and is very easy to install in most homes. The minimum loft hatch opening width for this loft ladder is 700mm, and the minimum opening length is 1200mm. This allows plenty of room for you to move things up and down from the attic as and when you need to!

Shop Dolle Hobby (1200 x 700) >

3-Section Hideaway Aluminium Loft Ladder

If you're looking for a loft ladder that requires a significantly smaller hatch size, this 3-Section Hideaway Aluminium Loft Ladder is perfect for you. It offers a max load of 150kg, which is perfect for carrying most household items, and it also features a built-in handrail for additional security while you climb. The loft hatch requirements for this loft ladder are only 380mm x 460mm - meaning it will fit in even the smallest loft hatches.

Buy 3-Section Hideaway Aluminium Loft Ladder >

Not seen a loft ladder that appeals to you here? We have a huge selection of loft ladders for you to choose from. Browse the full selection below.

Loft Ladders >

While it's true that loft ladders are a very useful asset in a home, not every home has one! In fact, there are hundreds of homes up and down the country with huge attic space and no way of accessing it. If you've been considering adding a loft ladder to your home, there are a few factors you should take into consideration. Today we're going to walk you through the things you should look for in a loft ladder in the hope that we can help you choose the perfect loft ladder for your home. So, what should you look for in a loft ladder?

Durability

When you make improvements to your home, you want to make sure you're investing in items that will stand the test of time. No one wants to purchase a loft ladder now and find that it needs replacing in as little as 2 - 5 years! All of the loft ladders we offer here at Ladders UK Direct are built to last, but some are designed to be used more frequently and to last longer than others.

The type of material that your loft ladder is made of will play a big part in its durability. There are a few different loft ladder materials to choose from, but the most common are aluminium and wood. But which is most durable?

Wooden loft ladders are great if you're planning to use your loft frequently. They're incredibly durable and can hold heavy loads. They also boast a natural aesthetic that's really appealing in modern homes. 

Aluminium loft ladders are also a durable option, but they're not as heavy-duty as their wooden counterparts. They're better for less-frequent use and they're incredibly lightweight.

See all the differences between wood and aluminium loft ladders here!

Ease-of-use

Choosing a loft ladder that works for you is easy if you have a good idea of what (and how often) you'll be using it. Here at Ladders UK Direct, we offer a wide range of sliding, concertina and fixed loft ladders - all of which are very easy to use!

Our fixed loft ladders and loft staircases are ideal if you're planning a loft conversion. They provide a permenant access solution that will make it easy for you to get up and down into your new-found space as often as you'd like to. They're also incredibly stylish, meaning they'll be a talking point when you have guests over - or when you put your house on the market. 

Shop Loft Stairs >     Shop Spiral Stairs >

Our sliding loft ladders are ideal if you only want to access your loft a few times a year. Many of our extending loft ladders are spring assisted, meaning they can be extended and put away with ease whenever you need them! You will find a wide range of wooden and aluminium loft ladders in our sliding range/

Shop Extendable Loft Ladders >

Max-load

Finally, one of the key things you should look for in a loft ladder is the max-load. People tend to overlook this very important detail when choosing a loft ladder, but the max load will determine how much weight you can carry when you're going up into the attic - so it's important you pick one that suits your requirements. 

If you're planning on carrying large pieces of furniture, christmas decorations or other personal items into the loft, then it's important you factor this extra weight in when you're browsing loft ladders. Some of our lightweight aluminium loft ladders can carry up to 100kg, while our sturdier, wooden loft ladders can carry up to 150kg and more! 

Other things to look for in a loft ladder include:

• The size, shape and length of the loft ladder
• Whether or not it comes complete with a hatch kit or not
• The comfort of the rungs
• The accessories (including handrails) 
• The style and colour

Here at Ladders UK Direct, we offer a huge range of loft ladders to suit your home! You can browse our full range of loft ladders below.

Browse All Loft Ladders >

 Read More:

- How to Choose a Loft Ladder

- What is the Best Loft Ladder?