What's the best way to get into a loft? 

For easy loft access, we recommend a loft ladder. There are many different types of loft ladder to choose from. At Ladders UK Direct, we stock the following: 

Loft Staircases      Sliding Loft Ladders      Space-Saving Loft Ladders

If you're lucky enough to have a loft or attic in your home, you may be wondering the safest and most efficient way to get into this handy extra space. At Ladders UK Direct, we stock a range of loft ladders that are perfect for accessing your loft easily. 

In this blog, we'll talk you through the best way to get in and out of your loft easily, along with some nifty installation tips.

Is a loft ladder necessary? 

If you want to access your loft without a struggle each time you decide to do so, then, yes! A loft ladder is 100% necessary. It's also much safer than any other means of accessing your loft. 

It's best to see a loft ladder as an investment for safe, long-term access to your loft. Depending on your budget, we have a variety of loft ladders ranging from £179.00 to £1,099.00 so that any and all budgets can receive a product that offers safe loft access. Put simply, you truly cannot put a price on safety. 

Why install a loft ladder? 

There are many benefits to installing a ladder for loft access in your home. For example:

1. You'll be able to access your loft space easily and more conveniently.
2. You'll be safer throughout your ascent and descent into the loft space.
3. You'll be able to access your loft in a rush without compromising the safety of yourself or others. 
4. You'll be more inclined to make use of your loft space.

Loft access safety tips

If you already have a loft ladder, then you may be wondering how you can stay safe while gaining loft access. Thankfully, loft ladders are extremely safe for loft access if they're installed properly.

Here are a few loft access safety tips that we think you'll find useful...

• Always inspect your loft ladder before using it to gain loft access.

• Maintain 3-points of contact at all times. If this is not possible, push your chest and knees towards the ladder to make a point of contact so you can use your arms.

• Always check the maximum load of your loft ladder. If this is exceeded, the stability of your ladder will be compromised, increasing the risk of a fall or injury.

• Wear sensible footwear to ensure that you feel secure and stable when using the loft ladder.

• If possible, it's handy to have someone else with you to supervise while you gain access to your loft. 

Ladder installation for loft access

It's easier to install a loft ladder than you may initially think. If you opt for an aluminium or wooden loft ladder, then the installation should only take 2 -3 hours. This process could take considerably longer if you need to create your own loft hatch, however. Don't worry, though - we've put together a loft access guide explaining how to install a loft ladder.

Some terms that you may need to know when building a loft hatch for loft access: 

• Floor-to-Floor Height
• Floor-to-Ceiling Height
• Hatch Clearance
• Loft Opening Width/Length
• Horizontal/Vertical Clearance

Again, if you're a little bit daunted or overwhelmed, we put together a loft ladder measurements guide for your convenience.

Gain loft access with the perfect loft ladder

Here at Ladders UK Direct, we offer loft and attic ladders in a range of materials, including aluminium and wood. We can also provide complete hatch and loft ladder kits for easy installation.

If you need help choosing the right ladder for your attic, or if you'd like to order your new loft steps over the phone, please contact Ladders UK Direct today.

Step ladders are extremely versatile pieces of equipment, and it's very handy to have one to use around the house. With spring in full swing, you may be thinking about carrying out a few spring cleaning tasks, or a few DIY upgrades around the house.

To do this, you'll undoubtedly need a reliable step ladder to help you get the jobs done efficiently. We all know that the cost of living is tough right now, which is why we're using this blog to tell you all about our favourite cheap step ladder for home use. 

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There are a few things you should do before using a ladder. You should firstly know how and when to use it, and then you must ensure that it is safe for use. 

In this blog, we'll run through some simple steps to ensure that your ladder works properly and effectively!

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You may know how to use a step ladder safely, but do you know how to carry a step ladder? In this blog, we'll explain how to carry a step ladder the right way so you can carry out your project with ease.

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(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 is the standard loft hatch size?

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. The standard loft hatch size is 562mm x 726mm.

What are other common loft hatch sizes?

Here are some more of the UK's common loft hatch measurements:

• 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 >