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21 Feb 2022

builder on ladder holding paintbrush

A ladder stand-off is an ingenious piece of technology that allows wide range and flexibility as you use a ladder, without sacrificing your personal safety. It's essentially a metal bracket that fixes to the rungs of your ladder; metal hooks fix it securely into place, and feet protrude outwards to balance the ladder against the wall.

The legs press against the wall surface in lieu of the ladder, holding it away from the wall giving you a greater range of motion and accessibility. This also prevents you from having to lean back dangerously to reach angles you couldn't reach before; an action that could potentially cause a serious accident.

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09 Feb 2022

national apprenticeship week

It's National Apprenticeship Week, which means it's time for us to take a moment for the apprentices across the country and thank them for their contribution to our nation's workforce! Apprentices make up a huge part of important trade industries including gas, electric and construction. There's always a demand for more tradespeople, and without talented apprentices, we'd struggle to keep a lot of our industries afloat. 

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17 Jan 2022

Shopping for a ladder can be difficult, there are lots of different options and they all seem to do different things. Don't worry, as ladder experts, we've compiled a list to show you which ladders will be the best ladders of 2022. We've got everything from top of the range extension ladders to specialist roof ladders, so no matter what ladder you're looking for, we can help. Let's dive right in...

LFI Super-Trade PLUS Triple Extension Ladder

super trade plus triple extension ladder

In our opinion, one of the best ladders of 2022 will be our Super Trade PLUS Triple Extension Ladder. Why? Because it's been a best-seller every year so far - for good reason! It's made of sturdy, lightweight aluminium and features comfortable D-shaped rungs, this makes it one of the easiest extension ladders to work with and use.

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14 Oct 2021

Infographic - How to Erect a Scaffold Tower

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15 Sep 2021

loft ladder measurement infographic

Loft Ladder Measurements

If you’re planning to install a loft ladder, there are some vital calculations you’ll need to do first. Whether you’re shopping for a wooden loft ladder or a concertina ladder, you need to know if it’ll fit your home before you make a purchase.

To help you get it right, we’ve put together this loft ladder measurements guide. Do make sure that your measurements are as accurate as possible – accurate measurements will prevent complications with your loft ladder installation later on.

DID YOU KNOW? You can use the filters on our website to find a loft ladder that meets your exact requirements! Visit laddersukdirect.co.uk/shop/loft-ladders to browse our range.

Floor to Floor Height

One of the most important measurements you need to take before purchasing a loft ladder is the floor-to-floor height. Get this measurement wrong, and your loft ladder might be too long or too short!

The floor-to-floor height is exactly what it says on the tin: the distance between the floor of your loft and the floor below it (where the loft ladder will sit when fully extended). You will need to know this measurement in order to purchase sliding, concertina or telescopic loft ladders.

Floor to Ceiling Height

Floor-to-ceiling height is important because you want to make sure your new loft ladder folds away neatly and the hatch is flush to the ceiling.

To take this measurement, you need to measure the space between the floor and the ceiling of the room under your loft. This measurement is needed if you’re purchasing a folding loft ladder or a ladder that’s integrated with a loft hatch.

Hatch Clearance

When you install a folding loft ladder, you need to make sure there’s enough space for the ladder hatch to move freely. So it’s important to measure the arc between the hatch and the wall.

To take this measurement, you should measure the distance between the back of your loft hatch and the nearest obstruction in the room below.

Loft Hatch Opening

If you don’t have a loft hatch in place already, then you’ll need to take loft hatch opening measurements. These define the size of the hole you’ll need to cut to install your new loft ladder and hatch.

You may need to consider where the structural beams in the ceiling are – you definitely don’t want to cut through those! Also take into account wires, pipes and other obstructions before you start cutting.

Did we mention we sell complete loft ladder and hatch kits here at Ladders UK Direct? Don’t forget to check them out!

Horizontal & Vertical Clearance

When you’re folding your loft ladder away, it will take up some space in the attic. Ideally, you want your ladder to fit neatly into the attic without bumping into your belongings or other obstacles. If you get the horizontal and vertical clearance of your loft ladder wrong, you might have a hard time putting it away.

This measurement is usually determined by the height of your attic. To find out if your chosen loft ladder will fold away into the attic, you should check its maximum clearance in the product specification. If you can’t find it, get in touch with your loft ladder supplier.

 

Popular Types of Loft Ladder

Having trouble choosing the right type of loft ladder for your home? Let’s take a look at the two most popular styles…

Sliding

Sliding loft ladders are the most common type of loft ladder on the market. The sections of the loft ladder slide together to create one compact unit inside the loft ladder hatch.

Concertina

Concertina loft ladders are ideal if you have very little attic space. Rather than sliding together in large sections, the whole ladder concertinas (folds in on itself) to become a very small unit. These loft ladders are often used for mezzanine floors.

 

Popular Loft Ladder Materials

When it comes to choosing the right material for your loft ladder, there are two options that dominate the market: wood and aluminium.

Aluminium Loft Ladders

If you’re in the market for an inexpensive, lightweight loft ladder, aluminium is the way to go. Aluminium loft ladders can be used by most people. We’d recommend aluminium loft ladders to homeowners who want to purchase one loft ladder to last a lifetime, but don’t plan to access the attic often. This is simply because aluminium loft ladders don’t offer the most comfortable climb.

Wooden Loft Ladders

Wooden loft ladders are a beautiful, natural alternative to aluminium loft ladders. They’re made to last, can be customised using wood paints and are especially comfortable to climb because of their smooth edges. We’d recommend wooden loft ladders if you’re planning a loft conversion and want to access your attic more regularly.

 

Now you know a bit more about the measurements you need and the options on offer, we hope you can choose the perfect loft ladder for your home.

We offer a wide range of loft ladders including wooden ladders, mezzanine ladders, concertina ladders and even loft ladder and hatch kits! Head over to our Loft Ladders page to shop.

Loft Ladders >

Email sales@laddersukdirect.co.uk for more help finding your perfect loft ladder.