Buying guide: what to look for when choosing loft ladders?

Attic stairs are a compact option that allows easy and safe access to the attic. Their design, retractable behind a flap – an attic hatch – makes them take up little space in everyday use. However, before deciding on a particular model, it is worth thinking about several important aspects.

First of all, you need to consider how often you use the attic. This is because the frequency of use affects the choice of the appropriate type of stairs, as some models are more suitable for frequent use and others for occasional ones. Another important point is the insulation of the attic. If it is not insulated, consider a staircase with good thermal insulation to avoid losing heat from the apartment.

We will try to discuss in depth the details of different types of attic stairs, as well as provide tips to help you make the best choice to suit your needs and home conditions.

Attic stairs – wooden or metal?

There are many types of attic stairs on the market, differentiated by the type of ladder (folding, extending) or the number of segments. You can also choose from two main materials from which such structures are made. These are, of course, wood and metal.

Wooden attic stairs, made of pine or spruce, are durable, sturdy and aesthetically pleasing. They are also compact and almost invisible under the ceiling when folded. The variety of available dimensions (e.g. 80×120 cm, 80×80 cm) allows them to fit into different spaces. In addition, wooden stairs are cheaper than metal ones but equally safe, and the additional seal in some models provides good thermal insulation.

Metal attic stairs, on the other hand, are a slightly more expensive solution, mainly due to the material and fire safety standards. At the same time, they offer high fire resistance. Metal scissor stairs, thanks to their design, can be easily adjusted to the floor height and their steps have non-slip profiles, which increases safety.

When choosing a loft ladder, it is worth paying attention to:

Step width: It should be wide enough to put your foot comfortably (the standard is about 33 cm).

Number of segments: Determines whether the stairs will fit in the available space.

Method of opening: The staircase can be equipped with a bar or an opening bar.

Additional features, such as silicone feet, protect the floor from scratches and increase stability. The handrail, meanwhile, is an important element for the elderly to help maintain balance. The maximum load of stairs is usually up to 150 kg, which should be taken into account when choosing. If, on the other hand, you would like to find out even more about the types of stairs, how they are installed and their functions, visit https://www.fakro.co.uk/loft_ladders.

What are the main functions of attic stairs?

Loft ladders, as you already know, are lightweight but sturdy structures that are permanently installed in the ceiling opening, and their greatest advantage is that they can be conveniently folded upwards. As a result, they take up much less space than traditional utility stairs.

Keep in mind, however, that attic stairs are usually not designed for everyday use. They are more akin to a sturdy ladder, both in terms of appearance and use. Although there are many variants of attic stairs on the market today, their key parameters, such as width and step spacing, are usually similar.

One of the most important advantages of attic stairs is that they save space. They are ideal for homes where the attic or loft has not been adapted into usable rooms, allowing easy access to these spaces without taking up space that is valuable on a daily basis. So if you want access to the top floor of the house, but do not want to disrupt the interior design, this solution will definitely be the best.