The average American owns about 300,000 things. The problem is, we often don’t have enough space to put all this stuff.
Turning your loft into an extra storage space can make a big difference, but before you do that, you have to have a way to get in and out.
We’ve put together this guide to show you everything you need to know about buying a loft ladder for your home, so make sure you keep reading to learn how to start!
1. Measure Your Space
Before you can start shopping for loft ladders, you need to measure your space, so you know what size, type, and style ladder will fit in your home. There are a few different measurements you need to find.
Floor to Loft Floor
Grab a measuring tape and measure the space from the floor in your home to the top of the floor in your loft.
Keep in mind; you don’t want the height from the floor to the ceiling. Make sure you measure all the way to the top of the flooring in your loft. This might only be a few inches different, but those few inches are a big deal.
If you mess up this measurement, you may end up buying a ladder that’s too short for your home.
Loft Floor to Ceiling
You’ll also want to know how much space you have inside your loft. Climb into your loft (with a temporary ladder), and measure the height from the loft floor to the loft ceiling.
Opening Width and Length
Lastly, you’ll need to measure the width and length of your loft opening. It’s a good idea to take this measurement a few times (double and triple check!) to ensure you get the right numbers.
2. Pick a Material
Next, you need to decide what material you’re loft ladder will be. There are a few different options to choose from out there, but these are the two most common ones.
Wood
Wood is the most affordable type of loft ladder. It’s also durable and long-lasting. However, it’s often heavier than aluminum or steel ones.
Aluminum/Steel
While they are a bit more expensive, aluminum or steel ladders are lightweight and don’t take up a lot of space. They can be slippery if you climb up and down while wearing socks, so be careful.
3. Choose the Type of Ladder
Loft ladders come in several different styles. The right one for your home will depend on how much space you have, what your budget is, and your personal preference. Here’s a quick breakdown of four types of ladders and how they work.
Folding
Folding loft ladders fold into two or three different sections. When you open the loft hatch, you can unfold the ladder, and spring-locking catches will keep it secure (so it doesn’t wobble or fold while you’re climbing).
Sliding
Sliding ladders are similar to folding ladders, but instead of folding into sections, half the ladder will slide over itself to open and close. This type of ladder requires a larger opening than a folding ladder, but it won’t take up as much space in the loft (height-wise) when closed.
Concertina
Concertina ladders somewhat resemble an accordion. When closed, they scrunch up against itself, and when opened, it pulls out into a ladder. This type of ladder fits in extremely tight spaces, so it’s a good open if you live in a small house.
Electric
Electric loft ladders can be folding, sliding, or concertina ladders, but instead of having to pull them open yourself, you can push a button and watch it open on its own.
This can be a helpful option for people who have trouble pulling down the ladder on their own, but this type of ladder will be more expensive than the other options on this list.
4. Figure out the Weight Load
Every loft ladder has a different weight load. It’s important to find out how much weight your ladder can handle so you know what you can safely take in and out of your loft.
Because of this, it’s a good idea to plan what type of items you’ll be storing in your loft.
In most cases, you won’t have to worry about the weight load too much. Unless you’re planning to put large or heavy items in your loft, most ladder types should fit your weight requirements.
5. Buy and Install the Ladder
Now you’re ready to buy and install your loft ladder.
This is something you can do on your own if you have the right tools, the know-how, and the time. But make sure you follow the directions and avoid these loft ladder installation mistakes.
If you don’t have a lot of experience with these types of DIY projects, you may want to hire a professional to install your ladder for you. This will ensure it’s installed correctly, which will keep you and your family safe while climbing.
Finding the Best Loft Ladder for Your Home
Choosing a loft ladder for your home might seem complicated, but if you get the right measurements and stick to your budget, the rest of the process is easy. Once you buy your ladder and have a professional install it, you’ll be ready to go in and out of your loft to your heart’s content.
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