Need suggestions for loft ladder

[JP_]

There's 2 ways my loft ladder could go, either ip onto the main entrance area, or to the left, over the electrics - I was going to put it this way, but the electrician put the light switch there which is going to make things trickier.

Trying to decide what is best to do. I could board over the cables for a platform for the ladder to rest on, but will involve raising it all higher - ceiling is 2.5m, so will need a 3m ladder. But if there is a ladder that could go into the entrance area that's already boarded, and have minimal supports etc directly in front, that might be easier to fit.

 

[nickjb]

How big is the hatch? If it big enough then you can get a ladder that sits on the hatch. These are the best IMO. The whole thing can be opened and extended one handed. Great when you are carrying stuff. It also takes up no space in the loft. Something like this:

If the hatch isn't big enough its often not too tricky to make it a little bigger.

 

[JP_]

I have a hatch already, should have got one with a ladder!

 

[nickjb]

Even if you already have a hatch I'd replace it with one with the ladder on the door. They really are so much better.

 

[JP_]

Yeah, but in my haste I spent £150 on a custom made hatch, and another £30 for a local handyman to help to fit it. So not too keen to replace it right now! Wish I bought one with a ladder, but didn't ..

 

[JP_]

has anybody used concertina ladders? they look like the perfect solution - take up little space and no supporting bars to trip over either.
But are they strong? Never used one myself, always thought they looked a bit wobbly.

 

[cdbe]

I put in a new hatch/ladder as above, but before this I did think one of those telescopic aluminium ladders could be made to work with the old drop down hatch and a little thought.

 

[JP_]

Yeah, looking at those telescopic ladders. Wouldn't trust one normally, but I guess if supported from the top then nothing can go wrong ...

 

[JP_]

Finally ordered one!

https://sunluxroofwindows.co.uk/lof...ladder-hatch-h-up-to-280cm-5900988634172.html

 

[Ian H]

Finally ordered one!

https://sunluxroofwindows.co.uk/lof...ladder-hatch-h-up-to-280cm-5900988634172.html

You work at a similar speed to me

 

[JP_]

Lol.

Now the fun of fitting it. Realised that I am not going to be able to do this myself, at least, I don't think I am. But I need it fitted before I can finish the room, as need to over-board the ceiling after fitting ...

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

has anybody used concertina ladders? they look like the perfect solution - take up little space and no supporting bars to trip over either.
But are they strong? Never used one myself, always thought they looked a bit wobbly.

So many pivot points - yes they are wobbly, you will not be wanting to be carrying anything in your hands climbing one.

Mine is alloy, sliding double extension and fits a standard loft opening. It fixes to the edge/corner of a joist and slides up and down on the fixing, going all the way up, then over to lay almost flat in the loft floor. The upper end, has a U shaped bar, base fixed on the loft floor, which helps guide it up. It came with an operating rod, which both releases the hatch and hooks the ladder down. Down, it is very stable. I bought it in Aldi, around £45 about five years ago.