Swing down loft door

[llyamah]

Hi there

Looking for some advice on how to convert my standard loft into one with a hinged hatch (I want to install a drop down ladder).

Rather than explain my existing set up, hopefully these pictures will do the talking. Please note that the frame and current door are plastic. The door lifts into the loft...

Loft

• llyamah
• 30 Apr 2013
• 1

Loft door

• llyamah
• 30 Apr 2013
• 1

 

[big-all]

your best plan is to select a ladder and take it from there as this will give you the ladder requirements and how it interacts with the hatch

 

[mattylad]

Generally the hatch swings down for these ladders, so you have to consider that.

 

[jj4091]

http://www.screwfix.com/search.do?fh_search=loft+ladder+hatch

 

[foxhole]

You need to convert the hatch or replace with a drop down version, if you wish to retain the current setup then ladder options are more limited.

 

[phatboy]

When I did mine I got a nice thick piece of ply cut to size at the woodshop (12 or 15mm), then planed it to the perfect shape. Fitted some batons to position the height accurately (allowing for the catch to be able to push up a bit to release the hatch.

Then cut in some hinges to the existing frame and hatch, and fitted a catch like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LOFT-DOOR...2?pt=UK_HaG_Lock_Safes_GL&hash=item43a649a182

Finally, I painted it, and attached some thick KingSpan to the pack of it with silicone, so that the heat didn't escape through it.

Oh, and I got a hook plate from a boat shop, so the loft ladder pole could be used to lower and raise the hatch