Loft Ladder Installation Cost

67%

Materials
£200

33%

Tradesmen
£100

0%

Waste Removal
£0

What the job entails

If you have a loft space but you have no safe way of accessing the loft, or are considering turning your attic into a storage area and need a convenient way to access it. Then installing a loft ladder will allow you to maximise the use of the loft space in your home safely.

You could even consider tackling this job yourself if you have existing DIY skills, but for most installing loft ladders would be quicker and safer left to a professional builder! Installing a proper loft hatch in conjunction with a ladder takes just a few hours for a professional job and there are no building regulations, planning or approvals required (as long as you are not converting the loft into a living space). Attic storage space is useful and can even add value to your home, especially if there is a professional loft hatch and ladder fitted for convenient and safe access.

Loft hatches in older properties tend to be fairly small (typically the width between two roof rafters) as in older properties there was really no need envisioned for easy access to the loft space. But today access to the roof space is needed for insulation to be fitted and access to water tanks, plus with space being a premium in modern homes, the loft space can offer useful additional storage space for lightweight items. Even if you don't need a loft ladder, having a decent sized loft hatch makes it much easier to store items in the loft space.

If you need your loft space to function as additional storage but currently just have a small loft hatch, then getting a decent sized loft hatch fitted with a safe loft ladder will make things much easier. Also, if the loft is not already boarded out for use as storage then it makes perfect sense to have this job done at the same time so you can more effectively use the loft space to store items safely.

However, you should ensure that the loft insulation is attended to first of all, if you do not currently have at least 150mm of modern insulation then get it done to save energy and reduce your fuel bills. once the loft insulation is in place you can board the loft out using special insulation boards which are designed to fit safely on top of the insulation so can be used to store heavier items.

If you are thinking about adding a loft hatch and ladder as a DIY project, remember that the rafters are specifically designed to support the weight of the roof. If you cut into them, then you could weaken the roof. If you are in any doubt whatsoever with this type of job, then you need to consult a professional! Also when working in the loft you need to take great care as the ceiling is not designed to take your weight.

If you insist on going the DIY route, remember that loft ladders need to be installed running along the joists and not across them! You can also now buy loft hatches and ladders in kit form so the installation can be completed without having expert building knowledge. These products come with all the necessary mounting materials and full instructions, offering a low cost installation alternative for competent DIY enthusiasts.

The cost of installing a loft ladder varies depending on the type of loft ladder selected. The types of loft ladders available will fall into two broad categories: Sliding loft ladders or folding loft ladders. Loft ladders can be made from wood, aluminium or even steel. Aluminium is ideal because it is lightweight, while wood is also durable and is much quieter in operation. A typical and simple 2 section aluminium ladder fitted into an existing loft opening will cost from around £250, but this is definitely at the cheaper end of the pricing scale.

FAQ's

Which different types of loft ladders are available to choose from?

Sliding Loft Ladders are available in metal or timber and are very easy to use but require a lot of space in loft for ladder when not extended. Folding Loft Ladders are usually made of timber and fold up into sections freeing up more storage space in your loft. The cheapest option generally is folding aluminium ladders.

Which is best, metal or timber?

This is simply a matter of personal taste. Metal ladders can be noisy but are very sturdy and durable. But many people prefer the feel and appearance of timber, though it is usually more expensive.

Do I need to get a new loft hatch for a new loft ladder?

No, as long as the existing loft hatch opens downwards and the opening is large enough for a loft ladder, then this should not be a problem. However, if your loft hatch opens upwards, this will need to be rectified, usually by rehanging the door to open downwards or to form a new door from MDF.

How long will it take to install a loft ladder?

This will of course depend on the type of ladders you are getting but a standard loft ladder installation usually on takes 1 to 2 hours. With any additional lighting & flooring work completed in 2-4 hours.

After I fit a Loft Ladder can I add flooring in the attic to use for storage?

Yes, but is not just as simple as laying chipboard over your existing rafters. The joists in the attic are designed to hold up the ceiling below it, not to be boarded and used as a load bearing floor. You need to get professional advice before flooring your attic. In addition, you cannot simply board the loft and use it as additional living space! Changing the use of the loft will require planning permission from your local authority, to ensure the conversion is safe. To get permission to use as living space you will also need to add lighting, heating, ventilation, and a practical fire escape (as a minimum).