Choosing a loft ladder for your home is a challenge in and of itself. There are a number of factors to consider, from the measurements to the particular type of loft ladder, to determine which would be optimal for your personal needs. But if you have particularly little space to work with, this problem becomes more pronounced. Choosing an optimal space-saving loft ladder solution takes some thought.
Getting started
Whether you’re using your tiny loft simply for storage or if you have a small but still habitable area up there, choosing a space-saving loft ladder can help make accessing that small space convenient and easy. In order to do that, the first thing you need to do is take the right measurements. Measure the distance from the floor of the landing to the top of the roof joints, as well as the dimensions of the hatch itself – those two elements are crucial in determining what loft ladder you can get.
Choosing the type of loft ladder
Just because you’re looking for a ladder for a small space doesn’t mean you don’t get to decide on the form it takes. Here are some of the most popular types of ladders that come in space-saving variants:
- Folding loft ladders,
- Sliding loft ladders.
The folding loft ladder is comprised of two to three sections that fold together when closed. They usually come with a handrail attached to them, enhancing the overall security of the structure. Sliding loft ladders are similar, but instead of folding on top of one another, the sections slide together. Whichever type to choose, it’s always a good idea to pick the option that stores the segments on top of the hands if you’re looking for a space-saving solution.
Choosing the loft ladder material
The two most popular materials for loft ladders are:
- Timber,
- Aluminium.
Neither of these materials influences the size of the overall loft ladder, so even the smallest, most space-saving loft ladder can be made using two materials. If you want the quieter option, timber loft ladder are the best choice for you.
An alternative to folding and sliding ladders
Though folding and sliding ladders will do the job, no solution is as space-saving as the concertina loft ladder. They are comprised of a larger number of segments that come together in an accordion fashion, so once folded up, they take up the least horizontal space out of all the options. So if space is a priority, consider a concertina loft ladder, but keep in mind that while there are ladders available at very tempting prices, their quality usually leaves a lot to be desired, while the more solid variants tend to be more expensive than regular sliding or folding ladders.
Final considerations
One thing that should never be overlooked is the maximum load of the ladder – and this goes double for smaller, space-saving ladders, as you may need to look for a tougher, more expensive ladder if your small loft space has to accommodate relatively heavy objects. Whatever the case may be, however, even if you have very little in the way of space for your loft ladder, you definitely have a lot of choice in the matter!
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