Wooden Loft Ladders

There is an important aspect to buying a loft ladder that may sometimes be overlooked by the customer yet it is the part of the ladder that is going to be visible for the longest period of time. It’s the loft ladder hatch and it will be an important part of the decision making process if only for the aesthetic impact it will make in the home.

For the vast majority of cases when you buy a wooden loft ladder or an aluminium loft ladder the entire assembly comes as a complete unit with the hatch as a part of it. But it is also possible to go out and buy a separate loft ladder hatch that you may find more appealing than the types that come with your choice of ladder.

Let’s face it most people would rather have the luxury of choosing their own hatch rather than finding themselves stuck with a certain hatch because it is attached to their preferred ladder. Some companies will supply a hatch that will not only satisfy your existing décor but will also meet the important building industry codes for safety and functionality.

When you go out looking for a loft ladder hatch you can choose the style of moulding to have it decorated with if that is what you prefer. Depending on the size of the ladder that you have bought you can have the hatch made to a size that suits you and you can have the hatch insulated – again depending on the type of loft ladder you are using.

Your loft ladder hatch may be made from a UPVC material or from injection molded polypropylene, either of which can be made to blend in with the existing ceiling. In some cases the edge of the hatch can also be camouflaged by using a molding that matches the molding that has been up there for years.

Although you have the option to buy a separate loft hatch you should remember that the companies that supply loft ladders have a lot of experience when it comes to this industry and will be able to supply a quality product with their ladders. The loft hatch that comes with a particular loft ladder will have been designed especially for use with that particular ladder and so I twill be properly insulated, the weight will suit the hatch and the fit should be optimally calculated.

In the end it will come down to your own personal preference. No matter whether you buy the loft hatch as part of the loft ladder kit or separately at a later time, the installation job, when done by professional installation experts is a fast process.

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Buying A Wooden Loft Ladder
Wooden Loft Ladders

Although wooden loft ladders are particularly sturdy and safe to climb, not everyone is confident in using them if they don’t come with a handrail. Take into account the attics that are fed by a loft ladder that are used primarily for storage. In these cases the usual situation will be that the arms are going to be loaded with heavy or bulky bags and crates. It is always a good idea, if there is a choice, to add an optional handrail to the loft ladder installation.

An example of a good quality wooden loft ladder that comes with the option of adding a handrail is a Top Flyte Solid Spruce Loft Ladder. This loft ladder is a three section ladder that folds up easily with a powerful dual spring that is counterbalanced for ease of use. The unit is available with a tubular handrail that comes at no extra cost.

A type of loft ladder that just about always comes with handrails is the sliding loft ladder. The reason that a sliding loft ladder is usually fitted with a handrail is because the assembly doesn’t rely on the entire unit collapsing down to a compact size. Handrails aren’t really conducive to folding into a compact package.

Sometimes the handrail may get in the way when trying to take larger items up into the attic. In most cases this shouldn’t be too much of a problem because the handrail may be removed and reattached later when needed again. Look for a wooden loft ladder that caters for the changing needs of those who will be using it.

Loft ladder handrails can be bought as part of the ladder package when you initially have it installed, but it can also be bought at a later date. Loft ladder handrails are an optional extra which will mean that you can buy them independent of the ladder to install as needed. You will just have to make sure that the hardrail that you buy matches the loft ladder that you already own.

Find more information about the various accessories and options available when buying a wooden loft ladder.