Answers to the questions we are asked most about our loft ladders.
What size hatch opening do I need?
- Sliding 2 section: at least 56 x 35.7cm. Sliding 3 section: 50.8 x 43.2cm.
- Grand Sliding: at least 68.6 x 50.8cm.
- Concertina: 45 x 57cm (45 x 60cm for 11ft and 12ft models).
- Wooden loft ladders come in their own frame. The size quoted (for example 1280 x 700mm) is the outside of the frame. Make the opening about 5mm bigger each way.
Full details are in Which loft ladder do I need?
My ceiling is lower than the ladder's height. Will it still work?
Yes. Wooden loft ladders are cut to length, and Concertina ladders can have treads removed. Follow the measuring method in the instructions.
Is a hatch door included?
- Wooden loft ladders: yes, an insulated hatch door and frame, plus an operating pole, ladder feet and architrave (architrave on 1300mm Deluxe and all Grand models). You only need to buy the fixing screws.
- Sliding and Concertina ladders: no. You need a swing-down door. A free conversion kit is supplied to turn an existing push-up door into a swing-down door.
Can I fit a loft ladder if my hatch lifts up into the loft?
Not without changing the door to swing down, because the ladder sits directly above the hatch. Use the conversion kit supplied with Sliding and Concertina ladders.
What angle should the ladder be set at?
Between 65° and 80° for Sliding and Concertina ladders. Wooden loft ladders climb at about 68° to 69°.
Why are the Concertina treads not level?
That's normal. They angle slightly to make climbing easier. To change the angle, remove a tread or adjust the ladder's setting angle.
Can I make a Concertina ladder longer?
Yes, up to 12ft with extra treads. Call us to order them.
How much do they weigh?
Sliding: about 5kg (2 section) or 6kg (3 section). Concertina: 14kg (8ft) to 22kg (12ft). Wooden: 22kg to 42kg depending on model.
Can I paint the hatch door?
Yes. It has a white melamine finish, so lightly sand it first.
How do I reach the ladder once it's folded away?
Every loft ladder comes with an operating pole to open and close the hatch.
Can I fit it myself?
Yes, a capable DIYer can fit any of our loft ladders using the instructions. The Concertina is the quickest, because it arrives fully assembled. You can also ask a local carpenter or handyman. See How to fit a loft ladder.
Related articles
- Which loft ladder do I need?
- How to fit a loft ladder
- Sliding loft ladders vs folding loft ladders
- Loft ladder spare parts, hatches and loft accessories
Still need help?
Call 0333 006 9776 (Mon–Fri 9am–4.30pm, Sat–Sun 10am–2pm) or send us a request.