How To Fit A Loft Ladder

No doubt, a loft ladder can add value to your home. But a ladder that is not installed correctly would be a pain in the head.

The loft ladder installation process should be very accurate. The hatch must properly fit, and the opening location must be in a perfect position.

So if you’re searching for the easiest and most effective way to fit a loft ladder. We got you covered!

Here’s the information we don’t want you to miss:

Measure the size of the hatch opening and your loft ladder. Then, find the right location. The place must be 1m away from the wall.

Fit the ladder into the opening after assembling it. For support, use 5cm nails on each side of the opening.

Is it as much easy as it sounds? Well, unfortunately, this is not the case. The DIY loft ladder installation is not an easy process.

But worry not. Our technical professional has done detailed research. We will guide you in depth. So you can do it easily without any fuss.

Loft Ladder Fitting Kit

Before you start the process, it is best to collect all the essential items that you need to use for a successful installation process.

Screwdriver
Hammer
Cordless drill
Measuring tape & Pencil
50 mm nails
25mm panel pins
Panel saw
Timber
Safety equipment

Be very gentle while dealing with nails and drills. We strongly suggest you wear a safety helmet and gloves.

Loft Ladder Installation – Step By Step Guide

Once you gather all the required essentials, then, it’s time to start the procedure. Keep in mind that you can do it alone, but it is best if you have an assistant nearby.

1. Choose The Right Location

This is the most important step. The location may not seem important, but in the end, this minor mistake will result in a waste of money.

The location must be at least 1m to 1.5m away from the external wall.

This distance will ensure an ideal space for a hatch opening. Also, it will provide much-needed headspace while accessing the attic.

2. Measure The Size

Most of the loft access ladders are compact and usually go well with every type of hatch.

You can make adjustments with the timber or telescopic ladder in accordance.

But if you are planning to install an extension attic ladder, then we strongly recommend you measure the distance from the floor to the loft before you buy a ladder.

3. Create The Loft Hole

This step is the most crucial. Most homes with an attic already have a hatch hole. But if you need to make a new one, here’s how to do it:

Mark the area where your ladder will interface with the ceiling.
Then make a small hole carefully in the middle.
Continue until you make a rectangular hole in the ceiling.

The common mistake people make is installing the ladder opposite the joist direction. Keep in mind that the attic ladder must always be fixed in the direction of the joists.

4. Cutting Joists For Loft Hatch

Cutting the joist is a very sensitive step. Ensure that there are not any water pipes or electrical wires running through them before you cut.

Make a straight line vertically from the board to the joist.
Then cut them using an electric or panel saw.
After that, take an even timber piece and fix it using nails.
Ensure that the timber, wood, or noggin is well adjusted and the cut joists are tightly packed.

By now, most of the hard work is over. Keep in mind that wrongly cut joists can be a problem for your ladder placement ratio.

Adjust The Loft Ladder

Before you read any further, keep in mind that, at this point, you need help. You need to lift the ladder up to the ceiling, which can be very difficult for one person.

How To Fit A Loft Hatch?

Take a small timber piece and temporarily nail it to one end of the hole.
It will make your work easy and hold the weight of the ladder.
Then lift the ladder and fix it in the hole.
After that, open the door and use a ladder to climb up.
Drill 50mm nails into the ladder support box.

Once you are done and the box is properly fit, then remove the small timber pieces you fixed temporarily.

You can adjust the height of your timber or aluminum loft ladder. But we don’t recommend that as it will weaken the structure. On the contrary, we advise you to measure the height of your ceiling before you buy the ladder.

Can You Fit A Loft Ladder By Yourself?

In a nutshell, the clear answer is no. You need assistance while the loft ladder and hatch.

You can skip the professional help if you know how to use a drill and panel saw safely.

Loft Ladder Installation Cost UK

The installation cost varies from area to area. If you fit your Screwfix loft ladder by yourself, the cost will be under £30, as most of the models do come with screws and nails.

But if you need professional help, then be ready to spend above £300. Typically, timber ladders will cost you a bit more compared to the regular Youngman loft ladder installation.

Overall the attic hatch installation is simple but a heavy task. You especially need assistance to lift and fix it to the ceiling hole.

How To Fit A Loft Ladder To Existing Hatch?

If you already have an existing hatch but want to upgrade only the ladder, then all you need to do is replace the new loft ladder type with the existing one.

In most cases, you don’t need to make any alterations to the hole. But if you need to make your attic opening bigger, cut the joists very carefully and then affix the new attic ladder frame to it.

How To Make Loft Hatch Bigger?

Mostly all loft ladders are the same in width and differ in length. But unfortunately, one size doesn’t fit all. Sometimes while fitting a ladder, you need to make changes in the hatch.

So, if you need to make a loft hatch bigger, here’s how to do it:

Start by removing the old hatch lid and frame carefully.
Then measure the size of the new hatch.
Start cutting the joists accordingly.
Make a new big frame to support the joists.
Install the new ladder using its suspension spring and hinges.

After that, open and close the attic. You can also cut the extra ladder steps if you need to.

Loft Ladder Installation Instructions

Loft hatch and ladder installation can be easy and quick if you stick to the right guide. In the worst scenario, you may damage the plasterboard or end up with an injury.

So, to prevent any such incident follow our instructions:

Always wear protective gear while using an electric drill and saw.
Never make a big hole at once.
Always measure the ladder hatch before you even touch the ceiling.
Ensure that the measurements are accurate.
While cutting the joists, ensure that no water or electric wiring passes through them.
Never try to lift the ladder by yourself as it is quite heavy.
Don’t forget to nail the frame properly to the joists.

Even though you can cut and adjust the size of your loft ladder, we don’t advise it.

Loft Ladder Installation UK FAQs

Is it easy to install a loft ladder?

Yes, it is easy to install a loft ladder. You can do it by yourself without any professional assistance. But it could be tricky without any right guide or equipment usage knowledge.

How long does it take to install an attic ladder?

Fitting an attic ladder by yourself will take a maximum of 3 hours. You can swiftly replace the old hatch door within minutes compared to installing the ladder from scratch.

Where is the attic in a house?

The space between the roof and ceiling is known as the attic or loft. Usually, their access hatch is located in the hallways or storage rooms.

Wrapping It Up!

Fitting a loft ladder is not an easy task. No doubt, you can do it by yourself. But in a nutshell, you need someone’s help to lift up the heavy ladder.

At the very first, you need to make a hole in the plaster ceiling. Then cut the joists very carefully after measuring the hatch size of your ladder.

Most of the loft ladders are the same in size. But you can also make an alteration to the previous hatch.

Ensure to wear protective glasses and gloves to prevent any injury. Don’t try to lift the ladder by yourself.

We hope that this article helps you with your DIY loft ladder fitting. Well, in the meantime, be happy and keep on chasing your dreams!