Wooden Loft Ladder fitting guide

Installation and operating instructions for wooden stairs

Fitting (Manageable for competent DIYers or easy for your local Handyman)

1. Remove and discard any existing loft hatch construction ie architrave and lining surrounding loft hatch.
   
   
2. Construct an opening (B) in the ceiling to accommodate the loft ladder e.g. 1100mm x 545mm loft ladder will need an opening of that size.
   
   
3. Offer the complete loft ladder assembly into constructed ceiling opening so that lower edge of wooden surround fits flush with the ceiling.
   
   
4. Fix the loft ladder assembly to constructed ceiling opening using 60mm x 8 screws. Use at least 8 screws and fix these through the pre drilled holes (A) in the wooden surround. (NB the ladder assembly must be securely and therefore safely fixed!)
   
   
5. Open the loft hatch door and lower this into the room as far as the side restraining bars allow. Do not unfold the lower section of the ladder at this stage.
   
   
6. Open the middle section of the ladder and measure the distance (L1 and L2) from the end of the middle section of the ladder to the floor, ensuring that when doing so you maintain the same angle on the ladder in relation to the floor ie the "slope" continues the same line as the middle ladder section. Mark the bottom of the ladder and cut this to correct length to ensure angle of cut sits flat on floor.
   
   
7. You can now unfold third ladder section to the floor.
   
   

Operating

TO LOWER

1. Use the hook at the end of the pole to pull down the loft hatch door into the room as far as the side restraining bars allow.
   
   
2. Slowly lower the middle and lower ladder sections towards the floor.
   
   
3. Ensure ladder is fully extended and touching the floor before use. All three ladder sections must be in a straight line when viewed from the side.

1. Fold middle ladder section on to upper ladder section. Then fold the lower ladder section onto the middle section.
   
   
2. Lift the whole assembly, including loft hatch, as high as you can, inserting the hook at the end of the pole to fully close loft hatch door
   
   

Additional safety instructions

1. Never jump, swing or run up loft ladder.
   
   
2. Never slide heavy items up or down loft ladder.
   
   
3. Make sure that both sides of the lower ladder section are touching the floor before use.
   
   
4. Do not allow the loft ladder assembly to come into contact with moisture of any kind, as this can cause some "warping"
   
   
5. At the exit point into the loft, you should install a handrail to ensure safety in use.
   
   

Maintenance

Loft ladder is manufactured from quality materials and does not need any special maintenance. If installation is in an area with higher humidity (ie bathroom) then wooden parts must be painted with a suitable paint and metal parts lubricated with oil.