How Much Are Loft Ladders?

The loft or attic space of your house is a room with a massive amount of potential, often overlooked due to its difficulty to access. Whilst its primary use is to trap air and improve your property’s insulation, ensuring your home doesn’t lose large amounts of heat – we have seen it used to expand the living space of a home, or simply become an indispensable storage space.

But, as we mentioned, the main issue with utilising your loft space is accessibility. BPS has put together this blog to break down the costs involved with creating easy access to this part of your home using a loft ladder, so you can transform your house and unlock its maximum potential.

How Much Does A Loft Ladder Installation Cost?

The average loft ladder installation cost is considered to be around £250 – £300 in the UK, with the materials and labour costs included. That being said, not all homes are the same, and many factors may incur additional costs, such as:

• Loft Ladder Type – Loft ladders come in different shapes, sizes and materials. For example, aluminium loft ladders serve a different function than telescopic loft ladders.
• Material – You typically expect a ladder to be made of metal, mostly due to the exposure resistance of the outside. There is an extra option with loft ladders, however – a wooden loft ladder. Wood is a cheaper material, and inside, it doesn’t have to contend with rotting from moisture. Aluminium is generally £50-£100 more expensive than wood for the same ladder.
• Existing Loft Hatch Size – Installing a loft ladder is impossible without having a loft hatch of decent size. If your loft hatch is too small, then you may need to enlarge the hatch, adding to the labour costs by roughly £150 – £300. Most loft hatches are compatible with a loft ladder of some type.
• Installation of a New Loft Hatch – If you don’t have an existing hatch, the installers will need to create a new loft hatch, further increasing the installation cost. For a new hatch with a basic ladder, you’re looking at around £300-£500.
• Loft/Ladder Size – If you want to maximise your usable loft space, a larger hatch/ladder may be required to ensure easy access. Per additional step, you can expect a £50 – £100 charge.
• Loft Insulation – The installation process may require adjustments to the loft insulation capabilities, which is important for ensuring heat doesn’t escape through your roof easily. £50 – £200 extra.
• Loft Conversion – A conversion project is a fairly in-depth process, required when your loft isn’t usable as a room due to lacking the proper infrastructure, but you want it to be. £15,000 – £40,000+.
• Additional Features – Additional features can be anything from handrails to wider steps, to even an electric staircase conversion. Handrails are £50 – £150, Wider steps £30 – £100, and electric operation for existing ladders could be between £500 – £1500.

Loft Ladder Prices

The following are some loft ladders and their prices.

• Sliding Loft Ladder – Sliding loft ladders are the most common type of loft ladders. They sit in a compact, retracted position above the loft hatch when not in use, and extend out from three sections to reach full height. These sliding ladders are typically made of wood or aluminium. A wooden loft ladder of this type can be heavy, whereas aluminium ladders can be heavy.
  • Average wooden loft ladder installation cost – £150 – £300+
  • Average aluminium ladder installation cost – £180 – £400+
• Folding Loft Ladders – A folding ladder for your loft, also known as a concertina loft ladder, is a space-saving and easy-to-use ladder that is ideal for limited space. Instead of folding against each other in sections, they instead press together like an accordion. They are usually made from aluminium or steel due to flexibility and durability but are considered less sturdy.
  • Aluminium Ladders Average Cost – £200-£500+
  • Average Steel Ladder installation cost – £300 – £600+
• Telescopic Loft Ladders – A telescopic loft ladder features multiple sections that slide in and out of each other like a telescope. These are aluminium ladders, lightweight and corrosion-resistant, and are extremely compact when stored. They are sturdy and comfortable to climb, extremely convenient, and can be used frequently with no wear. It is one of the more expensive loft ladder variants installed outside of electric-powered ladders.
  • £250-£700
• Electric Loft Ladders – An electric loft ladder is a motorised ladder that extends and retracts at the use of a button. They come with a multitude of modern convenience and safety features, such as safety sensors and automatic operation. Typically it’s made up entirely of aluminium and steel for convenience and mobility issues. This is the most expensive type of loft ladder installed, as well as the most convenient. It requires professional installation and electrical connection.
  • £1000 – £3000+

Can You Install A Loft Ladder Yourself?

We would only recommend installing loft ladders yourself if you have good DIY skills. The reason is due to the high complexity of the task. Loft ladder installers will take several hours regardless of whether they’re installing wooden loft ladders or electric ones, and regardless of their years of experience. It will take a novice significantly longer. Furthermore, failure to install a loft ladder doesn’t end with no access to your loft but possibly damage to your structural integrity.

BPS Solutions provides high-quality ladders and hatches via our storefront, with fantastic customer service communications and a great warranty. We construct our loft ladders to be the best on the market, boasting many convenient and safety features as well as compatibility with add-ons.

Installing a loft ladder with only the labour involved will cost the following:

• Basic installation (existing hatch, standard ladder): £150 – £300
• New hatch and ladder installation: £200 – £400
• Loft ladder with additional features: £200 – £500
• Electric loft ladder installation: £300 – £800

If you’re going the DIY Route, the following is a fast rundown of what installing a new loft ladder solo would entail:

• Choosing your Ladder – Consider the loft’s dimensions, how often you’ll require access and your budget before you choose a ladder.
• Gather the Necessary Tools – You will need to get yourself measuring tape, a pencil, a saw, a drill, screwdrivers, a levelling tool and safety equipment to install efficiently.
• Prepare the Ceiling Openings – If you do not have an existing hatch, you will need to prepare for a new hatch installation. Mark the opening and cut it carefully, ensuring it’s square and level.
• Install Support Battens – Wooden battens must be attached around the opening to provide support for the ladder frame.
• Fit the Ladder Frame – Insert the frame of the ladder into the opening, ensure it’s level and flush with the ceiling. Secure it with screws.
• Attach the Ladder – Connect the ladder sections via the manufacturer’s guide, and ensure you thoroughly test the ladder afterwards.
• Finish the Hatch – Install hatch doors and any trims.

Can You Install A Loft Hatch Yourself? 

A DIY hatch installation isn’t as hard as installing a loft ladder, but we still recommend not approaching without decent skill and knowledge. It’s recommended to have each side measure at least 530mm, but it’s best to ensure your loft hatch and ladder are compatible.

Metal borders must be installed into the edges and screwed firmly into place, allowing for a secure fixture of both the ladder and hatch. The door is then connected to the hinges, and your new loft ladder installation.

What Is The Best Loft Hatch, And How Much?

Aside from size, there are several factors you must consider to find the best loft hatch for you.

Insulation And Energy Efficiency

A loft hatch must be properly insulated in order to function as necessary. The U Value of a hatch door will measure the effectiveness of the insulation, the lower it is, the more insulation the hatch offers. Hatches with seals and gaskets also prevent drafts and heat loss, alongside the material it’s made up of – with timber being more insulating than plastic ones.

The higher the insulation, the higher the cost. Expect between £150 – £400.

Safety And Security

Fire resistance is important to ensure the safety of your loft if it’s a habitable room, and can also be used as a fire escape route. Building regulations sometimes mandate a certain level of quality when it comes to fire-ratings on your hatch. Aside from fire safety, there are also locking mechanisms to secure your lock from unwanted access.

Fire-rated hatches typically start around £250 and increase alongside the hatch’s size and rating.

Operation Type

There are several types of loft hatches:

• Push-Up Latch – Easily operated by pushing up on the hatch door, with difficulty only occurring when the hatch is heavy, or you have limited upper body strength. £50 – £150
• Turn and Push Latch – This type of hatch installation requires you to turn the handle or knob to release the hatch and push up the door to open it. This provides an extra level of security against accidental openings. £80 – £200
• Key-Operated Latch – Requiring a key to unlock the hatch, provides the highest level of security. £120 – £250+
• Electric Hatch – Electric hatches come with remote controls, or at least a button to open them up. £1000 – £3000.