Can I Fit A Loft Ladder Myself?
Obviously installing a loft ladder would be an easier DIY project if it were at ground level, but as it isn’t, you should probably look at your own levels of expertise, skills and also equipment before you consider installing one yourself.
If you have the right tools, skillset, and determination to fit a loft ladder yourself then there’s no reason you can’t fit a loft ladder in a relatively short space of time.
However, you need to be mindful of any manufacturer or supplier guarantees that could be deemed null and void if the installation of your loft ladder isn’t up to scratch, so it is best to check and read all the small print before you even start.
Although installing a loft ladder can seem like a challenging process, many people choose to do it themselves. Nevertheless, whether you are a professional tradesman or a keen DIY enthusiast, installing a loft ladder can be a difficult task.
However, being fully informed about the correct procedures to follow before beginning the job goes a long way. With the right materials and the correct processes, you can say goodbye to any potential DIY stress when installing a loft ladder.
Before you consider starting this project though, here are some questions you should ask yourself first to determine whether you are up for the job yourself, or whether it would be best to get a professional in to fit your loft ladder for you:
Are You Physically Capable of Doing the Work?
Loft ladders, depending on the type you choose, can sometimes be a relatively heavy bit of kit, and by definition, you’ll be placing it way above your head in the ceiling. You will need a certain amount of physical strength to actually lift and stabilise the entire ladder, and if you don’t have lifting equipment available, the installation will usually require two people.
While a lot of loft ladders are relatively lightweight, you still need to consider whether you are capable of lifting them over your head during the installation process.
Do You Have the Experience Needed?
On the surface, loft ladders do appear to be pretty straightforward to install. They are typically sold as a complete kit, with the ladder incorporated into the hatch and then the hatch packed inside a box.
Essentially, all you need to do is fix the box to the rafters in your loft space, make a few minor changes, and complete the process by decorating.
However, with little or no experience or expertise, even relatively simple tasks can become much more complicated, which could result in a lousy installation at best, or an accident waiting to happen at worst. The big question you need to ask yourself is have you actually ever successfully installed something that is supposed to carry any substantial weight before?
Do You Have The Necessary Equipment?
As with any DIY project, you need to ensure that you have the right equipment. You wouldn’t start a painting job without having the right rollers and brushes, and the same would apply to tools for installing a loft ladder.
Professional Grade tools can be expensive, so if you don’t have them already you will need to purchase them before you begin your project.
You need to consider this additional expense in comparison to the cost of hiring an experienced and professional loft ladder installer. Are the potential savings large enough to justify you NOT hiring a professional to install your loft ladder in the first place?
Are You Confident Enough To Make Any Necessary Changes?
The box element of your new loft ladder will, if you’re lucky, fit snugly between the rafters, and all you will need to do is fix it in place and will fit perfectly, and all that remains is to fix and decorate it.
In many circumstances, however, the hole in the ceiling may need to be changed slightly to ensure a proper fit. You may need to install bolstering timbers or a supporting ceiling joist. If you find that your project is more challenging than you first anticipated, then you may have to consider consulting a local carpenter or joiner.
If you’ve decided that you are indeed up to the job of fitting your own loft ladder then our article on how to fit a loft ladder to an existing hatch will point you in the right direction and our simple, step-by-step guide below will take you through the job from start to finish.
Summary
There are multiple different types of loft ladders available, and each presents its own challenges when trying to install them. That said, it is a task that most people with good DIY skills will be able to do successfully.
BPS Access Solutions provides a wide selection of loft ladders – including sliding loft ladders, concertina loft ladders, wooden loft ladders, telescopic loft ladder, vertical wall hatch loft ladders, electric concertina loft ladders and even staircases. Each of these comes with easy-to-follow instructions that will help your loft ladder installation go without any major problems.
