Builders
Carpenters
Electricians
Flooring Specialists
Gardeners
Handymen
Heating Engineers
Painters & Decorators
Plasterers & Renderers
Plumbers
Roofers
Tilers
myHow to Fit a Loft Ladder
Fitting a loft ladder can open your loft so you can gain access to extra storage space in your home. Check out our how-to guide to discover how to fit a loft ladder.
Table of Contents
What Tools Do I Need to Fit a Loft Ladder?
Below is a list of the tools that you will need to successfully install a loft ladder:
- Drill
- Circular saw
- Hand saw
- Screwdriver
- Electric saw
- Ladder
- Tape measure
- Builder’s knife
What Safety Equipment Do I Need to Fit a Loft Ladder?
You will need the following safety equipment to ensure that this type of work is carried out safely:
- Eye goggles
- Face covering
- Someone to help you
What Materials Do I Need to Fit a Loft Ladder?
The materials that you need to install a loft ladder are listed below, although a large part of the overall loft ladder installation cost will depend on the design and materials being used.
- Screws
- Double joist hanger
- Timber pieces
- Ladder unit with door
- Temporary support boards
- Shims
- Decorative trim
How to Prepare for Loft Ladder Installation
First you will need to determine where to fit your loft ladder, and mark a position in the ceiling by drilling a screw that goes all the way through the drywall.
The exact dimensions of the gap required will depend on loft ladder unit. Ensure you check the manufacturer's specifications and instructions beforehand, otherwise you will need to measure the size if the unit manually.
You can then locate the screw in the loft, providing a rough estimate of where you need to position your loft hatch. Be mindful of any ceiling joists as you will need to cut one of these for when you install the loft ladder. If this isn't something you're comfortable doing yourself, then hire a tradesman with experience installing loft hatches and ladders.
Brace the joint before cutting to prevent it from sagging. Use a circular saw to cut most of the way through, and finish off with a hand saw to avoid damaging the drywall.
Once the piece of joist is removed, add two pieces of timber in the front and two pieces in the back to head it off. These two pieces should run perpendicular to the cut joist, allowing you to install a double joist hanger for extra support.
How to Fit a Loft Ladder — Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1
Once you have done your preparation and your framing is in place, you want to mark the four corners of the frame. Drive a screwdriver through each of the four corners and then cut the drywall from underneath - ideally using a jab or drywall saw.
Step 2
Use the temporary support boards and mount them to the bottom of your gap. This gives your ladder unit a temporary place to rest while you are completing the rest of the work.
Step 3
During the next step, you will need someone to help you, as ideally you want to have one person in the loft and the other down below. Hand the loft ladder unit up through the gap to whoever is in the loft. They can then help position it correctly, and once ready the ladder can be lowered down onto the temporary support beams.
Step 4
You want to make sure the frame is square in the hole. To do this, you need to measure diagonally in both directions. As long as they’re within about an eighth of an inch from each other, you should be good to move forward with the rest of the installation. If they’re not, you should use some shims to square it up.
Step 5
Add in some temporary support screws so that you can get everything shimmed in exactly where it is supposed to be. You should also pre-drill the hinge area ready for screws.
Step 6
Go on to screw the hinges into position, ensuring that everything remains straight and in place.
Step 7
Once your ladder unit is fully in position, you should then test it to ensure it works smoothly and properly and to ensure that there are no errors in its function. Once you’re sure of this, you can remove the temporary support beams and trim and shims that were used to put it in place.
Step 8
If there is a safety tie on the ladder, this can now be removed. It is also now that you can cut the legs to size, although this won't be required for the majority of telescopic ladders. If you do need to though, take correct measurements before using a hand saw to cut and then sand off any rough edges.
Step 9
You can then add the feet to the bottom of the ladder according to the manufacturer’s instructions and if you wish to add any decorative trim (optional) then you can do so now the ladder is fitted into place.
