If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to access your attic space, a pull down loft ladder is a great way to make reaching your attic convenient and comfortable.
But, if you’ve gone shopping for loft ladders either in stores or online, you’ve no doubt seen a very wide range of prices for those ladders. Loft ladders can be found for as little as $50 or $60 up to as much as $2000 to $3000 dollars. Let’s look at the differences that cause the wide price ranges.
What’s Included?
At many home improvement stores, you’ll find simple sliding loft ladders for well under $100. But, these loft ladders are designed for homes that already have a functional attic hatch and door.
At this price, all you’re getting is the ladder that attaches to a pull down door that has already been installed. And, it’s likely that the ladder is a simple sliding one, as well. If you need a hatch and door for your loft ladder, you’ll pay more. These ladders are primarily designed for homeowners who need to replace an existing ladder.
What Material is it Made From?
The material of the ladder itself also affects the price. Metal ladders are generally less expensive than wooden ladders.
How Does the Ladder Work?
There are many different styles of loft ladders. The simplest loft ladder designs are generally the least expensive. These are the primary types of loft ladders:
Folding Ladders
- The simplest of the ladder designs, these are also the least expensive and the most common for families who access their attics infrequently. You can find them in both wood and metal. They fold over onto themselves for storage.
Telescoping Ladders
- These ladders are not connected to the hatch in the ceiling, but are sometimes connected to the attic ceiling to allow them to be pulled down by a rope once the hatch door is opened. They are also sometimes stored separately. They are usually as inexpensive as folding ladders.
Sliding Ladders
- Sliding ladders are also very common, and they’re far more convenient than folding ladders. To operate them, you pull down the door to the hatch, and release the safety latch to allow the ladder to slide right to the floor.
Concertina Ladders
- These ladders store on the door of the hatch, as well. They are put into place by squeezing them together, much like one would squeeze the folds of an accordion. These are one of the more expensive types of manual loft ladders.
Electric Loft Ladders
The ultimate luxury in loft ladders is those that raise and lower with the touch of a remote control or the flip of a switch. These electric loft ladders make accessing your loft or attic space as easy as pushing a button. Electric loft ladders are the perfect choice for the family that plans to access their loft space on a regular basis.
Electric loft ladders are also great for any family with physical disabilities. Accessing your loft with an electric loft ladder is much simpler and easier on the upper body than pulling down traditional attic stairs.
As you imagine, electric loft ladders are the most expensive of the loft ladders on the market. These are the ladders that often come with a price tag of $2000 or more. They are also the most difficult to install because they must be wired into your home’s electrical system. If you choose an electric loft ladder, it’s a good idea to hire an electrician to take care of the wiring.
Because of the wide range of prices on loft ladders, it’s a good idea to set a budget before you begin to shop. Though the electric loft ladder might be a wonderful convenience, you will need to factor its additional cost into your budget, or choose a more cost effective loft ladder for your home.
