The 7 Best Attic Ladders [Updated for 2022]

Attic Ladder Buying guide

The best and most popular attic ladders are already listed in the previous section. Have you decided on which product you should buy? If you haven’t set your eyes on an item yet, you may use the attic ladder shopping guide below to help you.

Attic opening size

Attic ladders are specifically designed to fit a ceiling opening. The basic size requirement for the opening dimensions is set at 22.5 by 54 inches. However, according to Werner Ladders, some homes have wider attic openings. At the same time, some homes have very narrow ceiling openings. Measure the dimensions of the opening and find a ladder that fits.

You can find the rough opening dimensions in the product description. Read through the details provided by the manufacturer so you don’t end up buying the wrong ladder.

Swing clearance space

Most of the time, you need to swing out the sections of the ladder in order to extend it to its full length. As such, you must check the available space where you plan to install the ladder. Is there enough clearance space? Will the area permit the ladder to extend completely?

To measure the swing clearance, you need to consider the total length of the ladder when extended. You also need to obtain the dimensions of the attic door. Each ladder has a different clearance space requirement so you need to double-check before you purchase an item.

Material

Attic ladders are usually made from stainless steel, aluminum, and wood. Stainless steel ladders are best known for their sturdy and durable structure. These are designed to withstand intense pressure, most especially those with a Type IA or IAA rating. The downside to using this type ladder, however, is the heaviness of the material. It can be a bit challenging to open or close the ladder without the help of a powerful tension spring or a supporting power arm on top of the ladder.

Aluminum ladders, on one hand, are well recognized for their lightweight structure. Thousands of customers prefer using this type of ladder to access their attics not only for its durable make but also for its inexpensive price. The only disadvantage of an aluminum attic ladder is its electroconductive nature.

If you prefer using an old-school piece of climbing equipment, then a wooden ladder is a suitable choice. It’s cheap and hard-wearing. However, when exposed to intense heat or cold, the material tends to crack. When this happens, the ladder loses its structural integrity.

You can readily identify the material used to manufacture the ladder because it is usually included in the product name. If not, you may refer to the product description.

Ceiling Height

Ladders designed to work on attics also come with ceiling height specifications. Some ladders are only suited for homes with a ceiling height of around 7 to 9 feet. Others are specifically made for ceilings measuring 8 to 10 feet. Measure the distance from the attic floor to the flooring and use the dimensions as your guide when choosing an item.

Pick a ladder that’s within the right range. Avoid buying one that’s too short or long because it can present serious problems for you and everyone who will climb the rungs. Read the exact specifications of the ladder or ask for assistance from the manufacturer before you add the item to your shopping cart.

Duty Rating

When buying a ladder, you need to pick one with a duty rating that works for you. The American Ladder Institute explains that ladders can be categorized into five duty ratings depending on the maximum load-bearing capacity that they can support safely. The five ladder duty ratings are as follows:

• Type IAA
• Type IA
• Type I
• Type II
• Type III

Type IAA is suited for all kinds of tough projects both in a commercial and residential setting. It has a maximum weight capacity of 375lbs so it can support the weight of one worker plus a few tools and safety gear. The Type IA rating, on the other hand, can safely carry up to 300lbs.

with either a Type IAA or IA rating because of their relatively high load-bearing capacity. If these don’t suit your budget, you can look for a Type I ladder. This type of equipment can support up to 250lbs. Experts don’t recommend using a ladder with a Type II or Type III especially if your weight is beyond the average or if you plan to carry large and heavy items to the attic.

To determine whether a ladder’s duty rating fits your needs, you need to compute for the average weight that it needs to support. Take note of the weight of the user, protective gear, and equipment you carry or store while climbing up the steps or rungs. Use the measurements you obtain as your reference when narrowing down the available products.

Insulation

Sometimes, heat escapes from the attic access panels. This often results in a significant loss of energy in a house. To avoid such an issue, you should opt for ladders that come with properly-fitted doors. If possible, you should use products that come with an insulation cover.

Some ladders sold today are equipped with specialized insulation covers that can fit on top of the hatchway.

If this is not an available option for you, you can install weatherstripping to minimize air leakage. Aside from this method, Doityourself.com enumerates other ways you can insulate your attic door:

• Install insulation boards or foams.
• Create a fiberglass insulation pillow.
• Replace the door and choose one that fits snugly on the opening
• Take advantage of the use of attic door latch

Examine the attic door to determine the best insulation method to use. If you’re not sure what to do, you can hire a professional to fix the issue.

Style & Design

Another factor you should look at when looking for a potential item to buy is its style and design. The seven products reviewed above have different designs and styles. One model, the Ohuhu Aluminum Extension ladder, is designed to reach up to 12.5 ft after pressing the release button. Another model, the Werner Ladder AA1510 uses a sliding mechanism to extend its length.

Consider how the product works before you buy it. Is it easy to use? How long does it take before it reaches its full length? Below are some crucial features you can look at when shopping for a ladder for your attic:

• Steps vs Rungs – Ladders are either furnished with steps or rungs. While the two terms are used synonymously by some manufacturers, in truth, they do differ. Rungs are thinner and smaller compared to the steps.
• Cleats, rungs or steps distance – As per the OSHA standards, each ladder rung should be about 8 to 18 inches apart. The bigger the distance between each rung, the bigger the room you get for your feet.
• Ladder angle – Some models are steeper than others because they are made specifically for tight spaces. If you don’t find it comfortable to use a steep ladder, look for a model that has a flatter angle.
• Handrails – Climbing up a ladder can be hard without the help of a stable handrail. Some products come with supporting handrails. Others don’t have one. Keep this in mind when you shop.

If you need a ladder for residential use, you may opt to use any of the products enumerated above. Telescoping works great if you hate using bulky climbing equipment. Their compact design after you compress each section allows for quick and hassle-free storage.

Folding ladders is a great choice if you don’t mind manually folding ladder sections. It may be a bit tedious to use at first, but you will surely get the hang of it.

There are also extension ladders that require sliding separate section to increase its reach. These are usually made from metal and have rollers to facilitate a fast sliding action when using the ladder.

Not too keen on using a traditional ladder? Perhaps a scissor-style ladder will work for your needs. It doesn’t work like an ordinary type of ladder. Instead, its working mechanism is similar to an accordion. Its interesting design would certainly suit users who prefer using stylish and trendy things.

Evaluate your needs and preferences. If possible, list down the important features that you expect to see in the ladder you want to have. By having a clear picture of your ideal attic ladder, you can quickly go through each product offer listed in your chosen online marketplace.

How to install attic ladders

Each attic ladder package contains an installation kit that will tell you in detail how you can set up the entire structure. Some models are installed differently, so it pays to read the manufacturer-provided instruction packet.

Generally, you will need a few tools to install the ladder such as a screwdriver, hammer, pliers, tape measure, saw and a step ladder. Make sure to prepare these before you start working.

Also, to ensure that everything fits well, you need to do a few things:

• Measure everything as accurately as you can – A slight mistake in the dimensions of the opening may result in a significant energy loss. Draw an outline on the drywall using a piece of chalk.
• Cut the material with the right tool – Tap the saw blade into the attic flooring and cut along the outline you created. Check the sharpness of the blade to ensure a smooth finish.
• Attach the header boards and support boards – Before you hoist the ladder assembly, you must support and header boards ready. This will prevent the attic flooring from getting damaged when you use the ladder.
• Shim the support boards – Place shims around the stair frames. Secure them in place using a few screws.
• Check the ladder’s position when extended – See to it that it can fully extend its length without bumping into anything.
• Install handrails – If the package includes a handrail, install them before ascending the steps. Screw it in place so it won’t fall off easily.

When installing the product, double-check the instructions. Most instructional manuals contain a detailed diagram of the product and the attic opening. Hence, it won’t take long before you figure out what to do. If the steps provided still seem confusing to you, use video tutorials as your guide. You must also follow safety precautionary measures to prevent accidents. Some safety tips you should follow includes:

• Look out for electric cables when you cut through the ceiling drywall to avoid electrocution.
• Be mindful of how you hold the saw when you work. Never attempt to hold it above your head while inserting the blade on the material.
• Never mount the attic ladder unless you complete the installation process.
• Use a sturdy A-frame ladder when hoisting the stair assembly. If possible use two ladders especially if the product you need to install is heavy.
• Wear proper safety gear such as protective helmet and eyewear while working.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are attic ladders fire rated?

Fire-resistant ladders are specially manufactured to block fire. With this type of ladder, you can safely ascend the steps during a fire. Some manufacturers such as Fakro specialize in creating fire-rated ladders.

If you’re not sure whether your favorite brand also makes such a type of ladder, read their product listing. The manufacturer will surely declare if their listed product is fire-rated, so you need to go through the product description.

What size of attic ladder do I need?

Again, it all boils down to the accuracy of the measurements you obtain. If you can determine the dimensions of the ceiling opening and the height of the ceiling correctly, you can surely select the perfect product.

In most cases, the size of the ladder is included in the name of the product. If you can’t find it there, check the product description. A sizing chart is often provided to help you determine if the product is the right fit for you. The manufacturer also provides a product comparison table to help you check similar products.

What attic ladders should I use for small openings?

If you have a small attic opening, you must use a compact attic ladder to access it. This type of ladder allows you to reach the storage area without compromising the available clearance space. It is specifically constructed to take up very little space because the sections slide over one another when not in use.

Among the products reviewed above, only the Werner Ladder AA1510 and Louisville Ladder LL24P are suited for tight ceiling openings. These are both well-known for their compact design and durable features.

Are attic ladders expensive?

The price of an attic ladder primarily depends on the material, design and the included safety features. Usually, you need at least $100 to $1000 to buy a good quality ladder. When you compare the price, you must consider the functionalities of the item. Also, read through the customer feedback and find out the pros and cons.

Can I install an attic ladder by myself?

Yes, provided that you completely understand the process involved and have the required tools and equipment, you can manage to finish an attic ladder installation without hiring a professional. Manufacturers also provided video tutorials that discuss how to install and use their products. These are usually included in the product gallery, social media channel of the brand plus their company website.

If you’re not sure what to do, you can call in a contractor to do it for you. It will take roughly a few hours to obtain the measurements, prep the area and complete the installation procedure.

Are attic ladders safe to use?

Thousands of people make use of ladders to access their storage area in the attic. Nevertheless, some still fear using it because of the risk of slipping. Fortunately, over the years, manufacturers have succeeded in creating safer and better climbing equipment. The majority of ladders today have grooved steps or rungs to minimize slipping. Others have handrails to help you climb smoothly and safety locks to prevent the ladder section from retracting accidentally.

With the best product and proper installation and use, you can definitely prevent accidents caused by attic ladders.

You should also follow the safety tips below to avoid issues while using your attic ladder:

• Only one person should climb the step. This is very important especially if you are using a ladder with a low duty rating.
• Make sure you have at least three contact points on the ladder while you ascend.
• Check the safety locks and ladder base before climbing up.
• Avoid climbing when you feel dizzy or intoxicated.
• Schedule regular cleaning and maintenance of the ladder to prevent it from corroding or getting covered in oil and dirt.
• Never use it in a dimly lit area. As much as possible, you must switch on the lights before using the ladder.

The Takeaway

Manufacturers continue to create innovative climbing solutions that can serve a variety of purposes. As such, you can find attic ladders in different shapes, sizes, and designs. If you have a hard time picking a ladder to use, run through the shopping guide above once more. 

Use the information provided to find a ladder that suits your needs and budget. Pay attention to the material used, clearance space, ladder design, weight, duty rating, and other crucial factors.

List the most important things you need from an attic ladder before you browse a product catalog. Are you looking for one that can fit small ceiling openings? Do you prefer using wood, aluminum or stainless steel? Do you want a permanent installation? Do you need fire-rated ladders? Once you have a clear grasp of what product you should invest in, it will be easier to narrow down the options.

After receiving the product, your next order of business is to ensure that you install it properly. This is where the installation manual comes handy. Before attempting to install the item, see to it that you fully understand the instructions. When in doubt, you may refer to video tutorials provided by the manufacturer on their website or YouTube channel.

Are you now ready to select the best ladder? Which of the attic ladders enumerated above is your top choice so far? What made you choose it over the rest?