Improving Your Attic: Wood vs. Aluminium Attic Ladder
If you want to be able to utilise your attic and make good use of that empty space above your head, it is crucial that you have easy access to it. Whether you need it for storage or want to add an extra room to your house, finding a ladder that suits your needs and style is incredibly important.
Before you make the final decision, though, you need to carefully consider a number of different factors so that you can determine whether you need a folding or sliding ladder and figure out whether you prefer a wooden one, similar to OptiStep wooden loft ladders, or an aluminium one.
Each type of attic ladder comes with its own set of unique advantages, such as strength, durability, and sturdiness. And since each coin has two sides, you will also need to pay special attention to potential disadvantages, such as price. After all, you want to make a worthwhile investment and get a ladder that will serve you well for years to come.
With that being said, let’s dive into the subject of choosing the best attic ladder that will meet all your needs and expectations!
Sliding or Folding Ladder?
Although it may all sound quite straightforward at first, there are several different factors to bear in mind when choosing the right loft ladder for your attic. There are two main categories of loft ladders – fixed and extendable. As the name suggests, a fixed loft ladder always remains in place. On the other hand, an extendable loft ladder extends and retracts into the loft via a hatch. Its mechanism allows you to save space, and the ladder can be conveniently tucked away when not in use.
When it comes to extendable loft ladders, you can choose between a sliding ladder and a folding ladder. Sliding ladders are generally cheaper and a bit easier to install than folding ones. They work similarly to extension ladders but have two or more ladder sections. These sections slide past each other and can lock in place.
Folding loft ladders are usually made of wood, and they are not quite as easy to extend as sliding ladders. To pull them down, you usually need a special tool, such as a pole, to pull down the loft hatch and the ladder itself. When fully extended, folding ladders look just like a fixed loft ladder, which, combined with the fact that they are wooden, adds a classic aesthetic appeal.
It is up to you to determine whether you need a sliding or folding loft ladder, but before you make the final decision, make sure to learn about the pros and cons of wooden and aluminium attic ladders.
Aluminium Attic Ladder
Aluminium ladders are considered by some people to be among the most stable attic access ladders available on the market. Here are their main advantages!
Weight
Aluminium is an incredibly lightweight material, especially when compared to other alternatives. Therefore, it is unlikely that someone will struggle with setting up an aluminium attic ladder, be it a teenager or a senior. They also look much smaller than wooden ladders, which means that they do not catch as much attention when they are out.
Price
Aluminium loft ladders are a cheaper option than wooden ones while still providing great quality.
Resistance to rust
Aluminium is rust-resistant, which cannot be said about other metals, so it will serve you well even if you live in a humid climate.
Nothing is perfect, hence it is also important to shed some light on the potential disadvantages of aluminium ladders.
Lowered sturdiness
aluminium is a strong material, but it cannot withstand as much weight as wood, which can make it less sturdy, depending on who is using the ladder that it is made out of and what is being carried up or down. They can also feel a bit flimsy at times, which makes them less desirable solutions for people with mobility issues.
Noise
when moved, aluminium loft ladders can make a very loud noise. If you plan to access your attic frequently, it is a factor that you should definitely take into consideration.
Industrial look
while some people are fans of the industrial aesthetic, others might find it simply unappealing. If you put a lot of time and effort into carefully decorating your house, an aluminium loft ladder might stick out like a sore thumb.
Wooden Attic Ladder
Wooden attic ladders are a popular choice, especially among people who value interior decor and want everything to look perfect. However, they also come with their own benefits and downsides. Here are the advantages of wooden attic ladders.
Strength
Wooden attic ladders can be incredibly strong and can withstand heavy loads.
Durability
Overall, wood is a very long-lasting material, which means that such a ladder is unlikely to break or get damaged.
Style
Wooden ladders look traditional and fit seamlessly with most common styles of interior decor.
While certainly a good option, wooden ladders also have some cons.
Higher price
Wooden attic ladders are usually more expensive than aluminium ones.
Hard to move
Moving a large and heavy wooden ladder can prove to be quite a difficult task.
Prone to damage
While wooden ladders are unlikely to break under a heavy load, they are much more prone to damage caused by moisture or high temperatures than their aluminium counterparts.
In Conclusion
To sum up, if you are thinking about investing in an attic ladder, first, you need to think about how you want to use the attic and what purpose it will serve to you and your family. If you plan to move lots of heavy loads or use the ladder often, you might want to pay a little more money for a wooden ladder.
However, if you know that you access the attic only from time to time and aesthetics do not really matter to you, you should opt for an aluminum ladder instead. In the end, the final decision is up to you, so just make sure you give yourself enough time to think about it!
