Looking for a ladder to climb up your attic? Here we have compiled seven best attic ladder after thorough research and testing. And if you do not know which type of ladder will be a perfect fit for your attic, we have also created a buyer’s guide. And if you won’t know which is the best among all, we would recommend you to buy Louisville Ladder 22.5-by-54-Inch Wooden Attic Ladder.
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Top 7 Attic Ladder
| Product | Ladder Type | Ceiling Height | Insulated | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville Wooden | Wood | 8'-10' | No | Check Price |
| Louisville Elite | Aluminium | 7'-10' | No | Check Price |
| Werner Aa1510 | Aluminium | 7'-10' | No | Check Price |
| FAKRO LMS 66869 | Steel | 7'-10' | Yes | Check Price |
| Fakro LWP 66802 | Wood | 7'-8' | Yes | Check Price |
| Rainbow F3075-14 | Steel | 13'-14' | Yes | No products found. |
| FAKRO LSF 66859 | Steel | 7'-9' | Yes | Check Price |
1. Louisville – Best Wooden Option
Louisville attic ladders are one of the most popular and bestselling attic ladders. The L224P is one of the top quality attic ladder made by the Louisville ladder. The material used in the construction of the ladder is wood. The quality of the wood is really good. It can take a weight of 250 lbs which is much needed because people usually climb into the attic to put things or take things out of it. Other than good load capacity, it is designed for easy installation, and there are few other features like heavy-duty hinges to keep the ladder stable.
While testing, the first thing we did is to know how easy it is to install the ladder. If you have already carved out the entrance for the attic, it won’t take more than 30 minutes to perfectly install the ladder. The ladder works for ceiling heights between 8 ft to 10 ft. It works like any other attic ladder, where a ladder can be collapsed and pushed into the ceiling. Pushing and pulling of the ladder is controlled by the spring at the hinges. And we liked the fact that spring tension is adjustable.
There are a lot of things to like about the construction of the ladder. First, the steps have metal rods underneath for extra safety. And also, groves on the steps offer you good traction while climbing the ladder. We also tested how loud or noise it is to use the ladder. All the push and pull action occurs quietly without any squeak or screech.
- It is easy to install.
- It is durable because of the high-quality wood.
- It does not make much sound while pulling or pushing.
- It can climb the ladder with heavy things with ease.
- It is highly stable.
- The finish of the wood could have been a little better.
- Ladder feels a little heavy.
Bottom Line
If you have to ask which is the best on our list, our answer would be Louisville Ladder 22.5-by-54-Inch Wooden Attic Ladder. The design is great and takes hardly any time to install it. Even after years of use, it won’t show any sign of degradation because of the high-quality wood.
2. Louisville Elite – Best For Home
If you do not like a wood ladder, Louisville offers you another great attic ladder with an aluminum ladder. What aluminum does is add durability and also improves the load capacity. Only the ladder is made up of aluminum. The attic door opening uses wood and size of 25-1/2″ X 54″. Also one thing is different from this ladder. It uses cylinder design instead of spring at the hinges. It probably has the best steps because of the size and the slip-resistant pattern. It is perfect for those users who use metal ladder compared to wood ladders.
The first thing we did is measure the weight of the ladder, and it is only 51 lbs, which is very light compared to any wood ladder. Hence, pushing the ladder up won’t be tough tasks. Since the wood is used for attic opening, it is easy to install and takes only 20-30 minutes. You can do it on your own. We also tested the load capacity of the ladder. We were able to put almost 350 lbs of load on it, and ladder was still stable. We also went up down the ladder with a load. Due to the 3.25 inch of depth the footing is great.
As far as the construction of the ladder is concerned , the metal ladder really impressed us. Pushing and pulling the ladder is also easy. The cylinder system works something. After a few months of use, some users did complain about the ladder being noisy. This will happen because of the metal construction. But if you are ok with sound, it is one of the most sturdy and durable ladders on our list.
- It is light in weight.
- It is easy to install.
- It can take load up to 350 lbs.
- The steps have great depth.
- Anti-slip design.
- It does make some sound due to metal construction.
Bottom Line
If your priority is sturdiness, then we would advise you to go with this ladder. Also all-metal construction makes it one of the most durable ladders we tested. However, you will have to pay a steep price when you compare the price with other similar ladders.
3. Werner Ladder Aa1510 Aa1510b Ladder – Best For Small Opening
When the requirement is tight spaces, you need a ladder that collapses into very small unit. This Werner Ladder does it perfectly. If you look at the ladder’s design, it is divided into three sections compared to some ladder, which is generally two sections. Also width of the ladder is smaller compared to other ladders that we have tested. These dimensions make it the best ladder for small opening and small places. It is mostly made of aluminum. There are also some features which are quite useful if you climb the ladder with stuff in your hand.
Since it can be installed in any tight spaces, we installed in small hallways and other tight spaces. We used the ladder for carrying different loads. The maximum load it can take is 250 lbs. While using the ladder we observed that it was stable, even if you are carrying some heavy load. Especially the assist pole makes it easy to climb the ladder. However, assist pole is available only at the top section of the ladder. Foots could have been little thick. Because the thin rod doesn’t’ give much space for footing. This is mainly designed to make the ladder light as possible and compact as possible.
If we talk about the construction of the ladder, it has ceiling height range of 7 ft to 10 ft. And if you consider the weight of the ladder, it is one of the lightest ladders on our list. It weighs only 15 lbs. You can push or pull the ladder with just one hand. However, unfolding all section does require you to have both hands free. Sometimes it could be noisy while setting up the unit.
- It can be installed in tight spaces.
- It can be used with just one hand.
- It as the load capacity of 250 lbs.
- It is easy to install.
- All metal construction.
- Budget-friendly.
- Steps could have been a little better.
Bottom Line
We have already mentioned it is perfectly suitable for tight spaces. In addition to being a compact attic ladder, it doesn’t cost much compared to other attic ladders. For us, it is the best for small opening.
4. FAKRO LMS 66869 – Best Option With Insulated Door
Fakro is a popular brand of ladders. If you are more concerned about getting a branded attic ladder, we advise you to consider FAKRO LMS 66869. It uses an insulated steel ladder with wooden opening. The best feature of this Attic ladder is door construction. It uses insulated MDF wood, which could be useful in emergency situations. Also the Steel ladder is powder-coated, and the step has anti-slip design. This ladder is perfect if you are looking for a unit that can be used in emergency situations like fire.
The ladder is designed in such a way that it is easy to install. It took us around 25 minutes to install the ladder properly. The ladder is collapsible hence it is easy to deploy. And when you are deploying the ladder it only takes few seconds. Have a baby think the weight of the unit is a little on heavier side as it weighs around 60 pounds. You need both hands to pull the ladder. We use the ladder several times with different kinds of loads to check how stable it is. Due to the use of rubber at the foot of the ladder has a very stable footing on the floor. Also the steps have very good depth.
When we looked at the overall construction in the design of the attic ladder, we were really impressed. The use of powder-coated metal provides the much-needed durability to the unit. As far as the load capacity of the ladder is concerned it is around 350 pounds. And it can reach up to the height of 8 feet. However you can go for a different variant if your requirements are different. All have similar features only the ceiling height, and the opening size is different. On top of good construction, the manufacturer of 2 years of warranty on the product. Not many Attic ladder manufacturers are known to offer warranty on their products.
- The ladder is powder-coated.
- The door uses insulated wood.
- It has a high load capacity.
- The manufacturer of 2 years of warranty.
- There is number of variants to choose from.
- It is an expensive Attic ladder.
- The weight of the ladder is on higher side.
Bottom Line
After testing and examining the design of the letter, we can say that it is the most durable Attic ladder. However the price is on higher side. But looking at the quality of the ladder you can say the price is worth it.
5. Fakro LWP 66802 Insulated Attic Ladder – Budget Friendly Attic Door
If you are not a big fan of metal attic ladders, Fakro does give you a wood option. The LWP 66802 a complete wood ladder. It also has insulated door, which helps you keep check on the energy cost. They can be adjusted for ceiling height of 7 to 8 ft. There are also different variations that support height of 10 ft. One major advantage of having this ladder is that it has assist pole.
The unit that we tested has an opening size of 24 x 47 inches, and there are variants with size of 30 x54 inches if you want bigger opening for your attic. The ladder is collapsible. The mechanism that expands and collapses the ladder is very smooth. It hardly makes any sound. Even the door opening is something. We were able to carry different loads on the ladder. The maximum capacity for the ladder 300 lbs. It more than enough. However, we thought that the weight of the ladder is too high. 68 lbs are too much. You need more force to set the ladder.
Construction of the ladder is really good. The quality of pine wood used for the ladder does give good durability. To prove that the manufacturer provides 2 years of warranty on the unit that does provide much-needed confidence on the product. The ladder is well constructed. You have good stability while you are climbing it with the load. Thought stops do not have any anti-slip feature, but you have good footing.
- Smooth opening and closing mechanism.
- Highly durable.
- Two years of warranty is available.
- Good load capacity.
- It’s too heavy.
- There is an anti-slip pattern on steps.
Bottom Line
This Fakro attic ladder is a high quality wood ladder. You get 2 years of warranty from the manufacturer, which is assuring. We advise you to get the ladder if you are looking for a high-quality wood attic ladder. It is also best for the money.
6.Rainbow F3075-14 – 30″L x 75″W F-Series – Best Option With Hand Assist
No products found.
The Rainbow attic stairs is an amazing option. It has so many things that you will like instantly. It is perfect for commercial environment because of its high load capacity. Also it comes with lot of safety features like railing and latches that make sure that when you climb the ladder you have best possible stability. Even the steps are designed almost like stairs. The opening door is made of wood, and the ladder uses steel.
The first thing we tested is how easy it is to install. It did tool use more than 30 minutes, but since it is little heavier than most of the attic ladders, we to secure it perfectly. The first thing we noticed that it provides great stability to the user. It feels like you are using stairs and not ladder. Steps have great depth. And railing on the side provides protective hold. Even when you are climbing with load, you have lot of things to hold to secure yourself. Also the load capacity of the ladder is 540 lbs, which makes it a suitable choice of commercial use.
As we have mentioned, it is all steel construction to accept the door. It folds into two sections, and both section safety railing for both sides. There is no powdered-coating, which is big disadvantage of having this unit. In case you are using the ladder in wet or moist environment, the ladder might not last long. There are locking latches to improve safety. Also the steps use anti-skid strips. You can be wearing any kind of footwear but will able to gain good hold over the steps.
- All steel construction.
- It is very easy to install.
- Anti-skid strips.
- Railing on both sides of the ladder.
- Locking latches add to the security of the user.
- Expensive.
Bottom Line
We won’t advise you this ladder for home use because it is too expensive. However, if you own a commercial property that requires an heavy duty attic pulldown stairs, Rainbow F3075-14 is perfect option.
7. FAKRO LSF 66859 – Best Fire Resistant Option
Most of the ladder we have mentioned in our post-use sliding mechanism. The Fakro LSF 66859 uses scissor mechanism. Since it is an all-metal design, you have a durable attic ladder. Also, it hardly takes much space. If the attic opening is small, LSF 66859 could be a great option. However, the best part about the ladder is the fire resistance capacity. During our research we found not many attic ladders are fire-resistant.
During tests, we observed how the scissor mechanism worked for the ladder. Expanding and collapsing the ladder is really easy. Yes, it takes a little to push or pull the ladder because it uses scissor hinges. We also observed that if the ladder is not used for long period, the hinges are not as smooth they need to be. Beyond that there is lot to like about the unit. We also tested it fire-resistant capacity. It can withstand fire for almost 90 minutes.
Looking at the design, it is a surprise that it has a load capacity of 300 lbs. When you are climbing the ladder, it remains stable. Even if you do some heavy movements, it remains stable. We also liked the steps. They have anti-slip steps. Though there is no railing on the sides, steps offer solid base just like a staircase. The door is also made of steel, and it also fire resistant.
- Fire-resistant.
- Solid steel construction.
- It is easy to install.
- High load capacity.
- Easy to deploy.
- Expensive.
- It takes the effort to expand the ladder.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for an attic ladder that not only improves the aesthetics of your house but compact, we would suggest you go for Fakro LSF 66859.
Buyer’s Guide- What To Consider?
They are lot aspects of attic ladder that you have to consider while choosing. You can see that there are several types of attic ladder. Hence, you have to see what your requirements are and learn the important factors related to attic ladder. This will help you make an informed decision. Let’s see the most important factors that you need to consider before buying an attic ladder:
1.Dimensions
There is two main dimensions that you have to know even before you go out to buy an attic ladder—ceiling height and attic opening. Ceiling height is the height of the ceiling from the floor. Depending on the height of the ceiling the length of the ladder will vary. Most of the houses have ceiling height between 7 ft to 10 ft. Hence you will find most the attic ladder manufacturers offer ladders that have length between 7 to 10 ft. And if you have a unique house where ceiling height is drastically different, we suggest you choose the ladder that fulfills that requirement.
The other is an attic opening. It is usually a small hatch door that not only gives you access to the attic but also holds the ladder. You have measured the attic opening, which is usually something like 30″x54″. You have to look at the standard opening sizes of the attics if you plan to buy readymade attic ladder so that you don’t have to adjust the opening later.
2.Material used
Ladders are generally made of three types of material wood, aluminum and steel. Each has own advantages and disadvantages. Material decides how durable and how heavy is the ladder. Generally steel and wood-based ladders are heavy but have high load capacity. Aluminum-based ladder is light but they not have great load capacity. Based on your requirement you have to choose the right material for the attic ladder. If you require ladder with high load capacity, much like 300 lbs and more it would best if you go with either wood or steel. If you are going to use it for only home purposes, light attic ladder is best option.
3.Folding mechanism
All the attic ladders are designed in such a way that when folded, the size of the ladder is smaller than the attic door. There are many ways it can be done—folding, telescoping and scissor. During tests we realized that the best attic ladder stairs use folding. Folding mechanism allows you to quickly deploy or fold the ladder without much effort. The same is not true for telescope and scissor mechanism. You have to push or pull the ladder. This takes little effort on the part of user. In case you are not big fan of folding mechanism, go for scissor. It not only looks good, it has high load capacity.
4.Steps
How easy it is to climb an attic ladder depends on how stable your footing is. This depends on the depth of the step. Higher the depth, better will be the stability. Around 2-3 inches of depth is enough for good footing. In addition to footing, the step must have anti-slip pattern or cover. Almost all the major attic ladder brands, use anti-slip pattern or strap. This pattern is made of same material as the ladder or uses extra covering of rubber. Both patterns work fine. Apart from depth, you have to look at the width of the steps because if you want to install the ladder in very narrow hallow way or passage, ladder width has to be small.
5.Load capacity
Load capacity is the amount of weight a ladder can hold when deployed. This is the most important factor among all. Even if you don’t pay attention to other factors, but if get this factor wrong while purchasing you might end up with a broken ladder. If you are looking for a ladder that can be used for commercial purposes it must have high load capacity like No products found..
6.Insulation
If you want to save cost on the energy you have to make sure that the attic door must be insulated. During our research we did find that not all attic ladder come with insulated doors. There are only few like FAKRO LMS 66869 Insulated Steel Attic Ladder, which come with quality insulation door. Also to make sure that there is very little heat dissipation you can cover the door with foam insulation and also use weather stripping to make sure there is very little air leakage.
FAQs
1. Which is better wood or aluminum attic ladder?
There are two types of attic ladders- wood and aluminium. Both have their advantage and disadvantage. Wood ladders may be heavy but have high load capacity. Whereas the aluminum ladders have low load capacity, but they are light. It all depends on your requirements.
2. How does an attic ladder work?
The attic ladder has retractable stair that can be pulled down from the ceiling or pushed into the ceiling door. Having an attic ladder makes it easier to access the attic without having to bring a ladder.
3. How big should attic access be?
According to the International Residential Code, attic access should be at least 30 square feet, and also vertical height should be 30 inches.
4. What is swing clearance?
Swing clearance is the amount of space needed for the ladder to swing open from the ceiling. While installing any attic ladder, it is the most important factor you have to consider.
5. Can you cut ceiling joists for attic access?
If your ceiling has joists for installing attic ladder, you can cut one or two, but make sure you consult an engineer before cutting.
Final Thought
The purpose of the attic ladder may be simple, but there are multiple things that you have to look at. So make sure you are first sure of your requirements. Because if you are not, either you won’t be able to install it or use it effectively. Beyond our post, you can consult an engineer before installing an attic ladder for better understanding.
Louisville- Editor's Choice
Summary
If you have to ask which is the best on our list, our answer would be Louisville Ladder 22.5-by-54-Inch Wooden Attic Ladder. The design is great and takes hardly any time to install it. Even after years of use, it won’t show any sign of degradation because of the high-quality wood.
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