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8 Best Compact Pull Down Attic Ladders – (Reviews & Buying Guide 2023)
If you have a compact attic ladder in your home, consider yourself lucky. Attics have gone through some ups and downs throughout history, pun intended. While the earliest attics can be found in ancient Greek architecture, it wasn’t until the last few centuries that they started to become useful. Initially, that empty space above your ceiling was created only as a means to achieve that iconic gable roof pitch. Eventually, architects and engineers realized that all that cavernous space that spanned the length of the home could be used for storage and ductwork.
Then, during the 20th century, flat roofs and shed-style roofs became all the rage. While these designs were more practical and economical, it meant sacrificing usage attic space. Today, attics are still relatively common. Though, most contractors plan ahead and install some of the best pull down attic stairs to provide easy access to the storage area. But what if you don’t have room for a full set of permanent stairs?
Whether you have an older home or plan on creating a usable attic in your newer one, a solid compact attic ladder is a great alternative to conventional stairs. They take up very little room and can provide direct access to your attic space. Best of all, they’re quite discreet and can restrict access for safety.
Attic ladders can add a brand-new level of functionality to your home, so it’s important to take some extra time choosing the best one. The key to finding the best compact attic ladder is to invest in a solidly-built product that’s safe and durable enough to last for decades to come. In this guide, we’re going to teach you all there is to know about small opening attic ladders and go over how they can enhance your home. We’ll also cover some key factors that you need to keep in mind during your search for the perfect attic ladder for narrow spaces.
Comparison Chart: Best Attic Ladders of 2023
We understand how overwhelming it can be to sift through the hundreds of pull down attic ladders out there. To make things a bit easier for you, we’ve created this handy comparison chart. In it, we have outlined all of our recommended picks. Vital information is included so that you can quickly compare what each small space attic ladder has to offer.
Welcome to our attic ladder reviews section. Here you’ll find detailed information about some of the best rated attic ladders that money can buy. We’ve done our research to ensure that each recommended product is capable of serving your needs.
To ensure that our list includes the latest and greatest attic ladders on the market, we make updates regularly. Our goal is to provide you with unbiased reviews that give you more insight into what these compact and small opening attic ladders can do for you.
From one of the most prestigious brands in the industry, Louisville Ladders, is the AA2510 attic ladder. This is one of the best attic ladders on the market and gets our top spot. It’s a solidly-built piece of equipment that has all the features you need to stay safe. Aluminum is the material of choice, which makes it heavy-duty and very easy to operate. Plus, Louisville used a gas cylinder rather than traditional springs. As a result, the ladder feels smooth, stays quiet, and prevents accidental slamming.
Another thing we like is the steps. Despite being an extension ladder, the unit has steps that measure 3 and a quarter inches deep. On top of that, each step you climb has slip-resistant treads to help you keep your balance.
The entire attic stair is also adjustable, making installation a breeze. There’s no need to cut the ladder to length. It can accommodate ceilings as tall as 10 feet while remaining stable. Overall, this is a great option for anyone looking for a compact attic ladder with door that they can trust.
Easy-to-install insulated steel scissor attic ladder for 27 x 31-inch rough openings
Quick Features:
Scissor ladder design
Made of steel
Adjustable height
Includes insulated door
300-pound capacity
Needs opening of 27 inches by 31 inches
Two-year warranty
The Fakro steel attic ladder is a unique alternative to traditional extension ladders. It has an accordion-like design that relies on scissor mechanisms to reach your floor. Like the previous Louisville model, this ladder is fully adjustable to accommodate varying ceiling heights. At its shortest, it’s 7 feet and 2 inches long. However, it can extend up to 9 and a half feet.
Despite the cool design, there are some issues that prevented it from getting the number one spot. The most common complaint is that the opening is far too small to get anything substantial through. Sure, it’s great if you’re tight on space. But the attic ladder takes up way too much room at the top to move large boxes into your attic. Another thing we don’t like is the lack of rubber feet. The bottom of the ladder has tiny plastic wheels, which is a questionable design choice when it comes to stability.
If you can overlook those issues, this compact attic access ladder is still a worthy purchase. It comes with everything you need, including a decorative door panel and some insulation.
Requires rough opening of 22.5 inches by 54 inches
250-pound capacity
Uses spring tension
Weighs 53 pounds
Limited warranty
If you’re searching for a simple and affordable attic ladder, this Louisville model may be what you’re looking for. It’s made out wood and folds at two separate pivot points. Durable hinges are used to ensure that the folding stair motion is fluid and stable.
The great thing about this pull down attic ladder is that it requires an opening that’s 22 and a half inches wide. This is the perfect width for most homes with joists that are 24 inches apart on center. So, you won’t have to do much adjusting to get the system to fit.
When it comes to safety, the attic ladder does a very good job. The steps all have grooved treads to minimize the chances of slipping. On top of that, there’s a thick hand grip on one side. It’s designed like a railing, making it easy to grab onto when you need some reassurance.
Easy-to-install insulated steel attic ladder for 30 x 54-inch rough openings
Quick Features:
Folding design
Made of steel
Adjustable height up to 10 feet and 1 inch
Opening measures 30 inches wide by 54 inches long
350-pound capacity
Uses spring tension
Has insulated door
Two-year warranty
From a design standpoint, this metal attic ladder goes above and beyond. It’s made out of steel, which is unique for these products. The steel is protected with a shiny powder-coated finish. Not only does it look great, but the finish protects the metal from abrasive damage.
Like other Fakro ladders, this model comes with a rubber gasket around the door. This provides some light insulation. Though, you will still need additional gear to reduce energy loss. The good design elements continue on the steps, which feature raised bumps to improve your traction as you climb up.
The thing we don’t like about this attic fold ladder is its weight. It comes in at a whopping 71 pounds. While there are springs to help it open smoothly, the sheer weight of the pull down stair case can be a problem for some people.
Can be used on tight openings as small as 18 inches by 24 inches
250-pound capacity
Werner Ladder is an innovator in this industry. This compact attic ladder is a great example of how the brand pushes the limits on design to accommodate homeowners who require flexibility. It is specifically engineered for tight spaces. How tight? All it needs is an attic opening that measures 18 inches wide by 24 inches long. You could easily fit this equipment in a closet or room corner.
The aluminum pull down attic stair doesn’t take up much room at all, even when it’s fully extended. But that doesn’t stop it from being effective. The aluminum material is lightweight. Yet, it’s tough enough to handle 250 pounds. One cool thing about this model is that it lacks a pull cord. Instead, a pole is included. It’s a nice touch for those who don’t want an ugly cord hanging from the attic ceiling at all times.
Easy-to-install insulated wooden attic ladder for 22 x 47-inch rough openings
Quick Features:
Folding ladder
Made of wood
Works in rooms with ceilings as tall as 8 feet 11 inches
Opening measures 22 inches wide by 47 inches long
300-pound capacity
Spring balanced
Two-year warranty
The biggest advantage that the Fakro LWP 66801 has to offer is good build quality. The folding attic ladder itself is made out of solid pine. When you’re on it, it just feels sturdy and reliable. For even more peace of mind, Fakro included some great safety features. The steps are relatively wide and have grooves etched into them to help you keep your footing. Further up on the ladder, there’s a metal handle that’s covered in bright red paint for visibility.
Like most of Fakro’s attic ladders, this model has some basic insulation to reduce energy loss. The perimeter of the frame has a rubber gasket to prevent air leaks when the unit is closed.
RETRACTS WITH ONE BUTTON: Introducing the most user-friendly ladder you’ll ever own! We developed our portable extending ladder specifically with your convenience and...
Quick Features:
Standalone extension ladder
Gets as long as 12 feet 6 inches
Weighs 14 pounds
Supports up to 250 pounds of weight
Includes carrying case
One-year limited warranty
Who says that your attic ladder has to be attached to the ceiling? The OxGord telescoping attic stairs is a unique alternative to dedicated attic units. The thing that sets this option apart the most is its portable design. While most typical extension ladders are broken up into smaller sections that slide next to each other, this unit literally collapses in on itself automatically.
The side supports fit into one another. On the bottom of the attic staircase, the aluminum is thick. With each step, the frame gets smaller and smaller. While this may seem like a detriment, it contributes to the ladder’s versatility. When it’s fully extended, you can climb as high as 12 and a half feet. Yet, it’s small enough to carry around in a bag when it’s collapsed.
Large safety handles at top / 4 separate one-piece steel handrails / 10" Tread Width
Quick Features:
Folding ladder
Made of strong steel
Spring assist
Locking safety latches
Supports up to 570 pounds
Height adjusts up to 12 feet 2 inches
Opening measures 22.5 inches by 60 inches
One-year warranty
With the highest weight capacities out of all of our recommendations, this heavy duty attic ladder is best-suited for those who need something strong and reliable. The ladder is made out of steel, which is why it can support up to 570 pounds. The material also helps to keep the design of the ladder sleek and low-profile.
All around, the steel folding attic ladder looks great. The entire thing is covered in a white powder-coated finish. The unique thing about this model is that the frame has metal trim built-in. There’s no need to invest in additional wooden trim to cover up seams.
This high quality ladder does great across the board when it comes to safety. There are four separate handrails so that you can use both hands to find your footing. Plus, the steps have rubberized treads on them so that you can feel stable as you climb.
Pros
Low-profile design
Thick steps with anti-slip treads
Powder-coated finish
Handles on both sides
Protective rubber feet
Has built-in metal trim
Suitable for both residential and commercial use
Cons
Much heavier than competitors
No insulation
A Complete Buying Guide for Compact Attic Ladders
For a lot of people, a ladder is a simple investment that they don’t have to put a lot of thought into. With a compact attic ladder, things are a bit different. These are specialized tools that will act as the sole access point to your attic space. Purchasing a substandard attic ladder can result in damage to your home and create a safety hazard. Use this guide to familiarize yourself with what types of things you need to look for.
What is a Compact Attic Ladder?
A compact attic ladder is a tool that’s designed to be discrete and take up very little space. When most people think of ladders, they picture an A-frame model. These ladders are quite large and feature a stable triangle-shaped frame to evenly distribute weight. Attic ladders for small openings do not have the luxury of space, so they must be physically attached to something else to provide stability.
Attic ladders are installed in the small space between the floor of the attic and the ceiling below. During the installation process, the top of the ladder is mounted to the rafters, which play an important role in the overall structural integrity of your home. As a result, the ladder is properly supported from one end.
The element that makes attic ladders so appealing to those who are limited on space is the extending or folding function. Telescoping designs are very common for attic ladders. Essentially, the length of the ladder is split into two or three parts. Those parts then collapse next to each other, ultimately taking up a fraction of the space.
When it comes to folding attic ladders, the basic principles remain the same. The only difference is that the ladder has multiple hinges and pivot points that allow the lower portion to fold up into the top.
Because of their space-saving design, attic ladders fit nicely into the joists above the top floor of your home. Most are hidden behind a door that matches the finish of the ceiling. Trim is sometimes added as well so that the access point doesn’t look like an eyesore. To enter the attic space, all you have to do is pull on the attached door string. Modern compact attic ladders use a series of springs and brackets to do all the heavy pulling. Despite the ladder’s durability, these extra components make it easy to pull down.
How to Install an Attic Ladder
The complexity of this job depends on many different factors. Where you plan on installing the attic ladder? Do you already have a hatch opening? What size is your new compact attic ladder? Truth is, the installation process can vary dramatically from home to home. While attic ladders are very DIY-friendly, you may want to get help from a licensed contractor if you have to make major changes to the framing of your attic.
In the best-case scenario, you already have an appropriately placed hatch. The hatch, sometimes referred to as a scuttle hole, is a small opening. According to the International Residential Code, the hatch should be at least 30 inches long by 22 inches wide. This is plenty of space for narrow attic stairs. Though, full-length ladders will need more room and some municipalities allow smaller openings.
With an existing opening all ready to go, installing the small space attic ladder is as easy as mounting the door panel and frame, securing the end of the ladder to the floor joists, and putting the various components together. Again, the steps you’ll need to take to put the ladder together will depend on the model you choose. Telescoping attic designs don’t have as much moving parts to deal with. Folding attic ladders, on the other hand, may have spring drums, tension springs, and cables.
Regardless of what type of attic ladder you end up choosing, it’s important to follow the instructional manual closely. The top rated attic ladders are a lot like garage doors in the sense that they’re designed to be as effortless as possible. To achieve this, manufacturers must create an equilibrium with springs and weight. One damaged component could lead to some serious safety concerns.
What are the Top Attic Ladder Brands on the Market?
Whether this is your first time buying an attic ladder or you’re already familiar with what the industry has to offer, it helps to know which brands have a good reputation. The following companies have a history of producing some of the finest attic ladders around.
1. Louisville Ladder
Louisville Ladder has more than 70 years of experience creating great climbing equipment. The company offers a wide range of ladders, not just those made for attics. They’ve used their decades of experience to manufacturer some truly unique products that stand out.
2. Fakro
Based out of Poland, Fakro is a company that doesn’t focus solely on ladders. They’re most known for creating windows and skylights. However, their line of attic ladders has made quite the splash thanks to some unique innovations.
3. Werner Ladder
This company’s focus is right in its name. Werner Ladder is all about producing high-quality attic ladders for commercial, residential, and industrial use. Every model they produce goes through heavy testing to ensure that it meets safety standards.
4. OxGord
You wouldn’t know it by looking at their signature ladder, but OxGord is a brand that’s synonymous with quality automotive gear. To complement its main product line, the company also produces some home and work equipment.
What to Look for When Buying Compact Pull Down Attic Stairs
Choosing the best attic ladder requires more than choosing the cheapest one that fits. Every home is different. The key is to find a compact pull down attic stair that matches your home’s structure and your own personal needs. To do that, keep the following things in mind.
Budget
As with any tool or home improvement upgrade, you need to set a budget and stick to it. Attic ladders are all over the place in terms of pricing. Some models cost as low as a hundred dollars while others get close to a thousand. Don’t let pricing be your single deciding factor. A higher price tag doesn’t always mean that the product is better and vice versa.
Figure out how much you are willing to spend and use that as a guideline to ensure that you don’t purchase an expensive attic access ladder that hurts your wallet. Also, factor in the costs of installation. Depending on your setup, you may have to alter framing, add headers, and more. Those extras can add significant costs to the project as a whole.
Location, Dimensions, and Ceiling Height
Location is key! Remember, most attic ladders are designed to fit within the ceiling joists or trusses. Typically, the distance between two supports is 24 inches on center. When you factor in the thickness of the supports, you’re looking at about 22 inches of room to work with.
To make things easier, take accurate measurements of your ceiling support beams and find a suitable attic ladder that works with those dimensions. The same goes for ceiling height. Attic ladders almost always open up at an angle. So, pay attention to the height of the entire setup, not just the length of the ladder. The average ceiling height for homes is 8 feet, though new homes may go higher than that.
When it comes to location, you want to choose an area that’s safe and easy to access. Installing the attic ladder in a cramped closet or awkward hallway isn’t recommended unless it’s specifically designed to do so. Once you find a spot, you’ll need to check the ceiling supports to ensure that the ladder will fit.
Rough Opening
If you already have a rough opening, you can use its measurements to select an appropriate attic ladder. Alternatively, you can adjust the size of the opening to accommodate the ladder of your choosing. The one caveat is that you may have to cut and rearrange joists. In these cases, it’s always best to get help from a professional.
Type of Framing
We mentioned earlier that compact attic ladders can fit between joists and trusses. While they look very similar to one another, the role that joists and trusses play in your home’s structure is very different. Joists, which could also be called ceiling rafters, are the simpler of the two. They are strong pieces of wood that run parallel to one side of the house. Joists are meant to support floors and ceiling panels. So, they can be rearranged pretty easily if you need to make adjustments to your access point.
Trusses, on the other hand, are part of the roof’s framing system. Rather than being single pieces of wood, trusses are comprised of multiple pieces that make up a triangular shape. The issue with trusses is that each piece relies on the next to manage the load of the roof. As a result, you cannot cut any part of the truss.
Joint (or Truss) Spacing and Orientation
In a perfect world, all of your joists or trusses would be spaced perfectly at 24 inches on center. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. This is especially true with older homes. Homes made before building codes were actively enforced are notorious for having sporadic spacing. You must address this problem before you install your attic ladder.
Another thing to consider is how the joists or trusses are orientated. Ideally, you would install the compact attic stairs in the same direction as the trusses. However, if that arrangement doesn’t work for the placement of your ladder, you’ll need to make adjustments. For joists, that isn’t a big deal. Trusses, on the other hand, will require professional intervention.
Space Requirements for an Attic Ladder
Compact attic ladders don’t require as much room as full-sized options, which makes things a lot easier. Some only require an opening that’s as small as 18 inches long. With that being said, there are other size considerations to think about. Not only will you need to make sure that your selected attic ladder has enough room to open up all the way, but there should be ample landing space in your attic and loading room on the floor below.
Length and Weight Capacity
When it comes to length, it’s crucial that you measure the height of your ceiling. The bottom of the ladder should be touching the floor to provide optimal stability. Also, keep in mind that attic ladders are usually angled at about 64 degrees.
The weight capacity of the attic stair plays a big role in safety. At the very least, it should be able to support the heaviest person who plans to use it. The higher the capacity, the better. When you factor in the heavy items that you’ll be carrying up the ladder, it’s always better to go above and beyond your own weight.
Build Quality and Materials
Several materials are available for your attic ladder. In the past, wood was the most common material. While you can still find wooden attic ladders, you may have to deal with issues in the future. Wood is susceptible to the effects of humidity, which is much higher in the attic.
Aluminum and steel are also available. Steel tends to be quite heavy metal, which could be problematic if the ladder is not properly installed. Aluminum is a good all-around choice. It’s lightweight, durable and resistant to corrosion.
Building Code
Buildings codes are enforced to keep everyone in your home safe. You should not ignore them lest you want to deal with fines and penalties. Codes vary based on your location. What’s acceptable in one part of the country may be a violation in another. So, make sure you read up on your local codes and install your attic stairs appropriately.
Insulation
Unless your attic is completely finished, it probably doesn’t have any insulation. Generally, this isn’t too much of a problem. However, the lack of insulation starts to become an issue moment you install an access door to get up there. You see, the access hatch is a major source of energy loss.
To combat this, you can install insulation. Covering the hatch with some foam or blanket insulation should do the trick. It’s also recommended that you use weather stripping around the edges to make an air seal around any gaps.
Shape and Design
Not all attic ladders are made the same. Certain design features can change the way you use the equipment and how safe it is.
– Rung vs. Step: Rungs are what you typically see on a small opening attic ladder. They are the crosspieces that you have to balance on as you climb up. Steps are similar to what you’d find on stairs. They cover more surface area and can provide enhanced stability. However, they’re still pretty steep.
– Folding vs. Telescoping: The type of attic ladder you get can determine how it will be installed. Folding models often take up more vertical space between the floor joists. But, they’re also considered to be a bit more stable than telescoping options.
– Angle: As we mentioned earlier, most traditional attic stairs are angled at about 64 degrees. Though, this can vary from brand to brand. Some are as steep as 75 degrees. If you have a bit more room in your installation spot, you can go for a more shallow angle to achieve more stability and comfort as you climb.
– Handrail: Climbing up and down a compact attic ladder can be dangerous. Between 1997 and 2010, over 3,400 accidents were reported. A large number of those accidents were experienced by people over the age of 50. To minimize the risks of falling, you can get handrails. They can help you stay balanced as you go in and out of your attic.
Noise and Comfort
The mechanical components that work to extend and hide an attic ladder are like a double-edged sword. On one hand, they’re necessary for comfort. The various cables and springs balance the weight of the ladder so that you don’t have to exert much force while opening it. Essentially, they make the staircase more comfortable to use.
On the other hand, those components can make a ton of noise when you least expect it. Older models with inferior parts can make noise that’s loud enough to ring through your home! To avoid this, look for a nice attic ladder with well-made parts that move smoothly at all times. One of the quietest support components you can get is a gas cylinder spring.
Safety
Safety features are essential if you have small children. There’s nothing more exciting to an imaginative mind than the mysteries of the attic. To keep kids out, go with a narrow attic ladder that has a lock and short pull string. Some models forgo the pull cord altogether and use a long pole. Due to the weight and size of these poles, they’re perfect for homes with young kids.
Warranty
Installing and operating a newly bought attic latter is no easy task. If you run into any issues, a solid warranty policy should have you covered. Warranties differ from brand to brand, but most offer at least a year. Depending on the terms, the warranty may cover parts and repairs. Read through the warranty to know for sure. Understanding the policy beats paying for repairs out of your own pocket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: an aluminum or wood attic ladder?
Aluminum is considered to be miles better than wood. Wood is great if you have a finished attic that’s fully insulated and air-conditioned. If it’s not, the wood can absorb moisture from the humid air up there. This can lead to warping, mold, and a slew of other issues. With aluminum, you don’t have to worry about any of that.
How I can be sure that I have the right attic ladder for my space?
The easiest way to confirm that you purchased the best attic ladder for your home is to check the dimensions. The packaging should provide all the measurements you need to know. Take out your tape measure and make sure it fits in the space and can fully extend down to the floor.
How do you insulate and air seal pull down attic stairs?
Your best bet would be to seal the attic door with weather strips, gaskets, and foam. Go with a high R-Value to ensure that there’s very minimal thermal transfer. The goal is to create an airtight seal. Many homeowners apply an expanding foam on the sides of the attic ladder as an extra layer of protection as well.
How do you insulate an attic opening?
One of the most effective things you can do is to create an insulated shell around the opening in the attic. Many manufacturers make specialty products for this purpose. The shell acts as a barrier around the opening to prevent energy loss. When you need to get in, the top portion pops off to provide access. You can also make one of these for yourself with some firm insulation boards.
I installed the ladder, but can’t get it to slide down to the floor?
If your recently purchased attic ladder doesn’t touch the floor, it’s not safe to use. The last thing you want to do is try to climb it while it’s just hanging there. If it’s only an inch or two from the floor, you may be able to correct the issue with a rubber foot from the manufacturer. Anything more than that and you might want to consider replacing the pull down ladder with one that’s the appropriate length.
My ladder won’t stay up in the attic. What’s wrong?
There are a few different reasons why this might be happening. In most cases, the culprit is the support arm or springs. The support arm holds the opened ladder to the joints. It should be pointed away from the ladder rungs or steps. If it’s not, that’s your problem.
The springs help to provide balance and keep the ladder up when not in use. Over time, the tension can start to give, causing the small attic ladder to fall. The solution to this problem is some simple tightening.
Wrap Up
If your home doesn’t already have access to the attic space, the best compact attic ladder can open up a world of possibilities. Most people don’t realize just how much usable space is hiding above the ceiling. It doesn’t take much to take advantage of it. You don’t have to start planning an expensive remodel. All you need is a solid compact attic ladder with pull down and folding functionality. Once that’s installed and ready to go, you’ll have a convenient way to tap into a massive storage area. Just make sure to pick the best attic ladder that you can find to stay safe.
Paul is a compulsive tinkerer and inventor who loves writing about latest machines technology. He is especially inclined towards home improvement, exercise and outdoor equipment that every sports enthusiast and house dweller would love to get their hands on.
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