Expert Reviews: 5 Best Pull Down Attic Stairs on the Market
Having an attic in our house is a pretty common thing for all of us. We mostly use that space for storage or maybe for stargazing if you are interested. You can even make that portion of your house a secret room for yourself.
Now, to gain access to the attic, you may need to install a separate ladder inside, which may cost you a bit high. This is essential as you may need that stored stuff after some time, or if you have the hobby of stargazing, you might need the ladder on a daily basis. So, it is better to have the pull-down attic stairs for convenience.
They are easy to use and easy to install. They also have a high weight-bearing capacity. If you are searching for one, you are in the right place. Here are some of the best pull down attic stairs.
Top 5 Best Pull Down Attic Stairs Reviewed
Here is the comparison table for the selected products and how they compare one to another:
1. FAKRO LST 66822 Insulated Steel Attic Ladder
This elegant looking insulated attic ladder provides the user with utmost convenience. The stairs have an s-shaped design that not only looks cool but also acts as a support for hands while climbing.
Moreover, the stairs can be easily fitted in a ceiling height range of 7 feet 2 inches to 9 feet 6 inches. Not only this, but it also has a weight-bearing capacity of 300 pounds. The reason why it is insulated is that it has a rubber gasket between boards that prevents heat loss. The boards and ladder both can be easily folded when not in use.
If the dimensions of the attic entry at your home are more than the standard, then you don’t need to worry about that. The FAKRO attic stairs are available in various sizes to choose from. If, in any case, the step of the stairs gets damaged, you can get it changed for an individual one. You need to buy that separately, of course.
Pros
- It is easy to install.
- The ladder has a simple and sturdy design.
- It has enough step space to climb.
Cons
- Weight-bearing ability is a bit less than other products.
FAQs
- What are the dimensions of the steps?
Each step of the step has the following dimensions:
Depth: 3.25 inches
Length: 12 inches
- How easy is it to use from above?
It is a bit tough to operate the ladder from above. You can do it, though, with the help of some special tools.
- Are the ladder steps actually steps or just bars?
The ladder has proper steps, not bars.
2. Louisville AA2210 Elite Aluminum Attic Ladder
One of the best things about the Louisville AA2210 Elite Aluminum Attic Ladder is its steps. The aluminum ladder has grooved steps that maintain excellent traction with the feet. Moreover, the steps are made deep enough to adjust the full feet of the users.
If we talk about the weight capacity of the attic stairs, it is around 375 pounds that is enough to handle two average adults. Other than this, you can easily adjust the attic ladder in the ceiling height range of 7.8 feet to 10.3 feet. At last, the heavy-duty attic ladder hinges make the ladder easy to fold and prevent unsteady movement.
You can get this ladder in two rough opening dimensions. For choosing the right one, you need to have proper knowledge about the figures like ceiling height, the area of the room where the ladder needs to be installed, and the landing area.
Pros
- It has high weight-bearing capacity.
- Adjustable feet for extra stability.
- Sturdy construction.
Cons
- The size of the insulation pad is less.
FAQs
- Is there any installation guide included with this ladder?
No, there is no installation guide for this ladder.
- What are the rough opening dimensions of the ladder?
The rough opening dimensions of the ladder are:
22-1/2 x 54 inches
- Is the ladder slip-resistant?
Yes, the steps of the ladder are slip-resistant, and it also has adjustable shoes at the base.
3. Autobaba Aluminum Collapsible Roof Climbing Ladder
Among all the best attic stairs, this one has a unique collapsible design. You can easily extend it for use not only for your attic but also for any other activity. On top of all, it has a sturdy aluminum structure that can easily handle weight up to 330 pounds.
If we take a look at the ladder, it is fitted with rubber feet that do not let the ladder slip while you are on it. Moreover, the ladder also has a rubber sleeve on every step that helps you climb easily without any risk to your safety. Lastly, you can extend the ladder up to 12.5 feet.
There are three choices that you get in this ladder length. You can get it in 3.2 meters, 3.8 meters, and 5 meters variants. This makes the attic stairs for almost every ceiling height. Apart from this, the anodized aluminum construction of the ladder makes it easy to clean.
Pros
- It has a multipurpose design.
- It can be folded and carried across locations.
- The ladder comes with an EN131 certification.
Cons
- The depth of the step is less.
FAQs
- Can the ladder be permanently attached to the roof?
No, you cannot use the ladder for permanent use with the roof.
- What are the weight of the ladder and the number of steps?
The weight of the ladder is 11 kilograms, whereas there are a total of 13 steps on the ladder.
- From where can you buy the stand-off stabilizer?
The stand-off stabilizers can be bought from the official website of the manufacturers.
4. Louisville AL228P Aluminum Attic Ladder
The very best thing about these double-wide attic stairs is its weight capacity. The weight capacity of the attic stairs is 350 pounds. You can easily let your kids climb up this ladder without any risk.
If we talk about the dimensions, the ladder has a rough opening dimension of 22.5-by-63-inches. This means that you need to have enough ground area where it will be installed. Moreover, you can easily use this ladder to attach up to 10-12 feet of ceiling height.
You don’t need to worry about safety as the ladder has adjustable feet that make excellent traction with the surface. Also, the hook and pole mechanism of the attic ladder allows for easy door opening. For the convenience of installation, the attic stairs come with an installation kit and instructions. This makes it easy for you to install the attic stairs for yourself.
Pros
- The ladder is easy to install.
- Heavy-duty hinges for maintaining stability.
- It meets all safety standards as per ANSI.
Cons
- The ladder is a bit heavy.
FAQs
- Can we use this for a vertical wall into the attic?
Yes, but for that, you need to buy another model of the attic stairs.
- What is the actual width of the ladder?
The actual width of the ladder is around 14 inches.
- Will I get a pull-down rod with this ladder?
Yes, this ladder comes with a pull-down rod with it.
5. Telesteps TEL60927101 Mini Telescopic Loft Ladder
Last but not least, the attic ladder from a Telesteps comes with a collapsible design. Unlike other ladders, this one does not just fold and sets in the attic. It can be collapsed and kept hidden in the ceiling.
It has a sturdy aluminum construction that has a high weight-bearing capacity. Moreover, the steps of the best attic stairs are made to provide friction to the user’s feet while climbing. The length of the ladder can be changed as per requirements. It is also considered as one of the best attic ladder small openings. The telescopic design of the ladder makes it easy to store and wrap up after use.
Pros
- Sturdy and collapsible aluminum design.
- It is best for a small hatch opening.
- The steps of the ladder automatically lock.
Cons
- The step width is a bit less.
FAQs
- What is the ceiling height range to which it can be attached?
The Telesteps attic stairs can be attached to the ceilings between a height range of 2.5 to 3 meters.
- How heavy is the ladder?
The Telesteps attic stairs have a weight of 15 kilograms.
- How much time is required for installation?
You can easily fit it in 10 minutes.
Buyers Guide
Now, as you are well versed with the various best pull down attic stairs, it is time to discuss some of the crucial factors that you need to consider while making your final pick. Here are some of them!
What to consider while buying the best pull down attic stairs?
Weight capacity: The very first thing that you need to consider is the weight capacity of the attic stairs. You need to consider who is going to use the attic stairs, and based on that. You can choose the appropriate product with the right weight capacity.
Height of the ceiling: Before going online and choosing the product, make sure that you know the height of the ceiling. Different products fit a different range of ceiling heights.
Type of ladder: The pull-down attic ladder can be of various types like the collapsible attic ladder, sliding attic ladder, etc. Choose the one that you can easily control and use. If you want, you can also consider the custom made pull down attic stairs. It will be designed as per your preference but could be costly.
Space requirements: The space requirements of the ladder or attic stairs should also be considered before making your final pick. It is necessary to note that you have enough floor space to land after the ladder is completely stretched.
Width: Before you choose the attic ladder for your home, make sure that it has enough width so that you can easily climb up.
Design: The design of the attic stairs also plays a great part in choosing the best one for yourself. Other than the primary products, there are many other designs like three-level wooden stairs, spiral stairs, floating stairs, loft conversion stairs, etc. Most of these come under custom made pull down attic stairs.
Material: The build quality of the stairs is highly dependent on the material used in the stairs. You need to make sure that the material used in the stairs, whether it is aluminum or wood, stays for long.
Traction: If you are going to buy a pull-down attic stairs, it is highly necessary to check if the feet of the ladder have enough traction to hold the ladder in place. You need to choose a ladder that has rubber grips on the bottom so that they maintain grip with the floor and prevent any sort of accident.
Steps or bars: It is preferred that you always go for the ladder that has steps on it. The one with the bars does not have enough surface for the feet to rest. In case, you need to get something down from the attic, the stairs with bars will not be favorable.
Ease of installation: If an attic stair does not come with an installation guide or manual, it is not a favorable product for you. You may need to get a professional for that which may cost you more. If you get an installation manual with the product, you can install it yourself also, provided you have the required upper body strength.
Performance and usage of pull-down attic stairs
The process of using the pull-down attic stairs is pretty easy. All you need to do is open the door that is fitted in the roof. Pull down the attic stairs with the help of the hook or rod and use it.
The use may vary a bit in the case of the telescopic ladder as it is collapsable. In this case, you need to pull the steps out of the telescopic structure, lock the steps, and use it. Some of the telescopic stairs are also self-locking.
The performance of the best pull down attic stairs varies based on the usage of the stairs. You need to be careful about the weight capacity and the stability of the stairs while using them. Stairs should not wobble, and you should not take more than required weight on them. It should also be noted that the stairs have the required traction with the floor.
FAQS
- What are the dimensions of a standard attic opening?
The minimum attic opening should be 22 by 30 inches.
- Which one is better, wood or aluminum attic ladder?
Actually, both of them have their pros and cons like:
- Wood may get affected by temperature and moisture. On the other hand, aluminum is better for long term usage.
- Wood is more affordable than aluminum.
- Aluminum is lighter than wood.
The bottom line, if you are looking for a telescoping attic ladder, you need to go for aluminum. On the other hand, if looking for a foldable one, you can choose any of them.
- How to choose the right attic ladder?
Although there is a detailed answer above, for a quick recap, you need to consider factors like weight, size, weight capacity, dimensions, material, type, design, etc. for choosing the right attic ladder for yourself.
- How much will it require to get an attic ladder installed in my house?
Well, if you are looking for a pro to install the attic ladder at your house. It may cost you between $200 – $650.
- What is the maximum weight capacity of the attic ladders?
The maximum weight capacity of the attic stairs may vary between 250-500 pounds.
- Up to what height can an attic ladder go?
An attic ladder can go up to 13 feet of height. Other than that, most of the attic stairs can easily go up to 10-12 feet.
- Can I build an attic staircase by myself?
Yes, you can build your attic staircase by yourself. All that you need is a bunch of tools like a hammer, nailgun, drill machine, retractable measuring tape, ladder, saw, pencil, etc. Apart from the tools, you may also need at least one person with you to safely install the ladder. The summarized process includes measuring the space, cutting, fitting, and securing the ladder. You can refer to various online resources to learn in detail about it.
Here is a great video that shows you how to install pull down attic ladders:
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, we can say that there are a lot of things that you need to take into account while choosing the best pull down attic stairs. There are factors like weight capacity, material, and size that play the most crucial role. Also, you need to get professional help for this as it is a bit tough task. You can also choose to do it yourself, but for that, you need to follow proper instructions.
This guide explored almost everything that you need to know related to the pull-down attic stairs. Make sure you stick to every detail closely while making your final pick. See more of the garage equipment.
Last update on 2023-12-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
