Whether you’re in the market for a new loft ladder or need to replace the one you already have, the telescopic loft ladder is well worth an in-depth look. Manufactured by Youngman (a name synonymous with excellent build quality and value for money), the telescopic loft ladder definitely complements their existing range. The Youngman ladder range includes wooden and aluminium alloy sliding loft ladders, which is the style most people think of when the subject of loft ladders comes up. The Youngman wooden loft ladder is priced at just under £110 and it is a good choice for a rustic, yet sleek looking ladder. If you fancy something metal, their aluminium ladders are priced between £45 for a standard two-section model, up to £189 for a luxury two-section loft ladder, with the three-section coming in at £55. This three-section model is better for those who have concerns over the amount of space a loft ladder can take up in the roof, but who still want a sliding style ladder.

Telescopic Loft Ladders

If the space taken up in the loft is a major concern when choosing your ladder, then a telescopic ladder is ideal. Telescopic ladder technology is very well developed and affords the same build quality, sturdiness and ease of deployment as a traditional loft ladder when applied to the same use. The main advantage of using telescopic ladder technology in loft ladder design is the space saved inside the roof. While concertina style loft ladders take up much less space than more normal styles of loft ladder, they do still require a reasonable amount of vertical clearance. The telescopic loft ladder does not need the vertical clearance, as it is stored on the back of the loft hatch and telescopes completely flat, needing only inches of vertical clearance in the loft. This feature makes it perfect for use in commercial premises with a small crawlspace between floors or low ceilings with cabling and other infrastructure systems tucked away inside. The loft ladders are certified for both domestic and commercial use.

At £159 for the 2.6 metre model, and £179 for the 2.9 metre model, the Youngman telescopic loft ladders are not cheap, but for space saving they are second to none. The investment is worth it when space is an issue and there is a certain amount of showing off that can be done when friends and family see the new loft ladder with the telescopic technology. This is certainly a model for the gadget fan. It is also worth mentioning that unlike sliding loft ladders, a telescopic ladder does not need much space on the ground and around it to be deployed, as it can be pulled straight down vertically. Other styles of loft ladder need more space on the landing, so for cramped houses or those with a lot of furniture, a telescopic is an excellent choice.

It is also easy to fit with if you have a little DIY knowledge and an informative video lets you decide whether you are up to the job or whether to get the professionals in. The professionals might also need the video, as not many people have a telescopic ladder leading to their attic! There is an operating pole supplied with the equipment, as with many other loft ladders, and the rungs lock into place automatically as it is pulled down.

Red buttons on each rung indicate that the rungs are locked into place, and these buttons should be checked before climbing (this advice applies to all telescopic ladders). When stowing it after use, starting from the second to bottom rung, push in the red locking buttons and push towards the next rung. The top of the second rung will push in the buttons on rung three, and this in turn will push in the buttons on rung four, when this is reached, and so on. The very bottom rung and stiles serves as an aid for pushing the rest of the rungs together when the top is reached. It could not be simpler to stow this telescopic ladder away.

Deluxe Loft Ladders

The other traditional Youngman loft ladders are also great value for money and easy to use, especially the deluxe version, which comes with an extra handrail for safety and extra wide and deep treads. This loft ladder can be used safely even by people who are not usually comfortable on ladders, because the sturdy construction and safety features, designed with casual users in mind, reassures the user when they are using it. The Youngman loft ladders are easy to install, whether a DIY or professional job, and most carpenters and builders will have experience of installing these models.

If the idea of a telescopic ladder for loft access does not appeal to you, then the traditional sliding loft ladder is the next best option. The concertina style loft ladders, as with the telescopic ones, can be tricky to use until you have had some practice, but the traditional style of sliding loft ladder is familiar to most people. The issue of space is the main sticking point with this type of loft ladder, as well as the loft hatch size. On a new build house, the loft hatch is more likely to have been built to the correct size for a sliding loft ladder, but older houses may not have a large enough hatch. Often, small loft hatches can be enlarged, but there is usually a cost associated with this and unless you are confident in your DIY skills, it is a job for the professionals. The exception is listed properties that cannot be altered (and this is where the options for concertina or telescopic ladders comes in).

Space Not an Issue? – The Sliding Loft Ladder

The space a sliding loft ladder needs inside the attic depends on the number of sections and the length of the ladder. The Youngman three-section ladder takes up less space than many two-section models as the length is split between more sections. However, both models will take up space inside the loft. Many people find that this is not a huge problem, as they need the space the loft ladder occupies as an access route once they are in the loft. The space a sliding loft ladder needs to be deployed is also a consideration. This type of ladder is bigger than the other available loft ladders, so needs more room for clearance when it is taken down. The positioning of stairs and walls can render this option unviable, as it needs to have adequate clearance and access both into, and out of the loft. Homes with large, open landings can accommodate a sliding loft ladder, but those with an awkwardly shaped roof, small landings or difficult corners generally cannot.

Whatever style of loft ladder suits you best, precautions should be taken before climbing. Check (especially on a telescopic ladder) that rung locks are firmly in place or the ladder is at risk of collapsing. Think about the load on the ladder: if you are carrying something heavy, the combined weight could be too much for a basic ladder to handle. Always check the maximum load and keep well below it. If needed, ask a friend or family member to pass items up to you, rather than carrying them. This is especially important with bulky items, even if they are not heavy. A duvet might not weight much, but it is a large thing to carry up a ladder properly. If the mechanisms of your loft ladder are stiff or squeaking, spray on some lubricant to keep all the joints in good working order, but always make sure the rungs and stiles are not made slippery at the same time. Check the ladder for grease or oil when you use it, especially if it has just been treated. Lastly, and this is good advice for all types of ladders, go slowly and look at where your feet are going, as there aren’t many situations where you need to rush up a ladder, especially not to get the Christmas decorations!