Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?
For any homeowner with an attic, the value of the extra space cannot be quantified. Whether you have filled it to the brim with old holiday decorations and boxes of baby clothes or you're in the process of converting it into a new storage space, attics are the small expansion to your home that make all the difference. However, before you begin your storage or renovation plans, you need an attic ladder.
Attic ladders provide an easy path of access to your attic through a weather-sealed port in the attic floor. The ladders are designed to fold or slide into the opening to store out of sight when not in use, but they lower just as easily when you need to head up.
Regardless of your plans for your attic space, choosing the right ladder is the very first step. Check out our list of the top attic ladders to find the best option for you.
The Best Attic Ladders
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
See AlsoBest Attic Ladders for Small Openings: Making Loft Access Easy - BrazeToolsCompact Attic Ladders For Small OpeningsHow to Install the Werner AA1510 Compact Attic Ladder - Ladderhatch.comBest for Tall Ceilings
Louisville Ladder Everest Attic Ladder
Read more
9
What to Consider
Before making your final decision, consider the material, size, weight capacity, and type of ladder as well as any additional features like grips or insulation.
Material
Attic ladders, with very few exceptions, are made of aluminum, steel, or wood. Aluminum is the most common due to its durability and light weight, but other materials may afford higher weight capacity or better customizability.
Size and Weight Capacity
The most important specification to keep in mind is the size of the ladder itself. Many of the ladders we recommend come in multiple lengths and widths to fit differing ceiling heights and attic openings. Most ceilings are standard heights, so finding the right fit isn't too much trouble—but make sure your attic ladder fully touches the floor when it's extended. Otherwise, it won't distribute your weight properly and you could fall.
The weight capacity of the ladder itself is also worth keeping in mind. While most have a capacity between 250 and 400 pounds, there are options with higher limits if you expect to transport heavy boxes or equipment on the ladder.
Type
Most attic ladders are folding ladders or scissor-style ladders. Telescoping ladders are an alternative option for those who need to be more economical with their space, but they have a lower weight capacity and highest chance of failure. The ladder collapses into itself, like a telescope, and each leg snaps into place when it's extended, so they are often used when attic entrances are in closets or tight corners. Unless you lack the space for a folding or scissor-style ladder, telescoping ladders should not be your first choice.
Folding ladders are one of the most common options and offer the most stability and sturdiness. This comes at the cost of taking up more space, even when fully folded. Scissor-style ladders offer a solid middle ground between the two, since they're more compact than folding ladders and also more reliable than telescoping ladders.
Features
Outside of the basic building blocks of the ladder, keep an eye out for safety features like slip-resistant grips on the steps or handrails improve your sturdiness when climbing up. Many attic ladders come with insulation covers so you don't lose heat or cool air through the attic opening throughout the year. We only recommend ladders with R10 insulation, which is the universal rating for insulation that's fit for the walls and foundations of homes. If you are interested in more comprehensive insulation, you can install an attic ladder insulation cover and air kit. These covers offer up to R38 insulation.
How We Selected
The attic ladders on this list were selected after research across multiple publications as well as hundreds of verified online reviews. I helped my family install a new attic ladder in my childhood home a few years ago, so I’ve been in your shoes recently—as such, I have an eye out for price, ease of installation, durability, and those all-important safety features. If you’re looking to install an attic ladder or replace your current one and don’t know where to begin, we’ve got you covered.
Pros
- R-10 rated insulated door
- Slip-resistant cross tread
Cons
- Only one size and color option
The Century energy efficient attic ladder stands out from the many other options because of its insulation and durability. The ladder itself is equipped with a weight capacity of 375 pounds, which is more than enough for most people to carry themselves and some heavy items to the attic without any concern for structural integrity.
Furthermore, the ladder comes with an R-10 insulated door and a weather-stripping seal to reduce energy usage by preventing rain, air conditioning, or heat from escaping through the attic.
Key Specs
| Material | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Type | Folding |
| Weight Capacity | 375 lbs. |
Pros
- Weather-stripping seal to prevent loss of energy or heat
- Aluminum handrail for added stability
Cons
- Some customers have trouble installing the aluminum frame
Alongside the affordable price tag, the Louisville Ladder attic ladder is one of the most durable options on the market. Made with sturdy aluminum and equipped with handrails to help steady yourself as you climb, the ladder is built with stability in mind.
Furthermore, this ladder comes with a wooden frame designed to be stained or painted without damaging the wood itself, so you can paint the attic door to match your ceiling paint.
Key Specs
| Material | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Type | Folding |
| Weight Capacity | 375 lbs. |
Pros
- Wooden handrail for added stability
- Heavy duty plate hinges to long-term durability
Cons
- Wood may warp or crack in extreme heat or cold
While aluminum may be the most popular material for attic ladders, the Werner wooden attic ladder is a great option for anyone looking for an aluminum alternative. The wooden ladder boasts a 350-pound weight capacity, which rivals and even outmatches many aluminum competitors.
The attic ladder comes with reinforced steps for added longevity and is made of fir plywood and pine to ensure the strongest structural integrity.
Key Specs
| Material | Wood |
|---|---|
| Type | Folding |
| Weight Capacity | 350 lbs. |
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- One-touch release
- Silicone anti-slip feet
Cons
- Low weight capacity
If you have a limited amount of space to access your attic, the Telesteps Automatic attic ladder is worth considering. The telescopic design allows you to drop the ladder straight down instead of at an angle, and it collapses into itself for maximimum space-saving.
The ladder also comes with silicone-padded feet for added grip as you climb. The one-touch release system also makes it much easier to bring the ladder down instead of the more tedious unfolding process of other attic ladders.
Key Specs
| Material | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Type | Telescoping |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs. |
Pros
- High weight capacity
- Wide ladder steps for added stability
Cons
- Only accommodates ceilings between 8 and 10 feet
At an affordable price and built with sturdy aluminum, the Werner attic ladder is a great option for nearly any home. The attic ladder is both ANSI and OSHA compliant, making it one of the most reliably safe choices available.
The ladder was built with a strut design, which eliminates the need to use powerful and oftentimes dangerous springs to pull the attic ladder up. The ladder is available in multiple opening sizes to better accommodate your home's needs.
| Material | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Type | Folding |
| Weight Capacity | 375 lbs. |
Pros
- Easy folding and unfolding mechanism
- Plastic wheels on end of ladder to prevent floor scratches
Cons
- May be too narrow for carrying big boxes on
When it comes to scissor style designs, the Fakro insulated scissor ladder is one of the best on the market. The ladder uses steel to ensure heavy-duty durability for the scissor hinges. The shape of the scissor-style hinges also serve as an easy handrail to help you up and down the steps.
At the same time, the ladder is easier to pull down and push back up than its folding counterparts. The Fakro ladder also comes with an insulated opening to prevent energy waste
Key Specs
| Material | Steel, wood |
|---|---|
| Type | Scissor |
| Weight Capacity | 350 lbs. |
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
Pros
- Adjustable spring tension for smoother opening and closing
- Heavy-duty hinges for added stability
Cons
- Opening panel is made of constructed wood, not solid wood
With heavy-duty hinges and a relatively affordable price tag, the Lite-On attic ladder is a reliable and quality option that doesn't break the bank. The attic ladder works for ceilings as low as seven feet, nine inches and as high as 10 feet, three inches with no issues, making it one of the most versatile picks on our list.
The only downside is the pressed, constructed wood opening panel, which could warp or degrade over time.
Key Specs
| Material | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Type | Folding |
| Weight Capacity | 375 lbs. |
Pros
- Can accommodate roof heights of over 12 feet
- Rubber grip feet for added security
Cons
- Cannot be used on ceilings lower than 10 feet tall
If you have a high ceiling in your home, the Louisville Ladder Everest is likely the best option. The attic ladder is designed with an extra long set of steps that can work well for a ceiling as tall as 12 feet, nine inches.
The ladder comes with heavy-duty hinges, rubber gripped feet, and even multiple sets of handrails to ensure you feel sturdy and safe while climbing up the extra few feet.
| Material | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Type | Folding |
| Weight Capacity | 350 lbs. |
Pros
- Multi-functioning design
- Portable designed for easy storage
Cons
- May become unbalanced if you shift your weight too fast
The Yvan telescoping ladder provides tons of versatility at one of the most affordable price points. The ladder is not a traditional attic ladder and easily used for more traditional indoor and outdoor needs. Like other telescoping ladders, it collapses into itself for easier storage.
However, it has an air retraction designed to slow down the speed of its collapse to prevent damage or pinched fingers. The ladder only offers a 250-pound weight capacity, which may be a drawback for some users.
| Material | Aluminum alloy |
|---|---|
| Type | Telescoping |
| Weight Capacity | 250 lbs. |
Tom Price
Associate Reviews Editor
Tom Price is an Associate Editor of Reviews for Popular Mechanics, and also contributes to Runner's World, and Bicycling. He has previously covered product reviews, startup news, and even professional wrestling. In his free time, he enjoys watching pretentious TV, low-brow movies, and exercising for beauty, not health. If you are interested in exploring more of his work, check out his website.
