Help me get up into my loft!

[StartingAgain33]

Hi all
I have a loft that I'm too terrified to go up into because it's a metal ladder with a little handrail further up the top that just feels a bit slippery. I want to replace it with proper wooden steps / a ladder that has more of a step like feel (if that makes sense) and a proper handrail. Any ideas where I could get one of these and who could fit it? (I have looked online and everything that is close to what I want is stairs, not a retractable ladder?)

This is quite a big job

You need a builder

You’ll probably my need someone to design it bespoke

Are you looking for retractable wooden loft steps? I am not sure that what you describe exists in a retractable form I.e proper steps and handrail.

Yes they will need to be retractable. Or foldable?

Would anyone have any builders they could recommend in the SE London area?

We have folding wooden loft ladders with a handrail, wide tread not just rungs.
Easily fitted DIY.
Many options available if you google.

@CourgetteGlutTony can you send me a link? I've googled extensively and can't find what I'm looking for - yours sounds good

Either of these any good? The rungs are more like steps than bars IYSWIM...
Option One
Option Two

Would you be happy to share a photo of the ladder you aren't happy with? It sounds like a normal loft ladder so I'm not sure what you are hoping for instead?

Pic attached (from B&Q website) of a fairly standard loft ladder, very easy to fit, but the way you describe it makes it sound like you may have this type of ladder already?

Ramsay Original Loftladder:
www.ramsayladders.co.uk/i-original-ramsay-loft-ladder-al.html

I've been up and down one of these since childhood. Feels very sturdy when you're on it.

Thanks @rbe78 that's much more like, except I'd like hand rails if possible, and @MaggieFS yes that's what I have. I get all slippery on the metal because of nerves!!

I might look at getting the loft hatch moved so it's not a two floor drop and then that wooden step - I'd feel safer then. It's just not safe being that high, especially when you're a trembling sweating wreck! And it's not just me - two friends have also said they're too terrified to try!

@Plexie those steps certainly look better than the current ones. They're sort of rounded so doesn't feel like you can stand on them properly - why you'd design them like that I don't know!

I wonder if you're thinking of something like this?

www.wickes.co.uk/youngman-eco-s-line-3-section-timber-folding-loft-ladder/p/159937

But I'm not sure it will really be any better than a fixed metal ladder which you already have?

I'm not trying to be irritating, but I am properly scared of heights and we fitted a loft ladder at my house. I still struggled but actually it got much much better once the loft was boarded and lit. I felt much less like I was going to fall once I could see. I ultimately just had to practice over and over until I could cope.

@StartingAgain33 Not what you asked, but could you wrap some sort of tape around the handle of the ladder you do have? I'm thinking something like tennis racket grip tape? It's designed for sweaty hands, and an easier fix than a whole new ladder. Just an idea

@Plexie

Ramsay Original Loftladder: www.ramsayladders.co.uk/i-original-ramsay-loft-ladder-al.html

I've been up and down one of these since childhood. Feels very sturdy when you're on it.

Another vote for Ramsay. We've got one. It's as sturdy as you'll get without putting in a staircase. The treads are wider than normal ladders. Ours has two handrails. But they're more expensive than other ladders.

@Gladioli23 know I know what you mean and I have considered just doing it...how much of a drop is there underneath yours though? I could genuinely die landing from two floors onto a metal spiral staircase hence the nervousness - even my friend who's good with these things said it wasn't safe and to avoid!

The treads on the Ramsay ladder are 9cm deep. Even my 80 year old mother can still use them, although she has had decades of practice.

We had this done last year and it couldn't have been simpler. Cost us £360. It's a proper wooden ladder that is 'cushion close' so it all concertinas up from the bottom when you push it

Can find out who we used for you if you like. The job took them 3 hours if that. And they had to widen our existing hatch

It's not a big job and no, you don't need a builder

Google 'the loft man company' and get in touch with Richard. Excellent service!

@PippaOwl that would be amazing. I've contacted a few loft companies that don't seen to know what I'm talking about / aren't getting back / will only do a full conversion. Is there any chance you have a picture I could see? £360 is a bargain!!

@StartingAgain33 you're going to make me go upstairs and open up my loft aren't you? 😹

Hold on!

Ah unfortunately they only cover east of England @PippaOwl. If you could share pics I would be grateful as I could then use to show others!

@PippaOwl So sorry......

Mine faces away from the stairs, because I insisted we set it up like that: is it possible to change the ladder so it doesn't face the stairs? I can definitely see why that worries you - I am quite incompetent at stairs and don't think I would have been able to force myself to practice if there was a genuine risk of my falling down two flights of stairs!

@Gladioli23 unfortunately not - the only thing I could do is change the loft hatch location so that it's away from the stairs entirely I guess - will investigate that as well....

There you go

So this just hooks down and locks into place on the floor - and it's very sturdy and solid. I did not want metal rungs - I need to feel safe on it

Drop Richard a line anyway as he may be able to recommend someone in your area and at least you'll know what it is you are after