Keeping busy boarding lofts and fitting loft ladders in and around Alcester

Posted by Brad on

It’s spring and we’ve been busy. Maybe it’s the good weather or maybe just the time of year, but we have been particularly busy this April, boarding lofts and fitting loft ladders in Alcester and the surrounding Warwickshire towns and villages.

The photos below are from a job which shows what we do best: creating functional, easy loft access with no mess to clean up afterwards. For this customer, we fitted an aluminium loft ladder and enlarged the loft opening. The new larger hatch is ready insulated and closely fitting, so no more losing precious heat up to the loft cavity. It leaves a neat finish that blends in and looks as if it were always there. 

Our next job was a loft ladder installation and part-board for a customer in a new-build property in Alcester. Their preference was for a wooden ladder, which, as the photo shows, stows neatly away in the loft space. Part boarding is a popular option as it creates storage space without committing to boarding right up to the eaves, making it more economical.

Wooden loft ladder and part boarding in Alcester

In this third job, our experienced team moved the loft access from the bedroom to the landing. Not only was this a more convenient location, but we were able to ensure that the loft opening was larger than before, making it so much more useable. No more moving beds out of the way and then squeezing through a small loft opening for this customer.

All in all, three happy customers, even more so as all our work is guaranteed

Call us now on 07712 327889 for a no-obligation quote on loft boarding or fitting a fixed ladder. Or email us at stuart@stusloftladders.co.uk

We also move loft hatches and can advise on the best option for your home.

Live near Stratford-upon-Avon and short on time? Call in the professionals for loft boarding and fitted ladders

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There are some jobs for which it is just better to call in the professionals. Loft boarding and fitting a fixed ladder are two of them. 

We spend most of our days up in other people’s lofts and, for anyone not experienced, then it is not an easy job, nor is it a quick one.

So, when we say that we can board most lofts and fit a ladder in under a day, don’t be fooled into thinking that it is a simple task. We have been perfecting our trade for more than a decade and are trained carpenters to boot. Before boarding lofts, Stuart worked as a carpenter in the housebuilding sector. The experience of our team means we deliver a conveniently quick service and, in most cases, will arrive in the morning and by afternoon be helping to take boxes up to the loft.

We also have tried and trusted suppliers in place so that we can guarantee the quality of our materials and recommend the right ladder for your home.  

Still unsure? Contact us for a no-obligation quote by phone on 07712 327889 or using our contact form.

Telescopic loft ladders mean easy loft access whatever the space in Warwickshire

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There is a loft ladder for nearly every home and a telescopic ladder is perfect if space is tight. The clever telescopic design means that it will fit even where the hatch size is small or where there is minimal space for stowing the ladder in the loft itself.

Some customers have concerns that a telescopic ladder may not be as sturdy as the alternatives. Stu’s Loft Ladders only buys from trusted trade suppliers and our loft ladders are of the highest quality. With an automatic locking system, extra-wide treads and rubber feet, the ladders are safe and easy-to-use. To position the ladder, you simply use the pole provided to open the hatch door and pull on the strap to glide it into place.

Telescopic ladders are often the perfect option for customers in period properties where the angles in the loft do not allow for a folding ladder. In some of the older cottages in Warwickshire and Worcestershire where we work, a telescopic ladder is the only option as there is not sufficient space for a larger loft opening in the chosen location.

The photo below shows a telescopic ladder that we fitted this January for a customer in Welford on Avon, just outside of Stratford in Warwickshire.

The customer includes more photos in their review on our Facebook page.

To find out more, email us at stuart@stusloftladders.co.uk

Customers in Evesham choose loft boarding to free up space for Christmas guests

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At this time of year, with a few improvements, our lofts can become an extremely useful area of our homes.

Even during this week, in the final run-up to Christmas Eve on Friday, the team at Stu’s Loft Ladders is busy helping customers to make improvements to their home that will change the way they use it.

Loft boarding and a fixed ladder can change the way you use your home

Some of our pre-Christmas customers are expecting guests for the festivities. Having their loft boarded and a fixed ladder fitted provides a last-minute solution to locating belongings that are not needed every day, to stream-line their home. 

For some, needing to clear space in spare rooms and offices to accommodate guest beds, means that easy storage in the loft is a way to quickly make room by moving items for the duration of their guests’ stay. By making it a doddle to get up and down to the loft, the usual order of things can be swiftly restored when guests leave.

Whilst we are not taking bookings now before Christmas (even our hardworking team needs a break), we are booking for January.

So, if having guests to stay once again has made you reassess how you use your home for storage, then get in contact and we will be happy to provide a no-obligation consultation about loft boarding, fitting a fixed ladder or even moving your loft access completely.

Old loft ladder in Stratford and Warwick? Maybe it is time to upgrade your ladder

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If you had a loft ladder fitted a long time ago or moved into a property with an existing ladder that has seen better days, you might be thinking of replacing it.

We would expect all the ladders that we fit to remain in excellent condition for many years. In fact, for most people, having a loft ladder fitted is a job they would not need to repeat in the same property. This is great news for our customers, but means that we only get repeat business when they move house!

However, if your ladder is no longer sliding easily into place or back into the loft, then you could be making the job of getting up there much more of a hassle then it needs to be. 

Modern ladders fold easily and smoothly into place – no trapped fingers. Many are attached to the loft hatch door, which makes getting them down that bit easier.

If your loft ladder does not feel stable or no longer feels securely attached, then don’t wait for it to get worse. Call us in to replace it.

We have recently been messaged by a homeowner, who wanted to repair his ladder – not one of ours, of course. We were able to advise on how to source a replacement part. So, it is always worth contacting us for advice.

Call us on 07712 327889 or email stuart@stusloftladders.co.uk

Looking for a cost-effective option for a loft ladder and boarding in Worcester?

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Let’s face it, at this time of year there are plenty of demands on our money. In fact, many of our customers want a loft ladder and boarding to prepare their homes for Christmas, but are on a tight budget.

We are always happy to advise on how to help cut the cost of loft boarding and fitting a fixed ladder without compromising on quality.

Aluminium ladders offer the best value. What’s more, they are strong whilst being lightweight, so they are easy to unfold and put away. We use a trusted trade supplier, so whilst this option is cost-effective, we can also testify to its quality. In fact, aluminium is the most popular ladder choice – we must have fitted hundreds over the years, all for extremely satisfied customers.

A further consideration is what area of the loft do you need boarded. Many customers like to board right up to the eaves and for us to fit the loft boarding around any supports. However, it is equally popular to simply board a central section. This can provide more than ample storage space, as well as room to move around to access boxes and other items.

So if you would like to create extra storage in your home, whilst keeping the costs down, make it simple with an aluminium ladder and boarding of a central section.

Contact us now online or call us on 07712 327889.

What is the best loft ladder and boarding option for Warwickshire and Worcestershire homeowners?

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When quoting for work, we are often asked what is the gold standard option for loft ladders and loft boarding.  It is a hard question to answer because the best option can depend on the configurations of your home, however budget and space allowing, we can make recommendations.

Timber loft ladders provide safety and elegance

Space permitting, timber loft ladders are generally seen as the luxury option. We install three-section timber ladders, which are stored inside the trap door, so no loft floor space is wasted. We only source ladders through our same, trusted, trade supplier and stick to the models we know are tried and tested and will provide customers with years of reliable use. With a sturdy tread and integrated handrail, our timber loft ladders offer stability in use and are suitable for customers who use their loft frequently. They are also designed to take heavier loads than some of the other ladders that we offer, so if that is a consideration then definitely think about installing a timber ladder.

Loft boarding up to the eaves boosts storage

When it comes to boarding, we only use one type of quality board that increases the U-value of your home by adding to the insulation in your loft. Whilst boarding just a central section of the loft suits those on a budget, if you are able to board right up to the eaves, you will obviously increase your storage potential. We can cut the boards around any loft trusses so that the finish is neat and runs to the edge of your loft. 

Truss shelving in the loft increases storage potential

Bespoke extras also add to your storage possibilities. Truss shelving is a popular add-on for the customers we visit across Warwickshire and Worcestershire. These shelves sit on the V of the roof trusses and provide a handy area for storage, leaving the central floor area clear. By placing boxes at the side on truss shelving, the central section of your loft is kept free for you to move around and to give you space when accessing your belongings. We can also build additional bespoke storage shelving to accommodate whatever items you need to store, be it suitcases or sports equipment.

No obligation consultation to find out what’s right for you

Whatever you budget, we are happy to advise with a no-obligation consultation. Contact us here or take a look at our Facebook page for photos of recent installations.

Three Steps to (Storage) Heaven for homeowners in Warwickshire and Worcestershire

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We like to keep things simple! When it comes to how to improve your loft, there are three main things to consider:

  1. Boarding
    This is the game changer! No more wasted space and no trying to precariously balance things, or worse yourself, on joists. With boarding costing around £35 per square metre, it is good value for money in relation to the space you will gain. If you are thinking about boarding the loft yourself, read our blog post first to check that you have the necessary skills and tools for the job. We get it done in less than a day and clear away all leftover materials and any mess. 
  2. Fixed Loft Ladder
    Make using the loft safe and make it easy. A fixed ladder means that going up to the loft is a breeze. If you already have a fixed loft ladder, but it is a bit heavy and clunky, why not change it for a modern, light version. Life is too short to dread going up to the loft!
  3. Loft Opening
    Is the hatch in the wrong place, like a bedroom or over the stairs? If it is in the right place, but awkward to get to and use, we can enlarge the opening or change the orientation to be more convenient. Changing the loft opening so that it is not over stairs is a job that we do quite often. We can fit a new hatch and surround and leave the ceiling looking as if the new hatch was always there!

There you have it – three steps to maximising your loft space. Contact us now to arrange a no obligation quote, or take a look at our services page for more information.

From Stratford-upon-Avon to Redditch, We Talk Loft Ladders

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We love talking about loft ladders – aluminium or timber, telescopic or folding, they are our favourite topic of conversation. Whilst this might not make us popular at parties, our customers have a lot of questions about what makes the perfect loft ladder, so we’ve answered a few here.

What are the options for a fixed loft ladder?

We fit three styles of ladder:

  • Aluminium – lightweight and economical, the three sections slide into position and feature a handrail. Great where space is tight or for light use
  • Aluminium telescopic – ideal for smaller hatches or where there is limited clearance in the loft. Sturdier than you might think with an automatic locking system and extra-wide treads.
  • Wooden – aesthetically pleasing and suitable for heavier use. A three-section ladder that stores within the trap door to save space.

Where do we source our loft ladders?

We only fit trade ladders sourced from our trusted supplier. We always use the same supplier, so that we can vouch for the quality of the products we fit, both in terms of finish and usability. We fit a lot of ladders every week so we know they are good!

What is the most popular loft ladder?

We fit a lot of aluminium loft ladders. This option suits a wide range of homes and is cost-effective, which, as we also board the loft at the same time for most customers, means they can afford the whole package.

What about electric ladders?

We don’t fit electric ladders. The ladders we fit are so easy to use that there isn’t really a need amongst our customers – the cost versus benefit for the majority is not worth it. We provide an access pole that allows you to open the hatch and pull down the ladder without even requiring a step to reach the hatch.

Contact us

So for a no-obligation quote, contact us on our website form or call 07712 327889. We’d love to chat about loft ladders!

Loft improvements in Warwick, Redditch, Bidford and Stratford-upon-Avon – all in a week’s work for Stu’s Loft Ladders!

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June is generally a busy month. We are not yet into summer holidays and people are getting on with home improvements before they go away. This year, the effect of coming out of lockdown and people feeling more confident about having work done in their homes, means that our diary is packed. We are certainly not complaining, as we love to be busy! Last week’s loft improvement jobs show a good range of the services we provide.

Boarding in Warwick

First up was a loft boarding job in Warwick, boarding around central roof supports, but leaving the area up to the eaves. We also fitted an aluminium ladder, creating an easy loft access and storage solution. A happy customer and our week was off to a good start!

Partial loft board in Bidford-On-Avon

Next we visited Bidford on Avon for a boarding job. The customer only wanted a partial board, so we created a storage area in the middle section the loft. Another happy customer!

Loft boarding and timber ladder in Stratford-upon-Avon

On to Stratford-upon-Avon. Here we turned wasted space into functional storage with a timber ladder.  Again, the customer wanted boarding to the middle section only, but in this large loft, this still created a large amount of storage potential.

Redditch boarding to middle section of loft

Later in the week we were in Redditch. Again creating a useable storage area with a board to the middle section of a loft. 

Enlarging and moving loft hatches

Our next two jobs were all about loft hatches. In Bidford, we enlarged the loft opening for a client and fitted a new hatch. To finish the week off, we visited another customer to move the loft opening, which had been over the stairs. This is a common location for hatches in older houses and not one that is very safe. We turned the loft around to run the other way on the landing and fitted an aluminium ladder and plastic hatch. 

Get in touch for your loft improvement quote

As you can tell, we specialise in loft improvements and we stay busy through customer recommendations. We are taking bookings now for the rest of June and July. Get in touch if you need some help to unlock the storage potential of your loft! Or still not sure? Check out more pictures of these jobs and others on our Facebook page.