
Powered by direct wiring to raise and lower with the push of a button, pricey electric attic ladders are new to the market. The scissor-style steps don’t slide too quickly during unfolding (the way telescoping ladders do), and they don’t require a large clearance space to unfold (like folding ladders do). These ladders, which have scissor-style collapsible rungs for easy storage, have two main benefits over their counterparts. These attic ladders are stronger than telescoping ladders and are easy to use, but they take up a significant amount of attic space because they lie on the floor when closed. Foldingįolding attic ladders can fold up into two, three, or four sections, depending on the length of the ladder, the height of the ceiling, and available clearance space for folding. When needed, just pull on the bottom step and the ladder extends out.

These ladders take up less space than folding ladders, thanks to fitted mechanisms on the side supports and steps allowing them to collapse into themselves. Telescoping attic ladders come in mobile or semi-permanent designs allowing them to be installed in your attic or stored nearby. There are four main categories of attic stairs: telescoping, folding, scissor style, and electric.

But attic ladders are not one size fits all, so to choose the right model for your home, consider these seven, each regarded as some of the best in their respective category.

The best attic ladder is easy to use, durable, and sturdy enough to support your heftiest family member, and the heaviest object that person might carry. Installing a new attic ladder or replacing an old one can change all that, opening up a whole floor to be used for whatever you like-home office, yoga studio, sleeping loft for guests, you name it! You know it’s up there, but it’s a hassle to access for storage, much less use it as living space. A home’s attic is often an area of untapped potential.
