Metal vs Wooden Attic Ladders | What's the difference?

Link to my Patreon page: / belinda_carr
Fakro Metal ladder: roofing4us.com/products/lst-i...
Fakro Wooden ladder: roofing4us.com/products/lwf-f...
Chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:33 Metal Attic Ladder
4:49 Wooden Attic Ladder
7:03 Conclusion
--------------------
Fluffy by Smith The Mister smiththemister.bandcamp.com
Smith The Mister bit.ly/Smith-The-Mister-YT
Free Download / Stream: bit.ly/stm-fluffy
Music promoted by Audio Library • Fluffy - Smith The Mis...
---------------------
Disclaimer: This video was created for educational/informational purposes and qualifies as Fair Use. If you are the creator or own the footage featured in this video and have reservations please notify me via KZbin comments or email and I will accommodate you
#diy #atticladder #insulation #buidlingscience #homerenovation #remodel #renovation

[@timmargereson332]

Hi Belinda, I've fitted over 20 of the timber Fakro loft hatches in the UK. I usually fit these on my own and the easiest way to fit them is to remove the ladder , lift the frame into the loft and rest it down onto battens fitted under the opening. Square the frame and fix into position then remove the battens, fit the ladder. Remember to adjust the ladder away from the door & then cut to length. Finally install new architrave. Hope that helps someone. Regards Tim

[@The4Crawler]

When I installed my wooden Fakro ladder, my technique was to use a chain hoist fastened to the underside of the rafters in the attic. Then I climbed on top and hoisted myself and the ladder up. I had a pair of boards under the unit to pull it up tight to the ceiling. Got a few good fasteners in, then partially lowered the ladder and finished attaching it to the framing. I made sure to have all my tools up in the attic along with a phone in case I got trapped. In the cramped hallway where I installed it, having multiple people helping would have made the job more difficult. Funny thing is, in the 25 years prior to installing the ladder, I think I poked my head into the attic twice. Since installing it 10 yrs. ago, I'm up there many times a week. I added insulation (had paid a company to do that but they did a horrible job as I later found out), decking and low voltage lighting to facilitate using the space.

[@givemeaminutetothink]

I didn’t even know metal ladders were an option, never having had to replace one. Neat!

[@swiftarrow9]

Love the videos, but based on your summary I would have chosen the wooden one. - fire safety (especially important if installing in a garage) - R value (especially important when installing in the house) - folding steps (accessible to little people) The detractions you mentioned are easily managed: - replace the string with a hook point - add threaded rod on each corner for easy adjustment (nope, I’m too lazy to do this as well and would probably use your non-recommended method, LOL) I’m also very disappointed about the MDF. MDF is not a dynamically stable material: it flexes, cracks, and has no fatigue strength. The correct part would have been plywood. If I ever do buy one of these, I’ll have to replace the MDF with plywood preemptively. Thanks again and keep up the great work! I’ve learned a lot from your videos and it’s helped me make the right choices for my own home remodel.

[@BelindaCarr]

My husband preferred the wooden ladder too! I was disappointed with the MDF panel on both of them. Thanks for watching the video!

[@peterchaploutskiy2555]

@@BelindaCarr that's what I also leaning too, wooden is the better way to go. Anyway, much appreciate your work!

[@dlorien7306]

You know it's a good, fair review when you'd choose the one she didn't pick as the winner because of the facts she provided and your own personal preferences / situation

[@BelindaCarr]

Thank you!

[@JimOlney]

I installed the metal version of this attic ladder and couldn't have been happier. In our case the prefinished hatch was unblemished. The 30" version provided a comfortable opening to access the attic. And when climbing the ladder there is plenty to hold on to. To get bulky or heavy items into the attic, I installed an "I bolt" to a rafter above the open and hooked up a snatch block to easily maneuver stuff into storage.

[@dirtymikeandtheboyz2570]

Can u show me in pics ?

[@paulkelly2882]

Shouting the orders at the boyfriend like a boss was so funny

[@whiteknightcat]

Boyfriend? That's her lucky hubby!

[@ezforsaken]

lmao, we know she is the tough one

[@serenasmith6412]

I've used that tone a time or two! DIY projects are great with the person you love, but there might be a hurt feeling to go with that feeling of achievement!

[@BelindaCarr]

Guilty!

[@pfcrow]

I replaced a broken wooden ladder with a metal one back in 2009. My ladder looks exactly like the wooden style one you installed, only the ladder is aluminum. It feels extremely strong. The ladder was too long, so it required cutting with a hacksaw to adjust the height. I am very happy with the ladder. I ordered it from one of the big box hardware stores.

[@savage22bolt32]

I installed an aluminum ladder to reach my garage attic. I think I would have been happier with wood for two reasons. 1) wood is quieter. 2) wood is warmer to the touch.

[@scott.c9587]

I wish you had this video when I installed my new attic ladder last year. I replaced my old ladder with an aluminum one with shocks instead of springs. You are awesome. please keep up the great work.

[@jotighe2]

I love your videos. You are easily the most informed person about these industries than anyone presenting today. You mentioned the price ($$$!) of this unit and valued it based on durability and replacability. However, you initially confirmed this is one of the least used items in any home, and it is bar-none the first time I saw one replaced. Given those facts, I would rather put $1100 in another area of the house, rather than something I will use 3 times in my life.

[@BelindaCarr]

Thank you! It's an expensive upgrade.

[@herculesrockefeller8969]

Nicely done! Thank you, Belinda!

[@75blackviking]

The more I see of your channel, the more I enjoy it. You have so many great topics!

[@rass1959]

You did a great great job the first time I’ve ever seen to do it yourself or that wasn’t a craftsman that compared to and installed to. You did an excellent job in compare and contrast the two different products. Thank you.

[@johnfilce9236]

The scissors version is appealing to me because we have very limited space in the room where our wooden version can barely unfold.

[@genoangelica1354]

Your carpentry skills uninstalling those two attic ladder quite impressive I put one up myself and it was quite difficult great video

[@buildergradetocustommade]

Thank you. This has cemented my decision - I'm paying someone to install mine! lol

[@ziggystardog]

These were shockingly expensive to me. I’d never had to replace one. Interesting puzzle on how to install them, I think they are usually just installed at build time. My present house doesn’t have an attic, but I could use something in my garage-style shed.

[@568843daw]

Excellent installation demonstration and your analysis comparing them was very helpful.

[@Fartucus]

Always look forward to your vids, thanks.

[@ex-engineer6657]

Seemed like a regular, wonderful, video as we have grown accustomed to. You do good work. When you got to the prices, I really felt my age. Last time I looked at attic ladders, they were less than $100, about $75 for the one I wanted. Wow.

[@serenasmith6412]

I replaced one last year, metal regular rungs from the home improvement store. $275. I love this metal scissor idea, but with the ladder stowed, it looks like it could be 25x30 instead of the 54 inch length. I would pay more for the smaller opening!

[@SnoDraken]

Great video, with useful info. Thanks for making this!!

[@nctrailcam81]

That was great. I'll have to look into the metal ladder. I need a new one, but I have a raised ceiling and am afraid I would not be able to fold the ladder up. But the hook would be perfect.

[@jameshutchins3396]

Excellent video as always. Thank you

[@MinnesotaBeekeeper]

Thank you so much! We are putting one in and this was very helpful.

[@lowrads3653]

Your warcry is formidable.

[@BelindaCarr]

Lol!

[@enriquegarciacota3914]

Getting hands dirty on this one! Respect. Attics aren’t as usual in my area so I doubt I will ever need this knowledge, but it was entertaining.

[@snort455]

A terrific video. Thank you.

[@eyeliketony]

I’ll stick with my old wooden ladder. It has metal bracing under each wooden rung that I can tighten if the wood shrinks. I feel safer if one should ever break. The metal ladder looks like it doesn’t have any lateral stability.

[@blahorgaslisk7763]

Also wider is better. Those ladders are always to small at some point...

[@ryanbrown982]

I went with a telescoping aluminum ladder. It's secured up in the attic, and then it's pulled down with a hook. It came with hinges and a latch for a door that you create yourself out of plywood you supply. It has as much (or as little) insulation as you choose to add to the door. The install was pretty straightforward. Since the door is separate, there's no massive assembly to hold into place. The cost was also much better; I paid less than $200 (pre-pandemic inflation.)

[@GreenAppelPie]

I was unhappy with American styles and got one from the UK. It’s very sturdy aluminum telescoping ladder. You have to add your own door, and it’s easily insulated.

[@lakeshavallejo7889]

Great video! Thank you!

[@josegr6174]

Hi Belinda! This information is really useful and even more for me as I'm planning to build an A-frame house with a loft that will use a ladder, but unfortunately i couldn't find videos on KZbin about the advantages and throwbacks of this kind of houses. Could you please cover this topic???

[@scottgillard4695]

Thank You Belinda good review. If I did it with my wife there would be lots of Bleeping. Good teamwork.😃

[@603storm]

The attic ladder I installed allowed you to remove the ladder from the frame. This way you can easily install the frame without the heavy ladder and work from below. Then, after the frame was installed you snapped the ladder in place. Easy Peezy.

[@hjc4604]

As a paramedic, I responded on a call where the side member of his wooden attic ladder broke while he was climbing it and the jagged edge lacerated his inner upper arm. Luckily for him, it didn't lacerate his brachial artery. It was close and if it had, he might have been dead before I got there. It was an old ladder and quite possibly, he had exceeded its weight limit. Neverless, I will never install a wooden attic ladder in my home. I'd prefer it if the entire unit was constructed of metal.

[@quantafreeze]

Great video. Thanks!

[@d73w80]

One thing I've never even remotely thought about was my attic ladder... But now I'm intrigued

[@theodoreolson8529]

This project will really test a marriage 🙂 Thanks for your hard work making this video. It's relevant to me because I am considering adding a ladder in my garage to access overhead storage.

[@SteveP-vm1uc]

I have installed many attic stairways and did then exactly as you did the wooden one in your garage. There is always 2 of us and we have never had a second ladder way to get into the attic, so one of us is always in the attic to receive it and screw it into place. We allllllways mount them flush with the ceiling and add trim after it's installed and then foam spray insulation to fill the voids.. Also, long before they made a handle and eyelet and only sold them with a thin rope, we installed chrome eyelets and used simple wooden broom handles with a Jacobs hook screwed into the end. I guess we should have patented that!! Hahahahaha...

[@blahorgaslisk7763]

My father put one up about 40 years ago and it came with a chrome eyelet. He put up a wood celling at the same time and blended the door in so well it's hard to see. But then he thought the chrome eyelet was sticking out so he didn't want to use it. While looking for something less obvious he just tapped a nail in it and put a bend to it. Turned out it was small enough and the color neutral enough that most people don't notice it, and so it has remained for 40 years now. They did provide a stick with a hook on to pull the door down, but I haven't had to use it since I turned 17 or so as I am tall enough to reach that nail. But both mom and dad were short enough they had to use it. I've often looked at that nail and thought there has to be something more elegant to use, but in the end I've accepted that while it might look strange to someone who sees it those are so few and far between that it really doesn't matter.

[@unclethanatos]

I’m looking forward to the inevitable video on encapsulating your attic.

[@KevinGoldfinger]

Hi! saw a video of yours about insulation and had solar paint included. Which is that video? Cant seen to find it.

[@CyberstormFox]

But what's the advantage of a separate, losable tool to open your attic? Does it contain an opener tool holder you can snap the tool into when not in use? Seems like you will have to now keep track of a probably seldom-used and easily misplaced purpose-specific tool.

[@flinx]

Maybe there's a linen closet near the ladder. Keep the tool there forever. But if someone doesn't have a closet near or can't trust their family to leave the tool in it, don't buy that ladder.

[@answerman9933]

Maybe the ladder tool can be kept next to the water meter tool?

[@tonythomas4647]

New sub! Great content. ❤️

[@CTChipmunk]

you're a ladder day saint.

[@metrazol]

Your garage looks like my primary bedroom until last week. You don't realize how heavy rockwool is until you're on the 10th bag going up stairs...

[@Redrally]

Yes, more Belinda tries out DIY items 😁

[@tinytonymaloney7832]

You have a better quality of loft ladders over there in USA than we have in UK, but a $1000 for a loft ladder, Wow!!! Nothing wrong with your method of supporting the wooden ladder using timber straps, its called initiative. I always pilot holes in wood before I drive a screw in, call it OCD I don't know, just something I always have done. Cracking pair of pins btw 👍

[@dfgatticladder622]

I like your video very much. As a factory of attic ladder, I think both metal ladder and wooden ladder have their own advantages. The metal ladder can be opened and closed with assistance. It is relatively easy to operate and more durable. The requirements for the hole are not so strict. The minimum size of the hole can be 600 * 800mm. The stability of the wooden ladder is high, and the wooden products look more comfortable, However, the wood products have the potential of fracture for a long time. I think metal is better in terms of safety

[@thegenrl]

I agree metal ladder seems the way to go. $1000 for what it is seems over priced though. I feel i can def rig up something cheaper that's equivalent or better.

[@georgemallard4120]

You are brave to attempt this DIY upgrade. I did the same, but I used a chain hoist to lift the ladder into the attic. Any time you have an opening the size of an attic ladderway, it is a big time fall hazard. That being said, I had a friend fall due to an older wooden ladder failure, and it really messed him up. The ladders shown are very expensive. But the metal trim is a feature I really liked.

[@sheiladawg1664]

I had a new wooden one fail the 1st time it supported weight. If the side rails aren't fastened together correctly at the butt ends during manufacture (a gap is present) the first time it bears weight it will rip the bolt straight through the drilled hole into thin air and you'll be on your derierrier surrounded by kindling before you know what happened. Watching you guys struggle lifting that up makes it hard to believe I did this myself in my early 30's.

[@marcusdavis8650]

Hi Belinda I really like this video and I like both ladders because I need one for my garage and my attic in the house but sense now you have had these ladders for a while what is your overall take, do you still prefer the metal. By the way, I really enjoy watching all your videos. You give a lot of great information and I really learn a lot from the renovations.

[@jillrossiter8757]

Great!!!!

[@RogierYou]

Ah so we are not the only ones yelling during a DIY project ;-) LOL

[@Saluchik]

Hi Belinda, which one is your favorite now that you have lived with both for a while? Does the metal stairs wobble from side to side? Does the width of the steps become an issue when lifting heavy objects?

[@Blake4625kHz]

There was this one time I had to punch an attic ladder in the face for payment overdue. Lived in Texas at the time and just did what everybody else was doing. I didn't know any better and now feel sorry for attic ladders black eye I gave said attic ladder. Attic is a weird word

[@tojov]

I wish to buy one for my home in kerala. How can i avail it. The attic size is 59.5 × 29.5 inches.

[@karolkowalski3842]

FAKRO looking good to me 😅

[@chrisforker7487]

I like the metal ladder, hopefully I can buy enough extra steps for my 12 foot ceiling.

[@marksadventures3889]

Are you planning to convert your loft?

[@TheOldBlackCrow]

Perfect timing! We are shopping for one now. Your video answered many questions we had. Thank you! Does the kit include the extra rungs on the metal ladder or is that a separate purchase?

[@ecospider5]

They sell them in different lengths. So if you get the longest supported one then you will have all you need. Not sure how to get extras if you buy one that’s to short. But I can’t imagine it would be hard.

[@ranram7650]

Hw to buy

[@robcarpenter385]

My mom wanted to know what's the brand of your floors?. She loves that look

[@fredflickinger643]

Hard to believe they couldn't keep them as wide as the older models and oh, MDF.

[@Danny_Boel]

wow, the fancy metal one cost twice as much as here... was it made in the Netherlands or Poland?

[@maxbooker307]

I LOVE YOUR MIND AND UNDERSTANDING OF BUILDING SCIENCES! A WOMAN I COULD TALK TO ALL DAY...

[@johnwestbrook2476]

Hi Belinda. Aluminium loft ladders are a lot lot easier to install and much easier to operate.

[@benjaminfraeyman]

Whats that messy white stuff in the attic?

[@BelindaCarr]

Blown-in fiberglass insulation. The previous owners recently had it done.

[@benjaminfraeyman]

@@BelindaCarr so messy. Looks like its just thrown in there. Isn't it supposed to stick to the walls?

[@leahsdreams]

With prices like those, I might just have a 'decorative' wooden ladder hanging around to use.

[@BillyBoy7380]

Why do you fold the stairs all up on one end? Just move the hook things down a bit.

[@Youtubehandle.]

The ladders you received (Free of charge) may have been ladders the could not sell because they were damaged.

[@vincentbarkley9121]

Belinda, another great video. At over $1000 each, I'll just use a folding ladder for my garage.

[@BoEkingster]

you're awesome

[@currentfaves65]

Excellent review. I did not know metal was an option !

[@Xhadowgdm]

There are much more reasonably priced options out there. Thanks for the vid though.

[@reallunacy]

And here I am looking at a $260 Louisville aluminum attic ladder.

[@sivacrom]

If only I had seen this 3 years ago. Back then, I replaced my entire scuttle door. And there’s no ladder included. I could’ve done this whole thing then. Now… I’m never going to fit it in.

[@hueandeye]

Construction Mommy making life easier again....😩

[@ecospider5]

I looked at adding an attic ladder to my attic access hatch. I learned that the new code changes what code requirements there are in an attic if a permanent ladder allows access. Especially with electrical and spray foam. Spray foam has to be covered in an area with a permanent ladder. So I scrapped that idea. But before I did the metal ladder you used was definitely one of my favorites. Especially because there were versions that could fit into a very small access hatch.

[@ecospider5]

I live in Seattle so there is almost never any hvac in the attic to deal with.

[@joblo341]

I tried to install a wooden attic ladder. 2 of the *&_)(_)^&^% things broke after they were installed, dropping half way to the attic, almost hurting me! I gave up, put a MDF sheet over hole as a door and glued foam insulation on the attic side. I use a regular ladder to get in. I installed an eye bolt in the baseboard and tie a rope to the ladder to keep it from slipping. I didn't see a metal option at the time.

[@DonTruman]

So it's essentially a 3 man installation job? Two to lift it into place and then another in the attic to secure it? (I presume most homes have only one attic access, not two). Yikes. And over $1k for each. That's a lot more than I expected. Guess I haven't priced them for a long time.

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

We replaced our failing wood fold down attic ladder with the same thing in aluminum

[@YSLRD]

Lol. Pretty fierce when you're working.

[@BelindaCarr]

Lol yup!

[@Machailey1]

Your "BOSSY". Hahaha so is my wife though.

[@apex007]

These cost over 3x as much as the standard ones. Even including the lighter aluminum ones at home depot. Do you think they're worth over 3x the price?

[@JGoodwin]

I'm lazy. I would have put the ladder fully in the attic, used a second ladder to go into the same hole, then lower it down and attach it, with someone below me to verify it doesn't look weird.

[@SashkoBljad]

Belinda, please review SeedEco Home designed by Opensource Ecology team. They seem to have thought about the things you usually criticize on this channel about eco homes: materials that have to be transported fro far away like with shipping containers if built inland, labor, cost or skill intensivess of a build, unscalability of a design for example because of use of non-uniform parts from a dumpster. I thing Seed Eco Home has these problems solved but am curious to hear what would you say.

[@BelindaCarr]

Thanks for the idea! I'll look into it.

[@rawbacon]

These prices are insane, 25 years ago I bought an attic ladder for something like $29 or $39 dollars.....And sure these are a little better but they ain't that much better.

[@mr.x1510]

Yes I think I like the metal ladders as well. I'm still curious do you feel any kind of sagging as your climbing them? This is your design looks interesting however I'm curious if they Loose It Up After Time

[@erichaskell]

Because my ceilings are all “cathedral” I don’t need ladders, just help with my heating and air conditioning bills!

[@LutraLovegood]

Holy fish, a grand for a ladder?

[@EvilPlanetStudios]

I am glad a professional uses Ryobi. I No longer feel so much like an idiot amateur. If she does it, then it must be good.

[@gman8760]

I would never ever buy one of these just based on cost alone....

[@Helloverlord]

Althou Fakro is a quality company, nether of those product do not contribute to sealing insulation as there's none within the hatch. It doesnt matter if you in a mild climate zone but for others its a no win.

[@cdoublejj]

a thousand bucks for that hinky little chinesy wobbly scissor sheet metal piece? i my dad like a full folding aluminum unit but, i'd have to ask how much he paid when he got it a local big box store all those years back.

[@safffff1000]

Fortunately there are ladders like that for 1/4th the price

[@whiteknightcat]

Dang ... this channel just gets better and better. A beautiful woman, college educated, excellent communicator, AND can do construction work! What a dream! As for the ladders, I never even knew metal ladders existed! In previous residences my small attics were accessed by the traditional pull down wood ladders (with the classic hanging string) and no insulation. Fortunately my current home doesn't have an attic so this is no longer an issue. I'm all about ease of construction so the steel one looks like a pretty nifty option. In either case, though, this is definitely a two-person project. On the down side, if there is no second access to the attic, a third person will be needed to be stationed in the attic before raising the new steel one up, as there will be no way to get in and secure it afterwards. It seems heavier than it needs to be - why in the world didn't they fashion it out of aluminium instead? Also, this is definitely a spring or fall project in Texas, maybe even a winter one!

[@BelindaCarr]

Thank you! We installed this right before temps hit 90F

[@Zacht1980]

If anyone was wondering, the difference is one is metal and the other is wood.

[@romywhite290]

We had a ladder very similar one to the wood one, but it was metal. I didn't like it. It was always an event to open, as a short person. I think I'd much prefer the first one.

[@rtugui]

Less weight if you would install the frame without the steps :P

[@BelindaCarr]

If I could have, I would have!

[@rtugui]

@@BelindaCarr oh... ooookkkkkkkkkk. Would like to know what other people say about that. Anyone?

[@jimurrata6785]

Are there no ladders available to fit your existing ceiling openings? How do you think you would have accomplished this if you didnt have a second attic access? It seems very frustrating that the MDF doors of _both_ attic stairs are broken upon installation. 🙁 Maybe the manufacturer should consider using a better quality product? (its not too much area, given the price)