Is a Metal Attic Ladder better than a Wood Ladder?

June 3, 2022

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When renovating a house, you don’t really think about replacing attic ladders, because they aren’t used very often. However, the old attic ladders in our home were pretty unstable, so I replaced one in our very messy garage with a wooden attic ladder and one in our hallway with a metal attic ladder.

Metal Attic Ladder

Let’s start with the scissor-style metal attic ladder from Fakro. Available in various sizes, I chose the 25″x54″ ladder that matched the existing rough opening in my garage. The ladder arrived well-packaged, and the instructions were straightforward. The installation required 3″ construction screws and basic tools. The old wooden attic ladder opened right in front of ducts, making access to the attic challenging. To address this, I installed the new metal ladder to open up to a free space.

Installation Process

I removed the old ladder and trimmed the opening to the required size using 2×6 pine studs. Before installation, I attached white trim pieces to the ladder. However, this meant I had to do some drywall work, which delayed the process but ensured a clean finish. Installing the ladder was a bit tricky due to limited space in the hallway. Eventually, we found a successful approach involving ladder lifting and securing from the top. The ladder’s adjustable feature made leveling effortless, and the S-shaped anti-slip steps with plastic wheels provided durability and ease of use. With an R value of 5.2 and a weight capacity of 350 pounds, the metal attic ladder proved to be a sturdy and reliable choice.

Price and Quality of the Metal Attic Ladder

At $1,106, this ladder is on the higher end, but the quality of the powder-coated steel justifies the cost. However, I did encounter some issues with the scissor-style steps and the narrow width of the stairs. Additionally, the mdf hatch had a visible crack in the paint, necessitating extra work to conceal it.

Wooden Attic Ladder

Next, I installed a fire-rated wooden attic ladder, also from Fakro, in my garage. Measuring 25″x54″, this ladder came in various size options. The old ladder was unstable and frequently jammed, so I adjusted the rough opening and installed the new ladder.

Installation Process

This ladder didn’t require a trim, simplifying the installation process. Instead of metal brackets, I installed supports across the joists and used a rope to pull up the ladder. While not recommended, this method worked for me. The ladder’s wider steps and anti-slip design provided stability and safety during use. With an R value of 9.5 and a weight capacity of 300 pounds, this ladder was well-insulated and strong.

Price and Quality of the Wooden Attic Ladder

Priced at $1018, this wooden attic ladder offered excellent durability and ease of use. The stairs were wider than the metal ladder, but I encountered a similar issue with a cracked mdf panel.

Comparison

Summarizing the differences between the two ladders, the metal ladder cost $1,106, while the wooden ladder cost $1018. The metal ladder had an R value of 5.2 and a weight capacity of 350 lbs, while the wooden ladder had an R value of 9.5 and a weight capacity of 300 lbs. While the metal ladder was not fire-rated, it was easier to install and adjust the step length.

Conclusion

Both attic ladders have their merits, but given their similar pricing, the metal attic ladder stands out for its ease of use and adjustable features. The absence of a hanging string for ladder opening, the included tool for handle support, and the easily hooked stairs make the metal ladder a convenient choice. Ultimately, both ladders are commendable, and if you have any questions about them, feel free to leave a comment below.