Which Are the Best Concertina Loft Ladders? Your Buying Guide

June 23, 2025 | Nate Cord

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If you’re looking to make better use of your loft space, a concertina loft ladder might just be the game-changer you need. These space-saving, fold-away ladders are ideal for tight spots where a traditional loft ladder just won’t cut it.

But with so many different styles, materials, and price points out there, how do you know which one’s right for your home?

In this guide, we’ll break down what to look for in a good concertina loft ladder, compare some top picks, and help you choose the one that fits your space (and your budget) best.

But before we get into it…

What Exactly Are Concertina Loft Ladders?

In short, concertina loft ladders are a type of folding ladder designed to give you easy access to your loft or attic. What makes them different is the way they fold – kind of like an accordion or a concertina (hence the name).

They’re especially designed to save space, which is super handy if you’ve got a small attic opening or limited headroom. Instead of pulling down a big, bulky ladder that takes up a bunch of space, this one kind of stretches out when you need it, and folds back up into a tight, compact shape when you’re done.

At Ladders4sale, we have a wide variety of concertina loft ladders from a number of top-rated brands.

How Does a Concertina Loft Ladder Work?

As briefly touched on above, a concertina loft ladder works by folding and unfolding in an accordion-like motion, which makes it super compact and ideal for tight spaces.

Usually, you use a pole or handle to open the hatch and hook onto the ladder, allowing you to then gently pull down. As you do, the ladder starts to unfold, kind of like stretching out an accordion.

As it stretches out, the steps lock into place, and it forms a secure, sturdy ladder. Some versions have spring mechanisms to make the unfolding smoother and easier.

Once it’s fully extended and stable, you’re good to go! You can climb up and down just like a regular ladder.

When it’s not in use, the ladder folds up into a tight zigzag shape and sits just above your loft hatch or inside the loft space.

Learn more about how all types of loft ladders work, here.

Why Would I Need a Concertina Style Loft Ladder?

There are a few scenarios where a concertina style loft ladder could be the ideal option for you. For example, this is a great choice if you’re short on space or have a loft opening that’s awkwardly placed or smaller than average. These ladders are designed to fold up tightly, so they don’t take up much room when stored. That makes them perfect for places where a traditional loft ladder just wouldn’t fit or would be a hassle to use.

They’re also a great option if your loft doesn’t have much headroom, or if you want a clean, minimalist look without a big ladder hanging down all the time.

What’s more is that they’re often made of lightweight materials like aluminum, which makes them easier to handle.

So basically, if convenience, compactness, and saving space are important to you, this type of ladder is a solid choice.

If you’re still a little unsure whether a concertina or normal loft ladder is most suitable for you, feel free to give our ladder experts a call on +441639849847. And to learn more about loft ladders in general, check out our loft ladder guide.

Which Are the Best Concertina Loft Ladders?

If you’re considering a concertina loft ladder, our experts have hand-selected some of the best options available in the UK that cater to various needs and of course, budgets.

The X best concertina loft ladders include…

1. Dolle Alufix Concertina Loft Ladder

Built for convenience and reliability, this loft ladder uses a spring-controlled system that keeps it neatly in place when you’re not using it – so no mess or fuss. It comes with a timber backboard (450mm wide by 200mm high), making it super easy to attach to the joists just above the trapdoor hinges for extra stability.

The Alufix also stands out for its solid build, with deeper and wider steps that feel sturdier underfoot.

More key features include:

Manufactured from high quality extruded aluminium alloy
Available in 3 Standard sizes to suit a floor to lower mounting height up to 2960mm
Deep and wide non-slip treads (78mm x 340mm)
Unit stores within the hatch space – no storage space in the loft area required
Supplied with a plastic pole hook
Hinges and catch provided for use with existing trap door

The max working load for the Dolle Alufix is 100 kg.

2. Columbus Piccolo Premium Aluminium Concertina Loft Ladder

Next up is the Columbus Piccolo Concertina Loft Ladder, featuring the additional benefit of being spring assisted. This makes the operation of the ladder even smoother and safer.

It also comes supplied with a Timber backboard measuring 380mm (W) x 120mm (H), ready to be fixed onto joist material just above the trapdoor hinges.

Other benefits include:

Manufactured from aluminium alloy
Uses a counterbalanced spring operation to allow control over the ladder’s ascent and descent
Unit is ready to fit straight into your existing opening or directly to masonry
Stores completely within your loft opening
Includes 1 x Telescopic Handrail as standard
Unit complete with Operating Pole & full installation Instructions

This loft ladder is tested to EN 14975 (European Ladder Standard) with a 150kg per tread resilience.

3. Columbus Junior Aluminium Concertina Loft Ladders

The Columbus Junior Aluminium Concertina Loft Ladder is the deluxe independent concertina loft ladder that is perfect for fitting into your existing hatch. With a variety of standard sizes and a wide range of heights served, the heavy duty aluminium Junior is a flexible and reliable access solution.

Additional features include:

Manufactured from die-cast aluminium
Uses a counterbalanced spring operation to effortlessly control the ladder’s ascent and descent
Suits existing loft hatch openings from 600mm (W) x 620mm (L) – dependent on model choice
Comes supplied with a Timber backboard measuring 580mm (W) x 200mm (H), ready to be fixed onto joist material just above the trapdoor hinges
Includes non-slip ladder feet (durable plastic) for extra security

The Colombus Junior Concertina Loft Ladder is tested to EN 14975 (European Ladder Standard) with a 200kg per tread resilience.

4. Columbus Junior Vertical Wall Access Aluminium Concertina Ladder

Last but certainly not least, we have the Columbus Junior Vertical Wall Access Aluminium Concertina Ladder, offering flexible access to even the most unconventional vertical openings.

Key features include:

Manufactured from die-cast aluminium
Four model sizes available which suit floor to floor heights up to 3.50m
Suits existing loft hatch openings from 630mm (W) x 770mm (H) – dependent on model choice
Ready to fit concertina ladder, straight into your existing vertical opening or to a mezzanine floor area
Concertina stows in a vertical position
Opening in the wall can be closed by a door (supplied by others) with a maximum thickness of 40mm
Includes Non Slip ladder feet (durable plastic) for extra security.
Tested to EN 14975 (European Ladder Standard) with a 200kg per tread resilience.

For more ladder tips and insights, check out our blog page, including articles like ‘How to Fit a Loft Ladder’ and ‘The Best Ladders for Painting Ceilings’.

All of our products are manufactured, tested and certified to industry standards. In addition to this, all orders come with free mainland UK shipping and after sales support from our experts.

If you require additional advice or have a question for our team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us using our contact form or via phone at 441639849847.