A Guide To Loft Stairs

Getting the staircase and access right will have a massive bearing on the success of your project but the loft conversion building regulations throw up a number of things that you will need to consider when planning your staircase to the loft.

Adding a new floor or story to a home requires a permanent staircase except when a basic loft storage solution is being built.

In a very few instances a fixed ladder can be used but the vast majority of loft conversions will need a staircase. In any event, it is highly unlikely that you would even consider a loft ladder.

The usual solution is a traditional staircase. Installing this style of access is usually straight-forward though it is desirable that there be a clear 2m of headroom though 1.8m or sometimes less can be worked around.

The usual standard width that the staircase needs to be is 800mm though in certain circumstances space saving stairs can be used which lowers the width required to 600mm.

And, of course, the structure must comply with the loft conversion building regulations.

A landing will probably need to be provided at both the top and bottom of the staircase.

Another style of staircase often considered when converting the loft is a spiral design.

They look good and seem to save space but often use up more than a traditional staircase.

And, actually using a spiral stair can often pose problems – especially when moving furniture!

Deciding on exactly where to locate the stairs is a major part of the process when you plan a loft conversion and may have to involve some kind of trade-off on your original ideas, as it is unlikely there will be enough room on the second-floor landing to install a flight of loft stairs.

In most houses there is little space for a second staircase as bedrooms and bathrooms take up all the available second-floor area.

The actual staircase itselef will either be built on site or, and a far more economical way, is to choose one of the many models of pre-manufactured staircases. One thing to consider when planning your loft stairs is ‘what will you do with the space underneath?’

The area under the actual staircase should not be wasted and could have many uses.

Additional storage or small work station for example. You are converting your loft to increase space so there is no point in allowing any ‘dead’ space so make sure you include the area under the stairs in your planning.

As for the loft stairs themselves there are several alternatives.

For a look at each staircase option click one of the links below:

Traditional Staircase

Spiral Staircase

Ladder or Alternate Tread Staircase

Whichever access solution you decide upon do take your time. Getting the staircase right is a fundamental aspect of your loft conversion and is probably the biggest decision you will have to make.

For more info see the related pages below or complete the form at the bottom of the page for a free no obligation quote from tradesmen near you...

More About Staircases For Loft Conversions

Making a loft staircase

A City Loft Conversion

Loft Stairs And Access

Quick guide to the building regulations

Loft conversion guide

Loft Conversion