Christmas is coming to Redditch– get your home ready by creating loft storage

Posted by Stu's Loft Ladders editorial team on

Wouldn’t you like to make your home clutter-free for Christmas?

After last year’s restrictions, many of us are looking to go all out this year inviting friends and relatives into our homes to celebrate.

If your home is already bursting at the seams with items that you don’t need on a regular basis, and you don’t have much built-in storage, the answer to creating a sleek interior could be in your loft.  

Maybe you’ve been meaning to clear out the spare room for ages, but now have a deadline with relatives planning to stay over the festive season. 

Less than a day to board most lofts

It takes our experienced team less than a day to board most lofts, which means by the afternoon you could be storing boxes in the newly-created storage space. A fixed ladder means easy trips up to the loft and we have options to suit most budgets. Enlarging a loft hatch is a simple job for our professional team, as is relocating it to a more convenient location.

So, if you haven’t boarded your loft, you have not yet maximised the storage potential in your home. Call us now for a no-obligation quote for loft boarding and fixed ladder installation on 07712 327889.

Looking for a cost-effective option for a loft ladder and boarding in Worcester?

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Let’s face it, at this time of year there are plenty of demands on our money. In fact, many of our customers want a loft ladder and boarding to prepare their homes for Christmas, but are on a tight budget.

We are always happy to advise on how to help cut the cost of loft boarding and fitting a fixed ladder without compromising on quality.

Aluminium ladders offer the best value. What’s more, they are strong whilst being lightweight, so they are easy to unfold and put away. We use a trusted trade supplier, so whilst this option is cost-effective, we can also testify to its quality. In fact, aluminium is the most popular ladder choice – we must have fitted hundreds over the years, all for extremely satisfied customers.

A further consideration is what area of the loft do you need boarded. Many customers like to board right up to the eaves and for us to fit the loft boarding around any supports. However, it is equally popular to simply board a central section. This can provide more than ample storage space, as well as room to move around to access boxes and other items.

So if you would like to create extra storage in your home, whilst keeping the costs down, make it simple with an aluminium ladder and boarding of a central section.

Contact us now online or call us on 07712 327889.

Still time to board your loft before Christmas in Stratford-upon-Avon and Alcester

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If the thought of putting the Halloween decorations away seems scary because it involves a trip up to an unboarded loft, then think about getting the professionals in.

With November about to start, there are eight weeks left to go until the big day. Although of course 2020 was an exception, we are usually busy in the run-up to Christmas as customers want to organise their space before guests arrive. This year, after last year’s restrictions, we expect to be busier than ever.

A stable loft floor means safe and easy storage

A boarded loft means no more wobbling around between joists as you try to retrieve boxes of decorations. With a stable base you can store and access items without taking your life in your hands.

Add in a fixed ladder and going up to the loft is a breeze. There is a ladder to suit your space and budget: we offer timber, folding aluminium ladders and telescopic ladders where space is tight.

Booking loft boarding jobs now for November and December

We are booking in jobs now for November and December, so contact us to arrange a no-obligation quote or take a look at our Facebook page to see photos of recent jobs and customer reviews.

What is the best loft ladder and boarding option for Warwickshire and Worcestershire homeowners?

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When quoting for work, we are often asked what is the gold standard option for loft ladders and loft boarding.  It is a hard question to answer because the best option can depend on the configurations of your home, however budget and space allowing, we can make recommendations.

Timber loft ladders provide safety and elegance

Space permitting, timber loft ladders are generally seen as the luxury option. We install three-section timber ladders, which are stored inside the trap door, so no loft floor space is wasted. We only source ladders through our same, trusted, trade supplier and stick to the models we know are tried and tested and will provide customers with years of reliable use. With a sturdy tread and integrated handrail, our timber loft ladders offer stability in use and are suitable for customers who use their loft frequently. They are also designed to take heavier loads than some of the other ladders that we offer, so if that is a consideration then definitely think about installing a timber ladder.

Loft boarding up to the eaves boosts storage

When it comes to boarding, we only use one type of quality board that increases the U-value of your home by adding to the insulation in your loft. Whilst boarding just a central section of the loft suits those on a budget, if you are able to board right up to the eaves, you will obviously increase your storage potential. We can cut the boards around any loft trusses so that the finish is neat and runs to the edge of your loft. 

Truss shelving in the loft increases storage potential

Bespoke extras also add to your storage possibilities. Truss shelving is a popular add-on for the customers we visit across Warwickshire and Worcestershire. These shelves sit on the V of the roof trusses and provide a handy area for storage, leaving the central floor area clear. By placing boxes at the side on truss shelving, the central section of your loft is kept free for you to move around and to give you space when accessing your belongings. We can also build additional bespoke storage shelving to accommodate whatever items you need to store, be it suitcases or sports equipment.

No obligation consultation to find out what’s right for you

Whatever you budget, we are happy to advise with a no-obligation consultation. Contact us here or take a look at our Facebook page for photos of recent installations.

Relocating a loft hatch – a guide for homeowners in Warwickshire and Worcestershire

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You don’t have to be stuck with a loft opening if its location doesn’t suit your needs. We routinely move loft hatches for customers as part of larger jobs when we install loft boarding or ladders.

So, what should you consider when relocating a loft hatch?

Avoid being close to stairs by changing the direction of the loft hatch

It sounds obvious, but we’ve seen plenty of older loft openings in dangerous spots over or very near to stairways. It is not just a question of having enough space at the bottom of the ladder – you really don’t want to be too near the stairs when exiting or entering the loft at height. If a landing is the only suitable spot for the loft opening, then there may be a simple solution in changing its orientation or making the hatch longer. This can make a big difference by allowing the ladder to run in another direction or at a different angle. 

Having a loft opening in a bedroom comes down to personal preference. If you have small children, then accessing the loft through their bedroom could be tricky past their bedtime. However, if you have a spare bedroom, and it is roomy enough to allow a loft ladder to come down unhindered by the furniture, then it could be ideal.

Bathrooms – this is not a popular option. Space tends to be at a premium in this room and if you have people in the household who hog the bathroom, waiting to gain access to the loft could be frustrating!

Consider head space when using loft ladders

Of course, you also need to consider the point at which the loft opening allows you to enter the loft space. We don’t recommend placing it too near an outside wall or you risk ascending under the eaves.

If you are unsure of what the options are in your home and how much space you will need to accommodate your choice of ladder, then we are happy to provide a no-obligation quote. Contact us now using our webform or on 07712 327889.

What do we advise homeowners in Stratford-upon-Avon against storing in their loft?

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We are big fans of loft storage. Every week we help homeowners in Warwickshire and Worcestershire to claim back space by boarding their lofts. Our customers generally have plans for what they want to store, but one of the questions they sometimes ask us is, are there any items that I shouldn’t keep in my loft?

Lofts are subject to huge variations of temperature. Ever had to go up to the loft in a heatwave? If you have, then you’ll know that it gets rather hot up there. For that reason, if you have a precious collection of vinyl, it might be better off somewhere else. 

The same extreme of temperature applies during a cold snap – the loft gets pretty chilly. This variation of temperatures means that items made of wood, such as furniture, may warp or joints split. So, if you have any precious wooden items, think about keeping them elsewhere. When it comes to musical instruments, we would not recommend storing them in a loft space for this reason.

What can I store in a boarded loft?

There are plenty of items that you can store in a loft if you think about how you do it and provide protection.

The loft is home to insects like moths and silverfish, so that some items are best stored in plastic containers with lids. Tempting as it is to just sling into a bin liner any clothes you don’t wear or you are saving to hand down when a younger child grows, you may find that they are unwearable after a while. This problem is easily solved by vacuum packing which protects them from moths and mildew.  

Books should be kept in plastic boxes with lids so that silverfish do not get to the pages. Likewise for photographs in order to protect their finish and preserve the precious memories they show.

If you want to go one step further, you can ask your contractor to line the loft with a membrane that will prevent dust and grit falling on to your stored items.

There are many items that you can store in your loft and our customers do just that. With a little care, you can free up your living space and store belongings out of sight, confident that they will remain in good condition.

We board lofts in Stratford-upon-Avon and most of Warwickshire and Worcestershire

To find out more about loft boarding contact us now.

Looking to move your loft hatch in Stratford-upon-Avon? There’s no mess and dust with us

Posted by Stu's Loft Ladders editorial team on

One of the top reasons people often put off having a job done in their homes, even once they have the funds in place, is the worry about any mess and dust it might create.

We like to reassure anyone thinking about moving their loft opening or enlarging the loft hatch, that we take a particular pride in leaving our working area pristine.

Before and after photos from a job where we enlarged the loft opening and fitted a new hatch

What this means, is that we take away any debris and always use dust sheets to protect carpets. When cutting a new loft opening and plastering around the hatch, we make sure that there is no evidence of the work other than the new hatch itself. Take a look at this genuine customer Facebook review from a job last month,

Definitely recommend Stu & team. We had our old loft hatch in the bedroom boarded and painted like it was never there. They then relocated a new large loft hatch in to the hallway with new ladders and boarded the loft. We have plenty of space! Excellent job, reliable and so tidy. If you want a professional service these guys are it. 

This customer loved the fact that we painted the ceiling, so you could not tell where the old loft hatch had been. We’ve even had one customer tell us that her husband did not notice that the loft hatch had been enlarged for a few days because it looked like it had always been that way. This is exactly as it should be – you do not want to make a feature of your loft hatch – you want it to blend into the ceiling. So we won’t take offence if your visitors don’t notice our work!

To find out more contact us for a no-obligation consultation.

Live in Warwickshire or Worcestershire and thinking of installing a boiler in your loft space? What you need to know about loft access

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If space is at a premium in your kitchen, or you don’t have a utility room, then you may be considering installing a boiler in your loft space. If this is the case, then you need to be aware of the regulations and issues regarding loft access.

Retractable loft ladder

In order to allow safe access for a heating engineer you will need a retractable ladder installed. You can talk to us about the options and there will be one to suit your budget. Aluminium is both light and sturdy, but we also supply timber ladders if your budget allows.

Aluminium Loft Ladder in Bidford

Loft boarding to create a safe walkway and working platform

You will need to create a walkway from the loft hatch to the boiler as well as an adequate working platform. *  We would add that the boards need to be safe and stable, by which we mean securely attached to the joists and laid flush so that there are no trip hazards.

Lighting

You must provide adequate lighting to allow an engineer to carry out the work and to enter and exit the loft safely.

Guard rail

There should be a guard rail at the exit of the loft. We can build this in easily as part of a loft improvement package. We are experienced carpenters and can create a bespoke handrail for you at a reasonable cost.

Size of loft hatch and location

Although not specifically covered by regulations, no heating engineer is going to want to access your boiler if the loft hatch is in a dangerous or difficult position. The same goes if the loft opening is very small. The good news is that enlarging, or even moving, the loft hatch is not a big job and we undertake this for customers as part of our regular work.

Always consult a qualified heating engineer about a boiler installation

*Please note this blog is only intended as a guideline to make you aware of some of the considerations and that regulations may change. There are other considerations regarding boiler installation in a loft space, so we advise you to always consult an appropriately qualified heating engineer. 

If you want to talk about loft boarding or fitting a ladder in readiness, then we would love you to get in touch.

Loft boarding rises in popularity in Worcestershire and Warwickshire

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We’ve been in the loft improvement business for more than a decade and, whilst we have always remained busy, we have seen the various aspects of our work rise and fall in popularity over that time. One general trend stands out and that is the increase in demand for loft boarding.

Up to a few years ago 75% of our work involved fitting fixed loft ladders and installing new hatches. Boarding loft spaces made up the other 25%. Throughout 2020 and 2021, our work has changed to consist of 50% boarding and 50% loft ladders.

Loft boarding creates a feeling of space

Talking with our customers reveals the reasons for the demand for loft boarding. Number one is the fact that we have all been spending so much more time at home during Covid 19. This increased time in the home has led customers to reassess the space they have and created a desire to free their living spaces of items that could be stowed in the loft out of sight. It is not just that customers have been working from home or were home-schooling children. As well as carving out specific areas for a home office or to exercise in, customers just simply wanted to create a feeling of space. 

Whereas before customers would fit a ladder and think about boarding the loft space themselves or getting us back at a later date to do it, loft boarding has become a priority.

“Customers are saying to us that what is the point of fitting a fixed ladder if they still have to be careful not to go through the floor when they are up in the loft,” explains Stuart Dyson, owner of Stu’s Loft Ladders. “Without boarding, it is almost impossible to effectively use the space in your loft.”

Take a look at our boarding page for more information or our Facebook page for examples of recent work and customer reviews.

Want to store away your summer items? Why autumn is a busy time for loft boarding in Warwickshire

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Dare we say it…there is an autumn chill in the air! Whilst we want to hang on to every last day of summer, the new season is approaching and, for most of us, so is a return to work and routine. If you have been enjoying summer past-times, such as camping or summer sports, now might be the time to pack away equipment ready for next year.  Or you might be swapping your summer wardrobe for your winter one. For these reasons this is a busy time of year for Stu’s Loft Ladders as people decide to have their loft boarded as a way of storing seasonal items.

Loft Boarding Installation
Even just boarding the centre section of a loft creates functional storage space

As September arrives, these are some of the seasonal items most commonly stored in a boarded loft:

  • Camping – great fun and an affordable means of gaining a much-needed change of scenery. However, camping comes with a lot of equipment. Not just the tent itself, but beds, cooking equipment, chairs and all the paraphernalia of an outdoor stay. If you don’t want to jam up your shed or garage, then the loft is the ideal space for storage. If gaining access is awkward, we can even enlarge the loft opening so that getting bulky items up there is a breeze. 
  • Summer clothes – as the nights draw in you may be reaching for your winter woollies and finding it tricky to see what clothes you have in an overstuffed wardrobe. By taking out your summer clothes and vacuum-packing them, they will be free from dust and moths, ready for the warmer weather in 2022. They can then sit happily in the loft out of the way until you need them again. The same goes for summer footwear which, can go into clear boxes with lids.
  • Summer sports – if you have a hobby that you enjoy in the warmer months with equipment that you won’t need until spring, making the most of your loft means keeping other areas in your home clear. Whether it’s cricket bats, paddles, wetsuits or body boards, having loft storage sorted frees up space in the rest of your home.

So, at the start of the new season, give us a call on 07712 327889 for a no-obligation quote for loft boarding, fixed loft ladders or a new hatch. See more about our services here.