Hi there gardengirl (I happen to be married to a garden girl myself :)

A little quick searching and I was able to come up with some options. (I have no personal knowledge of this company, so this is just 'for what it's worth', not a recommendation.)

OK, a question for you: why metal?

http://www.memphisfoldingstairs.com/stair_products.htm

Regards,

-k2 in CO

Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum

http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous

It seems like a metal ladder would be sturdier and steadier than wood. I picture a metal ladder with rubber non-slip feet, and rubber covers on the steps. My husband weighs a measly 210 and our wood ladder acts like it is going to break in two every time he climbs it. We are both getting a little old to be climbing rickety ladders, if you know what I mean. Also, no splinters!

Thank you so much for the link. What do YOU think about a metal ladder vs a wood ladder? What would be the downside to a metal ladder?

gardengirl

Hi again gardengirl,

Your arguments make sense...safety in getting up there is a definite concern!

I guess the reason I asked why you need it is that one thing we've learned in these forums is that attics aren't typically designed to handle much weight. I was wondering, perhaps she wants to use it for storage of, well, who knows what! :)

As for sturdiness, I think it has less to do with wood-vs-metal than with their ratings. I didn't spend too much time on that site, but their metal ladders "look" more "industrial strength." Be sure you check before ordering!

As I've gotten older, I've gotten to like ladders less and less myself--so I know from where you're coming. Personally, I'm more tempted to stay out of attics altogether than find ways to get myself in and out of them easier--but that's just me! :)

Regards,

-k2 in CO

Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum

http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous

Since we don't have a basement or other large storage area, we use our attic a lot. My husband put good lighting and a floor in the attic so that it is very sturdy to walk on. There is plenty of head room too. We carry stuff up and down the ladder quite frequently. One corner of it is a sail loft. Then there are out of season things like a lawn spreader. And the camping equipment, old golf clubs, the list goes on and on. It's just like an extra room. That's why we would like a good, sturdy pull-down ladder.

Does somebody "rate" pull-down ladders? Maybe I missed that on the website you mentioned. Thanks for the advice.

gardengirl

gardengirl

Hi again Gardengirl,

That web page I sent has a "Rating" (in stars) to represent how heavy duty their ladders are. Seems that it ranges from 1 star to three--through "standard", "deluxe" and "heavy duty".

Interestingly enough, the heaviest duty stair seems to be a wooden one.

Again, this was just a site I found through a search engine--I can't vouch for it through personal experience. But hopefully their product'll be as good as anything you found in Australia! :)

(OK, for you OZs out there--don't get offended--I love your country and have even visited there a few years ago and would love to visit again! :)

I am kind of 'with you' in needing storage, by the way. Too much stuff, not enough place to store it (only I don't have an attic!) But don't put TOO much up there, OK? Attics aren't designed for huge loads....so just be careful, OK...not too many hundreds of pounds of dumbbells, or full aquariums, etc., LOL!

BTW, sounds like you have good justification for a decent attic ladder. Be safe!

Regards,

-k2 in CO

Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum

http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous

There are number of metal, steel attic stairs available from companies in USA. One is Calvert Attic Stairs. The have Aluminum and steel attic stairs.