Yes loft ladders are different than standard ladders. A standard ladder is removable from its place, to be used from one area to the next. Where a loft ladder normally folds into the ceiling and unfolds to give you access to an attic.
Most loft ladders are built like extension ladders, that is to say they slide telescopically into sections. This means when they are stored away they take up less space than a step ladder, but this storage space is in the loft.
There are many places to find loft ladders in the United Kingdom. The first search shows Amazon has some. Another couple of places are the Loft Shop and the Attic and Loft.
Timber Loft Ladder can usually cope with a maximum of 150kg on them. Aluminium ladders are are to support more as they are made from a strong and sturdy material.
A loft ladder is typically shorter and designed for accessing smaller spaces like an attic or loft, with a folding design that saves space when not in use. Extension ladders, on the other hand, are longer and can be extended to reach higher places like rooftops or windows, with rungs that are typically wider for more stability when climbing.
Some retailers that offer Concertina loft ladders include for example "Eckman", "Amazon", "LoftsAndLadders", "BPS Access Solutions" and the "Loft Centre".
A loft ladder, being retractable, is much more ideal if you're worried about clutter within the household. A regular ladder would either be attached to the floor, an obtrusive and unattractive design for a family home, or it would be a regular portable ladder, and bringing a portable ladder to your attic every time you need to access it is pretty impractical.
Wooden loft ladders are essential for many who do not have another access point to their lofts by any other means than a loft ladder. This is not a problem these days as many DIY shops sell them and offer a delivery service. The Amazon website has wooden loft ladders available at good prices with very speedy delivery to the customer.
Loft ladders offers easy access to lofts and attics. They attach to the edge of the attic and pull out easily for fast access to attic areas. The starting price of the ladder is $149 at Home Depot.
You can purchase the equipment necessary to make an electric loft ladder at your local Lowe's home improvement store. You can also purchase pre-built models on the Loft Centre website if you live in the UK.
When Ideal loft ladders are opened, they extend from the floor to the roof; however, when they are closed, they neatly slide or fold into the attic. The attic ladder hatch is firmly fastened to the ceiling joists, ensuring its longevity.
"Wooden Loft Ladder Shop" and "The Loft Ladder" are both places where you can select and purchase a loft ladder. The UK based "Wooden Loft Ladder Shop" is my preferred choice.
Prices for a loft ladder actually vary a lot. If you were looking for a cheaper one, they run around 90 to 100 dollars. More expensive ones will go up to around 200 dollars.