The Loftman Company
View company profile →
Still wish I could have my old loft ladders back (even more so after the company aftercare response))
Let’s start with the positives booking and the lads turning up for the job and the professionality was great. The boarding that runs along the roof supports is also excellent and really does provide a lot more storage that is easily accessible. Also, when I raised concerns, they were quick to respond and make adjustments. I’ve given it a couple of months to see how I adjusted to the ladders, however at end of it I wish I could just have my old ones back. So, the background I’m bigger chap not getting any younger and I was struggling to get into the loft my original ladders weren’t certified for my weight and didn’t have a guard and frankly a bit too steep. Additionally, the ladder caught the polystyrene loft hatch so it “snowed” every time I used them. After watching the wooden ladders video they looked ideal (and all the reviews raved about them) however I couldn’t have due to a modernish house with support beams for the roof. I could have wooden ladders but with a new hatch in one of the bedrooms (not in the existing hallway) so not a goer with the Mrs. However, they could fit metals ladders with a guard rail and they could support my weight and then some (hurrah!) and promised they wouldn't catch the loft hatch so no snow. However, given the design and the way fitted meant I couldn’t get into the loft. They are supported by a new wooden beam that goes over the loft hatch which make it smaller (more later) this meant with the original angle of the ladders (which would have been ideal if the loft hatch was the original size or bigger) meant I scrapped along the hatch when climbing up. I did bring it up and within days they adjusted the ladders to be steeper thus I would have more room to climb up. This make the loft more difficult to climb up than my old ladders and at the top there is a quite big “fixture” at the top that is difficult to transverse going up or down. Making the loft hatch smaller and the design of the ladders creates some practical difficulties when lowering “stuff” (well mostly Christmas related) down. With my old ladders I could pull them all the way into the loft and lower down quite a big box with the Christmas tree in it. With the new ladders there is less loft hatch space and I can’t pull them into the loft and so I will have to debox my Christmas tree and lower down in bits. I wished I’d done more research on what would have worked for me and spec what type of ladders I wanted and not just relied on the company. In hindsight my old ladders (with all the issues) where a better fit for me and I wish I hadn’t replaced them. -------------------------------------------------------- Update 31/10/25 - Thanks loftman for the update, I'll reach out. I do appreciate you sent quite a bit of info. as per the review. I should have done more research myself and not relied on you guys. I'm not questioning the professionality but from an amateur point of view I have compared the brochure pictures to my install and there is a bit of a difference. Hopefully we can get this sorted. ---------------------------------------- Update 31/10/25 The response did give a bit of false hope that the company was serious about a resolution. Unfortunately they have come back with "Given the circumstances, we recommend you seek assistance from another provider for any further adjustments or modifications you may require.". So that's a big fat zero. They not a terrible company and most of the reviews you read here are positive. As ever its buyer beware time do you research know what will work for you, test it and don't hand over the money until you are happy. I do hope you have a better experience than me and perhaps the company can reflect upon its post installation service. Update 31/10/25 to TLC Oh dear I didn't think it was going to get personal or into some form of public slanging match. No secrets I'm a chubby middle aged dad, when the salesperson came round to cost I was there in all my fatty glory and explained I wanted a ladder that was suitable and certified for my weight. The ladder is certified for my weight and up 150kg (I'm 100kg so 50kg spare). I think in my unexpert opinion it not fitted correctly or else manufacturers are designing ladders for up 150kg that can't be us on the bigger folk I'm not sure how I can send misrepresentative photo's of the loft ladders installation (I don't round the internet searching for images of bad ladder installations). It wouldn't get me far if you guys came back and compared it to reality. You'll be glad to know I am working on my weight but it was more to manage a long term health condition not to get into loft that was easier to climb into with my old ladders. I have now given up on the company fixing the issue, but I really didn't expect to get insulated along the way. I still say they are not a terrible company but aftercare well, there is scope for improvement.