The Best Concertina Loft Ladders (UK 2026)

By the Loft Rung editorial team · Updated 2026 · How we test & score

Concertina loft ladders fold up like a scissor mechanism into a very compact stack, which makes them the go-to when the hatch is small or the space above it is tight. Here's what to look for and our top concertina picks.

Quick answer

Concertina ladders take up the least room of any type, both in the opening and in the loft above, so they suit small or awkward hatches where a 3-section sliding ladder simply won't fit. BPS Access Solutions and ALUFIX are the specialists here, offering various tread counts to match ceiling height. They're quick to pull down, though they can feel slightly less rigid underfoot than a sliding aluminium ladder.

What to look for

Match the tread count to your ceiling height - more treads means more reach, and manufacturers list the height range each model suits. Check the folded stack depth, since that's what needs to clear your loft opening and any obstruction above it. Look for a smooth action, non-slip treads and a solid frame fixing. Because concertinas rely on a linkage, feel and build quality vary more than on simpler ladders, so it's worth buying a known name.

How we pick

We rate concertina ladders on compactness when folded, reach for the tread count, rigidity, smoothness of action and value. Every pick is a genuine concertina loft ladder.

Our top picks

Frequently asked questions

Are concertina loft ladders any good?

Yes, particularly where space is tight - they fold into the most compact stack of any type, so they work with small hatches and lofts with limited clearance above the opening. Quality models are perfectly sturdy. The trade-offs are that they can feel a little springier underfoot than a rigid sliding ladder, and the linkage means build quality matters more, so buy from a known specialist.

How much space does a concertina loft ladder need?

Far less than a sliding ladder, which is their main appeal. They fold into a shallow stack that sits within or just above the hatch, so you don't need the long clear run in the loft that a 3-section sliding ladder requires. Check the manufacturer's stated folded dimensions against your opening and whatever is directly above it in the loft space before ordering.

Bottom line

Our top pick is the BPS Concertina Loft Ladder (our score 9.0/10) - A practical loft ladder (concertina, 8ft reach) for safer loft access..

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