Loft hatches are trapdoors or simply doors that can be found on ceilings that serve as entryway to the loft.
Standard Size or Custom Fit
One fundamental consideration in making loft hatches is the fit. Concerns as to whether you should use a standard sized or custom fit hatch depends on what you intend to use the loft for. Custom fit loft hatches are necessary if you have to use the loft for storing furniture pieces as they are usually too big to fit through standard sized loft hatches. A custom fit hatch will likely require installation of a ladder as it is practically impossible to move large furniture pieces to the loft without the support of elevation equipment. The type as well as the size of the hatch ladder affects the size of the loft hatch. If you prefer a concertina fold-down ladder, you will need a loft hatch that allows the ladder to pass through at its longest reach. Loft hatches are often sold with a matching loft ladder.
Materials
There are different choices of materials for loft hatches. Wood is the most common and popular material as it is light, cheap and can easily be modified if it doesn’t fit with the hatch. PVC comes next as another popular choice for hatch ladder as they are even cheaper and their delivery does not take a long time. There is a tough competition between these materials for hatch ladder but PVCs obviously are taking the lead as they are more affordable and easier to manufacture. Wood hatch ladders on the other hand look better and can be repainted time and time again.
Location
The location where the loft hatch opens up affects the type of loft hatch you will use. If the entrance is situated near a wall, the door has to be kept from swinging down to avoid leaving mark on the adjacent wall. It is also necessary to ensure that the wall does not get in the way of the loft ladder. Although this can prove difficult, you can extend the loft ladder into the hatch just enough for you to get to it. If the loft entrance is located above a stairwell, accessing the loft can be difficult even with most types of loft hatch so be sure to find a hatch that can adapt to the situation.
If you happen to have a small loft, opting for a hatch that opens inwards rather than outwards would be better. Loft hatches opening inwards though difficult to close, are easier to open and pose fewer problems with limited loft space than do hatches opening outwards.