Attic ladder

An attic ladder (US) or loft ladder (UK) is a retractable ladder that is installed into the floor of an attic and ceiling of the floor below the attic. They are used as an inexpensive and compact alternative to having a stairway that ascends to the attic of a building. Also, fire departments carry attic ladders on fire apparatus for use to locate and extinguish fires in attic spaces.

They are useful in areas with space constraints that would hinder installation of a standard staircase. Attic ladders typically consist of a ladder with wider steps and a steep slope. A drawstring will hang down to allow the ladder to be manually extended. Attic ladders are usually made of wood, metal, aluminum, or fiberglass.