How much does a loft safety railing cost?

Worried about safety in your attic space? Here, we’ll explore how much the average loft safety railing costs.

Your loft is such a useful part of your home. But getting up there – and making sure you’re safe – isn’t always straightforward. Here, we’ll reveal the typical loft safety railing cost to give you extra peace of mind.

How much does a loft safety railing cost?

The total cost to get a loft safety railing supplied and installed – together with any necessary modifications or making good – is typically around <strong> £350</strong>.

If you’re keen to add a loft safety railing to your attic space, you’ll generally have two options to choose from: a loft grab rail or a loft balustrade.

A loft grab rail is a metal rail that’s usually fitted to your attic floor. It offers support when you’re entering and exiting your attic.

Meanwhile, a loft balustrade – also known as a surround rail – encloses the stairs opening on three sides. It enhances your safety both while you’re entering and exiting your attic space, and while you’re up there.

How much does a loft grab rail cost?

Loft grab rails typically cost around £40-£80 each for supply only.

You can choose to add a loft grab rail on just one side of your loft opening, to give you extra support and stability when you’re entering and exiting your attic space.

However, many homeowners choose to add a grab rail on each side for maximum safety.

The typical cost of hiring a professional to supply and install a pair of grab rails is between £160-£300.

Just bear in mind that you may need to budget for additional modifications or making good – for instance, a new timber support frame or chipboard base. This could set you back an additional £100-£400.

How much does a loft balustrade cost?

If you’re looking to install a loft balustrade yourself, you can get hold of one for around £70-£300.

However, getting a professional to supply and install your loft balustrade will give you peace of mind that it’s been installed properly and will offer maximum safety.

You can expect to pay between£150-£450 for a professional to supply and install a loft balustrade for you.

Again, remember to budget a little extra for any necessary modifications and making good.

Factors affecting the cost of a loft handrail

Now you know roughly how much you can expect to pay for a loft balustrade or grab rail. But your overall costs can vary depending on a number of factors.

1. Type of loft handrail

Loft balustrade costs generally skew a little higher than loft grab rail costs – especially if you’re looking at supply only. We’re talking around£100 for a balustrade compared to around £50 for a grab rail.

That said, the average cost of hiring a professional to supply and install a loft balustrade is around the same as hiring someone to supply and install a pair of grab rails. Both come to roughly £200.

2. Material

Loft grab rails are usually made from steel or aluminium, while loft balustrades can be made from either metal or wood.

Generally, wood balustrades tend to cost more than their metal counterparts.

3. Finish

Both grab rails and balustrades are available in a range of different finishes.

Metal grab rails and balustrades can either be painted or silver plated. Meanwhile, if you opt for a wooden balustrade, you can choose one that’s either functional or decorative in appearance.

4. Quantity

As you might expect, installing just one grab rail on either side of your loft opening will cost less than installing a pair with one on each side.

Similarly, a larger loft opening will call for a larger balustrade to surround it, which will generally cost more.

5. Modifications and making good

Depending on your loft opening, you may need to budget for additional modifications and making good. This is likely to cost in the region of £100-£400.

Alternatively, you may want to carry out additional work – such as boarding your loft – at the same time. This will incur extra costs but will likely save you money overall compared to completing these projects separately.

6. Location and access

If your loft is hard to access, you can expect the work to take longer, which can increase your costs.

Similarly, the cost of hiring tradespeople can be slightly higher in some areas of the UK, like London.

How do I estimate a handrail?

The best way to estimate the cost of a loft handrail is to get quotes from local tradespeople.

They’ll be able to visit your home and give you a bespoke estimate for your needs.

We always recommend getting at least three quotes. That way, you can get a feel for a range of local tradespeople and ensure you’re getting a fair and competitive price for the work.

How long does it take to fit a handrail?

How long it takes to fit a loft handrail will depend on the type of handrail, the access to your loft and what kind of modifications are needed (if any).

However, you shouldn’t expect this job to take any longer than a few hours.

Your tradesperson should be able to give you a more accurate estimate once they’ve taken a look at your loft and access.

Key takeaways

• Loft safety railings can enhance your loft’s safety

• A loft balustrade costs on average £200 for supply and installation

• The average cost to supply and install a pair of loft grab rails is also £200

• Make sure to budget around £150 for modifications and making good