My pull-down stairs are wood. They are very solid and very heavy. They're easier to pull down than push back up. I found the key is putting my ladder in the exact spot every time, so I marked on the floor where to place the legs.

We just installed a heavy duty wood attic ladder. It's nice quality and very solid. Can't speak to the metal ladders.

Our ladder is wood and very sturdy. Can't image we'll ever need to replace it, but I'd choose wood again.

I saw these telescoping attic ladders years ago and thought it was a good idea (see link). I find that for a 10 ft ceiling the folding wood stairs start to get heavy and cumbersome, specially for someone who isn't tall.

Here is a link that might be useful: telescoping attic ladder

Chsipa, that is neat. Wish I had that. I have wood and they are so heavy.