A folding ladder is configured for installation in an opening to provide access between one floor or space and another floor or space. The folding ladder includes, in one aspect, an upper ladder section having a left ladder rail and a right ladder rail, a lower ladder section having a left ladder rail and a right ladder rail, a hinge rotatably connecting the upper ladder section ladder rails to the lower ladder section ladder rails, and a plurality of steps rotatably disposed between the upper and lower ladder rails. The plurality of steps are configured for rotation between a retracted position and a deployed position. At least one step disposed between the upper ladder rails and at least one step disposed between the lower ladder rails are linked by at least one linkage member so that each of the noted steps rotates between a retracted position and a deployed position upon rotational movement of the upper ladder section relative to the lower ladder section between a closed position and an open position.