Ladders are indispensable tools that can help you complete a wide range of jobs around the home. However, choosing the right ladder is crucial to safety and security.
There are different ladder types to choose from and each one has its pros and cons. It is important to consider the type of work you plan to do and how long the tool will be in use before deciding which ladder type to buy.
Step Ladders
There are several types of ladders, all with their own pros and cons. When choosing the right one for your needs, consider your personal preferences and budget. Also, remember to check ladder manufacturer ratings and recommendations as well as OSHA guidelines.
In addition to height, safety should be a primary concern when selecting the perfect ladder for you. For example, aluminum ladders transfer electricity pretty quickly, which can cause an electric shock if you use them near power lines or electrical wires.
For that reason, fiberglass ladders are generally considered the safest and most practical choice. However, they're usually heavier than steel models and aren't suitable for all work environments and tasks.
Our top pick for step ladders is the Bauer Corporation 6-Foot Fiberglass Folding Step Ladder. It's sturdy, easy to climb, and features a handy tool tray that's ideal for painting supplies and other tools. It's also incredibly lightweight, making it a breeze to store when not in use.
Extension Ladders
Extension ladders are taller than step ladders and can be used for projects that require you to reach high. They’re also ideal for cleaning gutters or painting.
There are several pros and cons of different ladder types, so it’s important to choose the right one for your specific needs. First, decide what type of project you’ll be using it for and how high you need to reach.
Then, look for a ladder that’s made of a material you can trust and that won’t break when it’s in use. For example, aluminum is a lightweight material that weighs less than fiberglass and is easier to transport.
Aside from that, you’ll want to choose a ladder with rungs that are wide enough for your feet. This will help keep your feet from slipping, and you’ll be more comfortable standing on the rungs.
Tripod Ladders
If you have an area of your garden that is difficult to reach with a regular ladder, then a tripod ladder may be the perfect solution. These ladders are self-standing and do not need anything to lean against to keep them stable, making them ideal for heavy-duty tasks such as tree surgery, hedge trimming and fruit picking.
Tripod ladders are broader at the base than at the top, which creates a very stable structure. They’re also useful for working at height because they do not need anything to lean against, which means you can work at a higher angle and stay safer.
Another benefit of tripod ladders is that they have a platform on their third step, which makes it easier to stand at height without having to balance on the top step. It also means you can rest your tools on it without them getting in the way.
Platform Ladders
When choosing a ladder for work or home improvement, there are pros and cons to each type. The pros include a more comfortable and secure working platform, larger foot space and more storage for tools.
In addition, platform ladders have handrails along their sides, which provide additional safety and support to those using them. This is especially important in situations where workers are going to be standing for a long time or in high places.
Another pro of platform ladders is that they are much more stable and safer than step ladders. This is because the standing surface of a platform ladder can be up to several feet larger than a step ladder’s platform.
However, a platform ladder is often heavier than a step ladder, making it more difficult to transport. Plus, it doesn’t have a place to put equipment while it’s functioning, like a step ladder usually does. This is a drawback for many employees.