There are many step ladders to pick from, and choosing the best one can be difficult with so much variety. You will understandably want to get the best value, but choosing the right step ladder will depend on your needs. Here we will describe the best ladders for different situations.
Firstly, you want the fundamentals of a step ladder to deliver the following:
- Safety.
- Ease of use.
- Suitable height and maximum load capacity.
With this in mind, sometimes it is very simple to narrow down the type of step ladder you require. For example, you will not need a roof ladder for interior painting and decorating. On other occasions, the right ladder can be less obvious, particularly when you get into the different sub-categories.
As industry-leading providers of a wide range of industrial equipment, including many step ladders, we are in a good position to share information on the best ladders for different situations. You can buy online today with free UK delivery or get in touch if you have any further questions.
What are the Best Step Ladders?
Different step ladders help to achieve different goals, and the right one will keep your workflow optimised by effectively matching your needs. A three-step ladder is suitable for reaching heights of around 6 ft and below, whereas a telescopic or extension ladder is useful for access to areas that are above roof height.
Material choices play a role in your decision too. Fibreglass ladders can provide non-conductive frames that are suitable for an electrician, whereas a plumber may not require such a feature – and so can choose a lower-cost aluminium design.
As a result, we will now breakdown the best step ladders for different uses and the considerations you should take when choosing one:
The Best Heavy Duty Step Ladders
Finding a reliable step ladder that is capable of handling the impacts of regular use can be a challenge. Whether you are working professionally in a trade or require a heavy-duty step ladder at home a reliable, sturdy model is essential in many cases.
Some of the best heavy-duty step ladders include the following:
- Heavy-duty platform step ladders: Platforms provide extra stability and a wide space above the top step to rest a tool or materials. With light aluminium construction, you can enjoy a heavy-duty performance with great portability.
- Heavy-duty swingback step ladders: Swingback ladders provide extra height supported by strong rubber feet and reliable leg tips. An ideal heavy-duty ladder for working at high levels, the base of these ladders have anti-slip treads for extra stability.
You can optimise your workflow with a heavy-duty ladder as you can rely on it for a variety of situations. Heavy-duty step ladders are very adaptable and useful for many circumstances, and with lightweight aluminium designs you can easily transport them in a van.
The Best Folding Step Ladders
Folding ladders are great for when you want effective height and easy storage. The most essential aspect of a folding step ladder is a strong locking mechanism. Many fibreglass step ladders have folding designs, for high strength at a very low weight.
Excellent examples of some of the best folding step ladders include the following:
- Dark Horse multi-purpose ladders: This easily transportable folding ladder is useful as an A-frame extension, at 90 degrees and as a scaffold system. With non-slip rubber grips, this ladder is a very safe option for diverse types of use.
- Xtreme multi-purpose ladders: With built-in levellers for use on uneven surfaces this folding step ladder is ultra-portable and suitable for outdoor work such as telecoms and railways. Xtreme ladders have military-grade construction and sturdy Comfort Step™ platforms.
Folding designs will give you higher levels of functionality. Folding step ladders open up the possibilities of the types of work you can carry out, with reliable metal locking mechanisms and lightweight frames for extra reliability in any position that does not compromise on portability.
The Best Value Step Ladders
Getting the best value is important, especially in commercial settings, so it is a good idea to have a look at the best options for when you are trying to stick to a budget. A sturdy step ladder is a good investment, but understandably keeping costs down is desirable.
A selection of particularly good value ladders includes the following:
- King Kombo industrial 3-way ladders: If you are searching for a multi-purpose ladder with the best value King Kombo are one of the best brands to look into. This ladder is an ultra heavy-duty model that comes at a very cost-effective price.
- Probat aluminium step ladders: With many sizes, from small 3 step to large 8 tread models, Probat is a brand that provides versatility at the best value. Sturdy and lightweight aluminium materials make this a cost-effective everyday ladder.
When you are looking to cover a lot of bases with a ladder you can still get the best value by choosing reliable brands and selecting appropriate models that use cost-effective materials. Whether you are looking for folding or heavy-duty features there are many low-cost options.
Top Ladder Brands
While getting the best value is an important consideration in any brand it is not the only marker of quality. Many step ladder brands have extensive features that provide excellent benefits for many types of work, which means they may be more expensive.
The best ladders brands include the following:
- Revolution.
- Velocity
- Dark Horse
- Probat.
- King Kombo
There are many popular and reliable brands, which vary depending on the industry. When differentiating from brands you can look for specific signs of quality and reliability, such as heavy-duty ratings and safety standards. Look out for ladders with certifications to EN14183, EN131 or BS2037 Class 1 standards as markers of brand quality.
The Best Step Ladders Explained
The process of choosing a step ladder will vary depending on your requirements. However, there are many lightweight and heavy-duty options available with a range of safe designs – so it is a simple process of elimination. If a ladder is safe, easy to use and suitable for the height and weight you require then it will add the best value.
Our product selections across a wide variety of industrial items deliver quality and long-lasting results for a range of commercial settings. You can buy the best step ladders and many other useful pieces of equipment online today, and if you have any further questions please feel free to get in touch with us.
FAQs and Useful Information
The following are some common questions and useful information about choosing the best step ladders and the services we provide:
What is the best step ladder to buy?
The best step ladder is one that is the most appropriate for your daily needs, in addition to being a safe and easy to use design. If you require regular access to heights of above 6 ft a heavy-duty step ladder is a good option, whereas smaller 3 step designs are better if you only require access to lower levels. In some cases, a step stool may be all that is necessary. Stainless steel ladders are strong, aluminium step ladders are light and fibreglass step ladders offer a blend of both weight and sturdiness – so an appropriate material choice is important in addition to the step ladder design.
What is the highest step you should use on a step ladder?
While it is possible to stand on any part of a step ladder, the recommended highest step from the manufacturer will normally be indicated by a mark on the rails. It is important to respect this to observe proper safety. The top step should not be used for climbing or standing, neither should the top cap. As a result, if you require access to a higher level you may have to consider a different type of ladder to maintain safety standards. Safe ladder use is especially important for commercial settings where very stringent insurance and legal obligations have to be met.
Get in touch with us if you have any further questions.
