‘What kind of ladder do I need?’ is the most common question customers ask our sales team. There are many different types of ladder on the market, so choosing the right one can be confusing. Hopefully our handy guide will point you in the right direction.
What types of ladder are there?
Combination ladder
You know that kid at school who was an all-rounder? This is them in ladder form. As you can probably guess by the name, this ladder is a combination of a few different types of ladder. Whether you need a stairwell ladder, extension ladder, or step ladder, this ladder does it all. That’s what makes it a great choice for DIY enthusiasts, builders, electricians, engineers, painters & decorators, warehouse operatives, and factory workers.
Perfect for: Working on a staircase
Need to change a lightbulb or do a painting job on a staircase? A combination ladder is perfect for the job. No need to precariously balance your standard ladder any longer.
We love:
Our Little Giant King Combination ladder is the world’s first (and only) 3-in-1 step ladder variation, leaning ladder, and extension ladder combination. Strong yet lightweight, this is a durable choice for busy working environments and tradesmen who need a ladder that lasts. With heavy duty feet, a super tough grip, and a patent pending Ground Cue*, this ladder helps you get the job done safely.
*The ladder produces an audible sound that lets you know when you have reached the bottom rung. No more missing it and risking injury. Genius, right?
Fibreglass ladder
Next up in our guide to the different types of ladder, it’s fibreglass ladders. Look around online, and you’ll notice they tend to be pricier than their aluminium counterparts. That’s because unlike aluminium ladders, they’re fully insulated and don’t conduct electricity. This makes them safer for electrical jobs.
Perfect for: Any kind of electrical work
These ladders are insulated to between 10,000 and 100,000 volts. That makes them perfect for electricians and service engineers who work in high risk environments.
We love:
The V3 glass fibre ladder. Insulated to 100,000 volts, this is the gold standard ladder for electrical work. It has rollers wheels for easy movement and a tough stabiliser bar and locking mechanism for safety. This ladder is as versatile as it is safe. You can use it as a stepladder, extension ladder, or a freestanding extension ladder.
Telescopic ladder
When you’re choosing between different types of ladder, this is the one for you if you need something compact. When collapsed, you can transport these ladders on your van roof or in the car boot. Another big benefit of these ladders is you can extend them to the exact height you need.
Perfect for: Easy transport
A telescopic ladder is a great investment for mobile tradesmen like painters and electricians. They’re lightweight and super easy to transport from one job to the next.
We love:
The Hailo T80 Flexline 380 which can be adjusted to any height you need by removing individual rungs. The one-hand unlocking system reduces the risk of trapped fingers.
Stepladders
The humble stepladder is the solid choice for quick jobs around the home and workplace. Whether you need to clean ground floor windows or change a lightbulb, they’ll help make light work of it. Stepladders are self-supporting and comfortable to stand on. However, other types of ladder may be more suitable for jobs that take longer than 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Perfect for: Light home DIY or light workplace maintenance jobs.
Stepladders are a great choice for DIY enthusiasts, small offices, engineers, and maintenance workers. They fold up neatly when not in use and are lightweight and portable.
We love:
Our Aluminium Folding Steps, a versatile choice for many different jobs and environments. This ladder has non-slip rubber feet and a top handrail for safety when working at height. It’s also easy to store and transport.
For more interesting articles on ladders and safe working at height, check out the rest of our blog.