When you need to reach for something at height or a DIY job requires you to work from height you have a decision to make. Do I use a ladder or not? And if so, what’s the best ladder to use for the job?

To remove some of the confusion, we’ve put together this guide to if/when you should and the best type to use.

When should you use a ladder?

Whatever the job you have to do, you should consider a ladder when:

  • You’re going to be in one position for a maximum of 30 minutes.
  • The work involved is not going to be too strenuous. For example, you don’t have to carry extremely heavy loads.
  • You can maintain three points of contact at all times.

What is the best one to use?

The best ladder to use is one that you can use safely for the job you’re doing without overreaching. Here’s our guide to some common tasks and the best ladder to use.

Best ladder for working on stairs: Combination ladders

When you need to reach awkward places at the top of the stairs, the combination ladder is a great investment. They are safe and secure, and you can use the extension section to give you some stability when working on stairs. The bonus is that combination ladders are step, stairwell and extension ladder all in one. This means they are a good all-rounder for lots of DIY jobs.

The best option for cleaning gutters: Extension ladder

When you need to reach the gutters, you need something that extends enough without you having to overreach. Extension ladders are durable, lightweight, and they fold down easily for compact storage.

Best ladder for painting outside: Work platform

If you need to work comfortably and safely at height and have space for your tools and kit, a work platform is a perfect choice. They have handrails and an anti-slip platform for safety, and they fold up easily to fit through doorways and narrow spaces.

The Best option for light DIY jobs: Stepladders

If you need to change a lightbulb or get something off a high shelf, the humble stepladder is a good choice. It’s one of those essentials for the home or workplace that makes light work of any task where you need just a bit of extra reach. And just before you think stepladders are nothing special, a quick browse of our range will show you that they aren’t short on features. Many models have wheels and non-slip treads and don’t forget to look for that all-important EN-14183 safety certification.

We hope we’ve shed some light on your options to use for every job. For more tips and articles on all things ladders, check out our blog.