Step Ladder or Step Stool?

Step ladders and step stools are handy pieces of equipment that will help you access things at height around the home or at work. But which should you invest in? Before you part with your hard-earned cash, let us help you decide whether you need a step ladder or step stool.

The stepladder

In case you’re not completely familiar with the features of a step ladder, here’s the lowdown. A step ladder is an A-shaped ladder that will usually allow you to climb between 3 and 12 steps. It’s a great piece of equipment that can help you safely work at height around the home and in the workplace. Most step ladders have an aluminium or fibreglass construction.

The step stool

A step stool is a one or two-step stool that will help you reach just that bit further than your natural reach. There are models on the market that are made from plastic, wood, steel, or aluminium.

Step ladder or step stool: what are the differences?

They have a different configuration

Step stools tend to be shorter than stepladders and the user can sit on top of them. Ideally, you shouldn’t sit on top of stepladders! 

They differ in size

This is the biggest giveaway. Step ladders are well, ladder size while step stools are way smaller. Because of the increased reach, a step ladder might be the better option if you need to do a range of tasks indoors and outdoors.

Step ladder or step stool: the difference in the weight limit

Step stools are smaller than step ladders, so that means they have less load capacity. Generally, a step stool is recommended for light indoor tasks around the home and workplace. However, a step ladder has a more generous load capacity so it can be safely used for a range of more demanding tasks.

Step ladder or step stool: which should you choose?

Are you weighing up whether you should invest in a step ladder or step stool? The first question you should ask yourself is ‘what will I be using it for?’

If you’re short on space at home or in the office, and you only need to reach a little higher than normal, opt for a step stool. You’ll be able to get into those high kitchen cabinets or reach that high shelf without a problem.  

But if you need to do jobs like painting the ceiling or changing lightbulbs, a step ladder is the best choice. Step ladders are designed to help you work at heights of 12ft or more safely.

So before you invest in a step ladder or step stool, think about:

• What type of task do you need to do;
• What kind of environment you are in (is there much space?);
• How high you need to reach;
• How much weight the equipment needs to be able to take.

We hope we’ve helped you make a decision on what’s the best option for your needs. If you want to look for the best step ladders check out our articles. For more tips and advice on all things ladders, check out the rest of our blog.