Cleaning the gutters. Cleaning the windows. Doing an exterior paint job. They’re all jobs that need doing. Just like any job where you need to work at height, you need the right ladder. What size ladder will you need for working at different heights? Here’s our guide.

Before you buy

Before you invest, here are some things you need to know.

  • The total height of the ladder when it’s extended;
  • The platform height. This is the height at which you can safely stand and do the job. Remember that as a rule, you should never stand on the very top rungs of a ladder.
  • Your working height.  If you were cleaning the gutter, how high do you need to be able to reach without risking overbalancing?

What Size Ladder is Best for My House?

If you’re wondering what size ladder is best for the job you need to do, we’ll tell you.

What Size Ladder for a one-storey house

If you live in a one-storey home like a bungalow, you guttering will be around 3.3 metres from the ground. Your ideal ladder should ideally reach 3.95 metres or more.

Your best option:

A combination ladder will give you the best of both worlds. Use it as a stepladder when you’re cleaning the windows. Convert it to an extension ladder when you’re cleaning the guttering.

What Size Ladder for a two-storey house

When you’re thinking about what size ladder is best for you, know this. You won’t get away with using a stepladder. The average height of your ceilings will be 2.35 metres. Double this to 4.7 metres and that’s the height of your eaves.

Your best option:

Need to do a job that’s higher than the first storey? Use an extension ladder with a height of at least 5.8 metres.

What Size Ladder for a three-storey townhouse

If you live in a taller home, use the same figures to calculate the height. So 2.35 metres multiplied by 3, which is 7.05 metres.

Your best option:

A lightweight aluminium extension ladder with a reach of up to 10.9 metres (35 feet).

Using your Ladder – Ladder Safety Tips

  • As well as thinking about what size ladder you need, you need to make sure you position it properly. The general rule of thumb is that for every 4 feet of height, the ladder should be one metre away from the wall.
  • Make sure you place the ladder on firm, stable ground.
  • Don’t overreach or you risk overbalancing.
  • Always maintain three points of contact while you’re working on the ladder.

We hope that this guide has shed some light on what size ladder you need, whatever the size of your property. For more interesting articles on all things ladders, check out the rest of our blog.