How to choose the right ladder for your home

Recommendation points

• Classification of ladders
• By appointment
• By material
• To size
• By design
• How to choose a household step ladder

The article will tell you how to responsibly approach the choice of a reliable folding ladder, which is colloquially called a step-ladder. You will learn how they differ in characteristics and design features, as well as in purpose. The article will help you distinguish a professional ladder from a household one.

The triangle is the most rigid geometric shape. Two of the most common examples of its reliability are gable roofs and stepladders. However, in the second case, the elements of the figure are a movable mechanism, the choice of which should be approached with special attention..

Classification of ladders

The stepladder consists of two conditionally rigid frames connected by a hinge. The ladder got its name from the safety connection – soft (tape, cable) or hard (metal strip) – which is called “stirrup”.

All ladders differ in their main features..

By appointment

Household or amateur. Lightweight models with relatively weak connections, no reinforcements. In their manufacture, cheap materials are used and they are designed for periodic use at home. They can have a complex structure (transformer) and can withstand a maximum weight of up to 100 kg.

Professional. Reinforced structural elements made of reliable alloys, aluminum, steel. They are tested in all parameters – stability, rigidity, reliability of the entire structure. Are subject to mandatory certification at the point of sale, must have stickers confirming compliance with international safety standards. Such ladders can withstand a load of 120 kg, which allows two people to work on a ladder in the presence of steps on the reciprocal frame.

How to distinguish a professional step ladder from a household one

A professional stepladder with a standard layout is rare. An ideal option for permanent work is a transformer. Such a device will allow you to perform a maximum of tasks at different objects..

These stairs can be distinguished from household stairs by the following features:

1. The steps are rolled into the rack profile.
2. Larger section of racks and steps and thicker profile walls.
3. Large distance between steps – up to 400 mm.
4. Rubber support heels.
5. Professional Instrument Compliance Stickers.
6. Price – about twice as high.

Renowned firms often produce similar designs, but in different designs – household and “pros”. In such cases, they are “marked” with different colors of plastic and parts.

By material

Metal. Up to 80% of all modern staircases are produced from various alloys. It can be steel, aluminum, silumin, duralumin and others. Metal rails and steps are lightweight, durable and corrosion-resistant. An additional advantage – it is allowed to repair or replace elements by locksmithing (“cold” fasteners – on bolts and rivets).

Plastic. From plastic and hard polyurethane, professional and household stair-stools with a height of no more than 67 cm are produced. Their reliability depends entirely on the quality of plastic and they are also subject to certification. Such small scaffolds are very popular among painters and apartment renovators. Their main advantage is low weight..

Wooden. Purely household products, often home-made, are used in household use. They are quite reliable and durable in everyday life, but they are not suitable for regular work – attachment points wear out quickly, standard problems with wood, heavy weight. Advantage – decorative “furniture” look.

Combined. An echo of the past – the frame is made of 25 mm steel water pipe with bolted plywood steps. They can often be found in the household, but today they are not produced. Of the advantages – an extremely reliable frame, easy step replacement. Cons – unacceptable weight (up to 12 kg per 2 m).

To size

Up to 600 mm. Stool ladders or painting ladders. They have 2-3 steps and a convenient platform at the interface.

600-1500 mm. “Middle class” intended for interior work.

1500-1800 mm. High ladders, thanks to which you can reach a working height of 4.5 m (at arm’s length).

1800-2800 mm. Folding ladders with a retractable section design. In most cases, they have the function of a ladder, i.e. independent installation without support on the wall.

By design

Without stirrup. Allowed if the number of steps is less than 4. Usually these are painting or medium ladders..

Standard. They have a height from 670 to 1800 mm, 4 or more steps. A safety arc is required.

Telescopic. Extendable legs allow precise height adjustment. At the same time, the entire staircase weighs more than an option of the same maximum height and is more expensive, because much more material goes to it.

Transformers. Complex hinge design with multiple positions. Can be folded into a long (up to 4 m) ladder, painting or scaffold.

How to choose a household step ladder

Assess your needs. Set the maximum lift height and frequency of use (approx). Understanding the length (height) of the stairs will immediately discard 50% of unsuitable options.

Rate the main user. A young man will be satisfied with literally any device for lifting, but the interests of less dexterous household members must be taken into account:

1. Sufficient step width – from 120 mm.
2. Minimum step rise – no more than 200 mm.
3. Frame width (march) – not less than 350 mm on the site and 500 mm on the supports.
4. Convenient folding eliminates jamming.
5. Minimum weight and size.

Think in advance about the place of storage of the ladder – 95% of the time it will spend there, “waiting” for work.

In general, it should be noted that almost all household appliances, tools and devices have a design similar to professional ones. However, they are made of less reliable (and therefore cheaper) materials and have simple fixings. At first glance, a low-quality staircase is given out:

1. Riveted rungs and stirrups.
2. When lifting, the profile of the rack bends, like the steps.
3. The “heel” of the rack is made of rigid plastic, sometimes installed with defects or distortions.
4. Lightness and flimsy of parts and connections – sometimes you can push through walls or a platform with your fingers.

Ladder prices

There is no alternative to a factory stepladder. Unless it is possible to build conditional scaffolds from improvised means, which will be dangerous to health and even to life. The use of household ladders for professional work is also fraught with injuries – the steps may simply not withstand and break. The reliability of the inventory is a guarantee of long work and preservation of strength.