13 Types of Ladders You Should Know Before Buying

Ladders are one of the most common accessories in a household, office, or construction site. Ladders were used a very long time ago and they are still in use even today. A specific period of introduction of ladders cannot be pinpointed, however, with years, the diversity and design have changed. Today, ladders are safe and easy to use. 

There are different types of ladders available on the market and most people know it. However, a majority consider purchasing one from a list of two or three types of ladders. Most of them are unfamiliar with the advantages of most of the other types of ladders. In this article, we would explain each ladder, which, in turn, could increase the number of options for you.

Types of Ladders

In general, as far as we know, there are 13 different types of ladder, here are they

#1 Step ladder –

Step ladders are one of the most popular and most commonly used ladders all around the world today. They are simple to use and a single person could mount them and climb on them. Since it is self-supporting and stable comparatively better than other ladders as they have 4 legs, they are commonly preferred by most customers over other ladders. Unlike other ladders, a step ladder comes with two sides, a user could climb any one of the sides as they prefer. 

  • Easy to store
  • Very stable
  • A single person could mount and use

#2 Extension ladder –

One of the key limitations of a step ladder is that height itself. However, this limitation will not be an issue when it comes to an extension ladder. As the name itself suggests, extension ladders are very taller when compared to step ladders. It could help the user reach greater heights, which, makes them best for painting ceiling, repairing the roof, repairing ceilings lights, fans, etc. But, unlike the step ladder, an extension ladder is not self-supporting. A mere look at the picture of this ladder would provide you general knowledge on the ladder.

  • Very tall
  • Best for painting, and repairing work
  • Easy to store

#3 Platform ladder –

A platform ladder and a step ladder are almost the same, while a platform ladder has a larger platform for the user, a step ladder has a comparatively small platform. As the size of the platform increases, the risk and the comfort of standing on them also decreases. The key advantage of the platform ladder is that they allow the user to stand on the platform for a prolonged time with maximum safety as they come with guide rails for the user to hold on to.

  • Perfect for extended works
  • Guide rails offer enhanced safety to the user
  • A user could stand straight and work as the ladder is self-supporting

#4 Step stool –

Most people assume a step stool to be some sort of chair and not be a ladder. This is a wrong assumption; a step stool is taller than a chair and it is designed in such a way that it could be folded into a smaller size. This type of ladder is best to be used in smaller space and shorter height. While the step stool is not as tall as other ladders, it is cheaper and best for small rooms.

  • Cheap product
  • Very efficient
  • Could be folded to store in a smaller space

#5 Folding ladder –

As the name itself suggest, folding ladders are those ladders that are designed in such a way that it could be folded after use. This folding nature of the ladder makes it easy to store them. A folding ladder is best as it could be folded to a comparatively very small size. The height of the ladder could be adjusted based on the requirement. 

  • Extremely versatile
  • Portable
  • Easy to store and mount

#6 Attic ladder

An attic ladder is designed to fit narrow space, especially hallways. These ladders are very lean and could support the weight of a person. They are commonly used to climb and reach the attic. 

  • Best for narrow space
  • Easy to store
  • Convenient to use

#7 Multipurpose ladder –

Multipurpose ladders are those types of ladders that could be transformed into different types of ladder. The design of the multipurpose ladder is in such a way that it could mimic and could be converted into different ladders. This versatility makes the multipurpose ladder best for office and construction site use.

  • Versatility
  • If extended it could be very tall

#8 A-frame ladder –

A-frame ladder is almost the same as that of a step ladder, but the overall design and durability are entirely different. The A-frame ladder is best known for the enhanced level of safety, stability, and durability it offers. It comes with 4 legs that make them self-supporting and balancing. It could be used to clean window glass, trim tree branches, hand holiday lights, etc. The extendable version of an A-frame ladder that is available on the market today is very tall and could reach as high as 10 feet.

  • High stability
  • Durable
  • Self-supporting

#9 Flexible rope ladder –

Flexible rope ladders could be commonly seen in police training camps, and with the fire force. As the name itself suggests, the steps in this type of ladder hands on the rope. Therefore, it could be hung anywhere, most commonly most painter who paints tall buildings use such ladders. 

  • Very easy to store
  • Easy to fold
  • Cheap

#10 Telescopic ladder –

This type of ladder slides in and out as they use sections. When compared to other ladders, telescopic ladders mimic straight traditional ladder when fully extended. This type of ladders is versatile and the height could be adjusted based on the user’s requirement. Telescopic ladders are best useful in industrial sites and offices.

  • Taller than most other ladders
  • Durable
  • Adjustable height

#11 Paint self A-frame ladder –

This type of ladder is the same as that of A-frame ladder, but it comes with an extra shelf attached, this shelf could be used to hold paint cans, tools, brushes, screws, nuts, and bolts, etc.

  • Best for painters and workers
  • Durable
  • Self-supporting

#12 Podium ladder –

This type of ladder has almost the same design as a step ladder or platform ladder, however, the size of the platform in a podium ladder is comparatively very large. A person could easily turn around on such ladders.

  • Durable
  • Large platform
  • Safe and easy to use

#13 5-step portable ladder –

As the name itself suggests, this type of ladder has only five steps on it. Therefore, the height of this ladder is permanent. It is almost the same as that of a step ladder, but, the opposite side of this ladder does not have steps, instead, it supports the ladder. 

  • Stable
  • Durable
  • Compact 

Ladders are one of the commonly needed accessories for a household, office, or industry. However, if they are not selected based on hour requirement and the design. It could prove worthless in the long run.

Table of Contents

Leave a Comment