7 tips on how to choose a stepladder for your apartment or home

For installation of various equipment, installation of electrical wiring, finishing and other types of construction work, you cannot do without an extension ladder or stepladder. Aluminum structures are most in demand on the market - they are lightweight and highly durable, can be folded and, when assembled, do not take up much space (especially telescopic and transformable ones).

The review presents the best staircases of various standard designs that can be purchased today in Russia. The evaluation rating is based on indicators such as product quality and reliability, price balance, practicality, etc. The opinions of users who use one of these models in their professional activities or at home were also taken into account.

Ladder material

The reliability, mobility, weight and price of a stepladder largely depend on the material from which it is made. Metal stairs are in greatest demand, but there are also other options on the market in a large assortment.

So, stepladders are made from the following materials:

• metal , incl. aluminum, steel, duralumin, silumin. Metal is characterized by maximum strength, durability and practicality. Aluminum and alloys are not afraid of corrosion, and products made from them are optimally balanced in price and quality; in everyday life, aluminum stairs due to their light weight, and professional builders usually choose more durable, stable and reliable steel options. In aluminum stairs, key elements are made of steel, which allows you to create both fairly strong and lightweight products;
• a steel ladder can withstand a decent load, but it itself weighs more than an aluminum ladder, inferior to it in terms of compactness and mobility;

Which one is preferable?

The choice of product is made not only on the basis of purpose. It is necessary to take into account the quality of the product. It is recommended to pay attention to the following parameters:

• the quality of welding at the junction of the steps to the structure; roughly welded steps will not be as reliable;
• the product must be evenly colored, without defects;
• stability of the assembled stepladder;
• same size of support posts;
• there must be an anti-slip coating;
• the presence of a corrugated surface of steps or a rubber mat.

High-quality models are more expensive, but they are safer and have a long service life. To determine which stepladder is better, you need to consider all the advantages and disadvantages of each of them, and then make a choice.

Purpose of the stepladder

From everything said above, the conclusion suggests itself that there are simpler household stairs, and there are much heavier, stable, high and functional stepladders for professional use. It’s quite easy to distinguish one from another in a store:

• household stairs have much less weight, since they are made of lightweight materials and, as a rule, can withstand no more than 100-120 kg. The height of such products is small, they fold easily, and you can find storage space in any apartment;
• professional stepladders They are distinguished by a reinforced structure, with steel used as the only material of execution or as a predominant one in combination with aluminum. These are the most reliable and stable ladders that can withstand a weight of 120 kg, so the master can take with him a fairly heavy working tool or even another craftsman. Typically, professional stepladders are equipped with additional elements; transformers and telescopic models are often found. Purely visually, a professional stepladder can be distinguished by the racks rolled into the profile, a larger distance between the steps and a larger cross-section of the racks and steps. Such structures are subject to mandatory certification for their safety.

Use Cases

It is easy to find a practical application for each transforming staircase configuration.

The “/” extension ladder is convenient for access to high heights (for example, to the attic or roof). The height can be adjusted by changing the number of sections used.

Extension ladder "/"

The “Λ” stepladder is capable of standing independently on the floor, so it is used for working on ceilings, repairing air lines, collecting fruits from high branches of trees, etc. It is also necessary in cases where the vertical support is unreliable (shelves in libraries, glass partitions and so on.).

Stepladder "Λ"

A stepladder with a cantilever reach “ʎ” is useful for working in places that are inaccessible to a conventional stepladder. Two combined “M” stepladders are convenient for simultaneous paired work when decorating or renovating premises.

Transformable staircase articulated

Scaffolding "P" is suitable as a raised working platform or low scaffolding. For ease of work and movement, you need to equip them with special flooring (included or sold as an option) or simply cover them with sheets of plywood or wide boards.

Prices for transformer stairs

transformable staircase

Scaffolding "P"

A staircase with a cantilever reach “G” is necessary for working at some distance from vertical supporting surfaces (for example, next to spans, roofs, under balconies).

Staircase with cantilever reach “G”

Additional design elements

Although two frames and steps are the most important elements of a stepladder design, they are far from the only possible ones. Thanks to additional elements, you can increase the safety of the staircase, make it more practical and even expand its functionality. Among these optional, but very useful additions, it is worth noting:

• rubber and plastic pads to protect sharp elements so that when performing work a person does not get caught in clothing or get injured. Metal stairs must have such pads on the sidewalls of the steps; other places are highly desirable for protection;
• Guys and guards allow the ladder to maintain the required angle while remaining stable and safe. A similar function is performed by the working platform, but if it is not there, then a safe angle can be fixed using folding metal or wicker ties;
• thrust bearings are a multifunctional element. Firstly, they prevent slipping on sometimes quite slippery home flooring (parquet, laminate, porcelain stoneware, tiles, etc.), and, secondly, they protect this same flooring from scratches;
• elements for fixing working tools are very necessary if the ladder is purchased for frequent or regular construction and repair work. For example, you can hang a bucket of paint on a hook, fix a tool on the hinges, and place brushes and rollers on the stands.

Step ladder design

When choosing a stepladder, it is necessary to take into account not only the material and height, but also the type of construction, because the performance of the product also depends on it. The options are not as few as you might think:

• one-sided stepladders are a classic of the genre, in which the steps are located on one side, and the structure is crowned with a working platform, which serves as an additional fixation for the two parts of the stairs;
• double-sided stepladders , as you might guess, are equipped with steps on both sides, and instead of a traditional working platform, they use two converging steps;
• stepladders without stirrups , but this design is found only in products with at least 4 steps;
• telescopic stepladders are equipped with retractable legs, which allows you to precisely adjust the position of the ladder on uneven surfaces. Convenient and practical, but keep in mind that such a ladder will cost more than an analogue of the same height, but without telescopic legs, and it will also weigh more. This is due to a more complex design;
• transformable staircase It is distinguished by a complex design on hinges, thanks to which it can be used as an ordinary ladder, a classic stepladder or scaffolding. The height is also usually adjustable.

How to choose a stepladder height?

Perhaps the most important parameter when choosing a stepladder is its dimensions. You can find on sale both the smallest models and real giants. When choosing, you should take into account the height of the ceilings in the room and the height of the household. Let us note right away that models that are too tall are not needed for domestic use. If you climb onto the support platform or the top step, you will hit the ceiling, and even when folded for storage, the ladder will take up a lot of space, so it is better to take the most compact model possible.

When choosing, you will most likely come across such a concept as working height . It consists of the height from the floor to the working platform of the ladder and the height of a person with an outstretched arm. The second parameter can fluctuate significantly, but its average value, which is used by all manufacturers and sellers, is 2 m. That is. if it is indicated that the working height is 3.5 m, then this means that from the floor to the top step or working platform is 1.5 m.

For a standard apartment that does not have high ceilings, a stepladder with a working height of 3-3.5 m will be sufficient.

If you are short, then take a model with a margin of 0.3-0.5 m, since even with an outstretched arm it will be difficult for you to reach the estimated 2 m, and even if it is possible, you will have to constantly strain your arm, and no Comfortable work is out of the question.

The following classification of stepladders by size is also found

• up to 60 cm , these are those that provide a working height of about 2.5 m. They are called painting ladders or stool ladders. Usually they have 2-3 steps. An excellent compact option for home and apartments with low ceilings;
• up to 150 cm - this is the golden mean with a working height of up to 3.5 m. Excellent for interior finishing work. It is these stepladders that are in greatest demand;
• up to 180 cm allow you to achieve a working height of about 4 m, suitable for working in open spaces (in the garden, for example), as well as for commercial premises and houses with high ceilings;
• up to 280 cm They are distinguished by a retractable section design and are suitable for outdoor work, as well as for commercial and industrial premises. Use at home is pointless due to the high price, large size and weight.
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What to consider when choosing a household stepladder?

If the apartment has standard low ceilings, and a young and dexterous man will regularly climb a stepladder, then you can take almost any stepladder. The main thing is that it is sustainable. Everyone else should be more careful when choosing and take into account the following nuances:

• a staircase 1.5 m high is a universal option, but if you are short, it is better to take a slightly taller model;
• comfortable step depth is at least 12 cm, and the distance between steps is no more than 20 cm. The smaller the distance between steps, the more comfortable the staircase is to use;
• the width of the step is at least 50 cm, and the working platform can be 35 cm wide;
• the maximum load when on the work site is fixed for each model, so take into account the weight of those who will climb the ladder, and also take into account the range of work performed;
• the less space the stepladder takes up and the lighter it is, the better, but safety and reliability should not suffer;
• try folding and unfolding the stepladder in the store - these actions should not cause any difficulties;
• Also consider where you will store the stepladder. In a store, there can be a great temptation to take the one that is cheaper or more functional, and you can frivolously decide that you will come up with how and where to store it. Unfortunately, this mistake can ultimately result in a lot of inconvenience.

It is better to check the stability of the stepladder at the time of purchase, at the same time assessing the weight, compactness and build quality.

The article was written for the site.

Tags:Preparation for room renovation, Construction

Advantages over other types of stairs

Having become familiar with the design features, it is easy to highlight the following advantages.

1. Versatility of use. One hinged ladder with 4 sections can replace many ladders and stepladders of traditional design.
2. Ease of transportation and storage. When folded, it will take up little space. It will easily fit into the trunk of a car, the interior of a minibus, the back of a pickup truck or a small trailer.
3. Saving. From the first point of the list it follows that one “transformer” will be cheaper than several traditional stairs, even if it will cost more than each one separately.

When folded, the ladder takes up little space

Owner reviews

Brands

The market for construction equipment and supplies offers transforming ladders under dozens of brands. The most famous brands are Alumet and Krause. Decent products from the brands Centaure, Sarayli, Rigger, Intertool, Inforce, Alpe, Zarges, OLX, Ufuk, Youmay. Products from the brands Startul, SevenBerg, Master Instrument, Praktika, Eiffel, Vira, Sadko, Sibin are sold at affordable prices.

Prices for wooden stairs

wooden staircase

Transformable ladder ALUMET T-455 4x5

Articulated telescopic transforming ladder KRAUSE TeleVario

Centaure

Which stepladder to buy - steel or aluminum - depending on the application

If you plan to engage in large-scale professional work , then it is advisable to purchase a reliable steel structure. In addition to high strength, reliability and durability, steel models provide another advantage - you can use a hammer drill on such stairs.

For carrying out repair, construction and other work in apartments, private houses, small warehouses, and archives, light aluminum stepladders, rather than steel ones, are better suited. For home repairs, harvesting or caring for fruit trees, five-stage models are usually sufficient.