What is the best ladder for outdoor use?
When it comes to selecting the best ladder to use in the great outdoors, there are many different options to choose from – it all depends on what you are trying to achieve. For instance, picking apples and painting a wall require different types of ladder which are individually suited to each task. Below is a list of different options and an outline of what each one is best for.
Extension ladder
This type of ladder is widely used outdoors for a range of tasks. Painting and exterior maintenance, clearing gutters, as well as hedge and tree cutting are often completed using an extension ladder. Their ability to reach further than most other types of ladder, whilst being robust and durable, makes them an appealing option for many professional and domestic users.
Industrial ladder
Industrial ladders are commonly used by professional workers due to their strength and usability in a variety of environments. In jobs on building sites or in residential premises, the industrial ladder can be relied upon to perform in a range of outdoor tasks. Jobs which may require extra support and extension capability, such as cutting high trees and hedges, are particularly well served by an industrial ladder.
Combination ladder
The combination ladder is an ideal choice for gardeners and landscapers as it can achieve much the same height as other ladders, but is also equipped with extra support in the form of two additional legs. These provide balance and stability when working on the ladder at height. The combination of height and balance make the combination ladder a popular choice for outdoor garden maintenance.
Step ladder
These ladders are useful in a range of ground floor applications because of their four legs which provide a stable platform on which to carry out tasks which require a little extra height. These include installing outdoor wall fittings such as hanging baskets and wall lights. The main drawbacks of step ladders are their lack of height and flat base, which limit their outdoor capabilities.
Multipurpose ladder
Multipurpose ladders, as their name suggests, have a range of features which make them useful in many different scenarios. Their key advantage is an ability to change height. This allows them to be used at different angles, meaning awkward-to-reach areas can be accessed safely. Multipurpose ladders can be combined to rival the height capabilities of extension ladders, making them good for outdoor use.
Tripod ladder
The tripod ladder is great for climbing close to trees, picking fruit from branches and a number of other outdoor tasks. Often used in orchards, their tripod legs provide extra support and balance while climbing when compared to two-legged ladders.
Telescopic ladder
The telescopic ladder is highly adaptable, with dozens of height settings which allow it to be used in many different outdoors applications. It is easily extendable and retractable and can be useful for tasks such as installing wall features at different heights.
Window cleaning ladder
The window cleaning ladder is an essential piece of equipment for window cleaners. Its minimal size, maximal practical capabilities and narrow frame allow professional window cleaners to use it with skill and precision when outdoors.
Stair ladder
One of the main strengths of this ladder is its ability to be used against sloping surfaces, like stairs. This means stair ladders are often used indoors, but they are also effective in a number of outdoors scenarios too. Changeable height settings give stair ladders a good deal of customisability. Provided they can be made secure and used correctly, stair ladders are a great option for many outdoors maintenance tasks.
Fibreglass ladder
This type of ladder has a wide brace and a reinforced frame which make the overall structure very stable and strong. At the top of the ladder there is also a small area which can be used to hold tools, allowing the user to use their hands to support themselves whilst on the ladder. Although suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, the lack of extension capabilities somewhat limits the versatility of fibreglass ladders beyond a set height.
Roof ladder
This ladder is specially adapted to be used on top of roofs. Secured to the pitch of the roof with bars, wheels allow the user to move the ladder with ease. They are commonly used by roofers to access all areas of a roof with one single ladder.
Pole ladder
The main advantage of the pole ladder is its length, which allows it to reach beyond the abilities of other types of ladder. Pole ladders allow users to access to difficult-to-reach areas from exteriors and other structures, for example buildings higher than two floors where all but the tallest extension ladders will struggle to reach.
If you would like to learn more about the capabilities of the ladders discussed above, please contact BPS Solutions for more information.
