15 Different Types of Ladders You Need to Know About
When you have a task that requires you to climb to new heights, you realize the importance of having the right ladder-type for the job. There are many kinds of ladders, and each has a specific purpose that makes common tasks safer and easier to complete. If you’re not familiar with the various kinds of ladders, now is a good time to learn about them, before you need to use them. Your knowledge of ladder types and their uses can make a tremendous difference in the time and effort you spend on your next DIY job. Here are fifteen different ladders that you need to know about.
1. Step Stool
According to Pick My Ladder, a step stool is an indispensable type of ladder that is short but made to help you reach spots that are too high for you to comfortably reach on your tip-toes. They commonly used these stools in the home and come with a design of either two or three steps. They’re designed to fold up for compact storage when not in use. They’re commonly used for reaching high shelves in the home. There are many different styles of step stools, but most come with sturdy bases or legs that have non-slip material applied to the bottom to give them additional stability.
2. Extension Ladder
An extension ladder is one of the most common types of ladders used by homeowners and contractors on construction sites. This is a ladder that helps when working in high places. They come in various lengths. These ladders can reach higher areas than most other types. They comprise two parts. The base is the key piece that is placed on the ground in a flat and level spot. It requires a firm placement that prevents it from moving sideways and tipping. The fly is the second part that is extendable. It can make the ladder taller if necessary.
3. Platform Ladder
A platform ladder is a type of front step ladder. It has a platform built into the frame. This ladder also has a rail guard built into the unit to add extra security against falls while you’re working at levels that are off the ground. A platform ladder gives you a larger area to stand on and it is more comfortable, allowing you to change your positioning. A platform ladder lets you use both hands to complete more complex tasks, including making repairs or painting. The guard rail makes it more secure, so you don’t need to worry about using one hand to maintain balance or prevent a fall.
4. Step Ladder
A step ladder is another common type of ladder that is commonly used by homeowners and commercial-industrial work areas. The step ladder can stand on its own and does not need to be supported by a wall or other stable structure. They are flexible ladders, easy to move from one place to another. They are good for working in delicate areas that either does not have a structure to rest a ladder upon, or that could become damaged by the weight of the ladder. We can use these standalone ladders in a variety of applications, from painting or completing electrical repair tasks to trimming trees. Step ladders come in two versions, including the simple front style that has rungs on one side. The twin ladder has rungs on both sides that make it possible for two people to work at the same time.
5. A-Frame Ladder
A-Frame ladder is another commonly used type that is found in most homes and garages. This is a ladder that is made with legs in the front and in the back to make the unit safer and more stable. They’re frequently used for trimming trees, cleaning windows, and gutters of homes and businesses, and many other jobs. A-frame ladder comes in a few versions, including one that is extendable to help you reach higher areas than traditional A-frame ladders. A-frame ladder becomes more stable when a person steps on it and places their weight on the rungs. The added weight helps to grip the ladder in place. It is the most common ladder found in homes for completing versatile do-it-yourself tasks.
6. Telescopic Ladder
A telescopic ladder is a versatile type that you can extend to reach high places via a slide-out mechanism that sections can extend. It’s a flexible and adjustable ladder that is good for reaching nearly any height that is needed. You can make adjustments quickly and easily. They can also take the place of an extension ladder when fully extended. The telescopic mechanism also locks into place to prevent slipping and sliding of the unit when it’s in use.
7. Multipurpose Ladder
A multipurpose ladder is a kind that is used to perform more than two different tasks. They also referred this ladder to as a convertible style. You can adjust the unit into several kinds of positions to reach even the most challenging places. Multipurpose ladders are among the most versatile and flexible models on the market today. They can take the place of several kinds of ladders, including a stepladder, an extension ladder, and others. They make this ladder with a convenient folding mechanism that lets you reduce the unit to a smaller and more compact size. It takes up less space in your garage or storage unit when it is not being used.
8. Attic Ladder
Housegrail recommends using an attic ladder to reach high places such as an attic of a home. This is a static ladder when it is fully extended. One of the benefits of an attic ladder is its stability when fully extended. Another is that it collapses into a compact unit that like the multipurpose ladder, takes up very little storage space when not in use.
9. Podium Ladder
A podium ladder is designed with a sturdy structure that is known for its safety and stability. This type is used most often for tackling tasks that require high elevation from the ground. They’re another versatile type of ladder that is popular for painting homes and businesses, running cable along the side of a home, or using nail guns or any other similar jobs that are easier when you can use both hands.
10. Articulated Ladder
An articulated ladder is designed with hinges that lock into place. you may use this ladder as a convertible and make various types of ladders from one versatile unit. It’s ideal for reaching places that would otherwise be hard to reach with a traditional ladder. They allow you to work over open spaces in a standing position, and they can be positioned to place you in the most comfortable positions or task completion.
11. Flexible Ladder
A flexible ladder is made of flexible materials that may be rolled up into a round shape when not being used. The ladder rolls up for easy storage. It is one of the most convenient types for small spaces. Flexible ladders are commonly used as escape ladders. They may be stored in a closet or small nook to be rolled out in an emergency from multi-level dwellings in the event of a fire or other catastrophic event. It’s worth noting that a flexible ladder has o safety rails and it is one of the most dangerous types to use, but it can also save your life if a building catches on fire and you’re in the second, third, or fourth floor up. It is a type of multiple-purpose ladder that can also be used for recreational purposes such s climbing from one level to another when traversing rocky terrain. Flexible ladders come in various sizes and lengths from full-size ladders for multi-story use, to smaller units that can be carried with you in a backpack during outdoor adventures. Extreme care must be used to firmly secure flexible ladders to a solid structure to prevent them from collapsing or coming loose.
12. Painting Ladder
A painting ladder is a unique type of ladder that is made to accommodate the basic needs of a painter. It is a specialized ladder that is equipped with a built-in shelf or shelves to firmly hold cans of paint for more convenience in reaching the can with a brush. Traditional painting ladders are old-school and were used decades ago. and have been replaced with more modern iterations such as the multipurpose ladder, but you can still find these units available if you look hard for them.
13. Platform Trestle Ladder
The platform trestle ladder is an odd-looking ladder that more closely resembles a scaffold. They are a kind of scaffolding that provides you with additional protection and comfort when painting high exterior walls. Platform trestle ladders have their limitations besides their usefulness for specific jobs. While the scaffolding gives you a platform in the center of this type of ladder, you shouldn’t perform any tasks that require high-pressure performance. They’re stable to a degree, but not that stable.
14. Tripod Ladder
Farm, Food, Family explains that a tripod ladder is a blend of two different ladders in one. The tripod ladder is an exceptionally stable ladder that makes climbing safer than most other ladder types. The design features a widened platform at the top of the frame that gives you a solid place to work, reposition, and rest when needed. It’s useful for big jobs that are time-consuming. They’re also good for reaching high spots. This ladder type provides you with better safety. The tripod ladder is the best choice for gardening in areas where you must work on uneven terrain. The tripod allows for better positioning and balancing to help you prevent falls when working in awkward situations that would otherwise be more dangerous with a less stable type of ladder. They often used tripod ladders for maintenance and painting tasks that require top work. They’re constructed with holes molded into the top and bottom rungs to prevent slippage when the ground is uneven. The features help keep the ladder from sliding when users step down or up on the rungs. Another useful feature of the tripod ladder is the adjustable leg locks. They make most tripod ladders of lightweight materials that make them easy to move from one place to another. This makes them ideal for trimming or pruning trees and shrubs.
15. Warehouse Ladder
Shoppers may have seen workers using a large ladder that resembles a scaffold to reach items that are stocked on high shelves. A warehouse ladder is a specialized piece of equipment that is designed specifically for use in a warehouse with high shelves. They’re also useful to have in a garage with a loft or open attic space. Most homeowners don’t have room or the desire to own a warehouse ladder because of their massive size. It’s more of a commercial ladder type that is made with a large platform to stand on for more challenging inventory tasks. Most are made with railings that provide extra safety and stability for workers who need to have both hands free to do their jobs in the work environment. Warehouse ladders also feature caster wheels that make them easy to move from one end of a large warehouse to another. They’re large and unwieldy and require a large space to turn around. They’re constructed with heavy-duty metal frames to withstand the weight of heavy products
Final thoughts
Everyone needs a working knowledge of the various types of ladders. It’s good to know which ladder works best for the jobs you have to do. They specialize in some ladders for specific applications, while others provide multiple functions. Ladders come in all shapes and sizes, and we hope that our list of the fifteen important types you should know about helps you find the most suitable types to make your tasks easier and safer.
