Types of Ladders

Ladders can broadly be classified into two types, rigid ladders made of a hard substance and malleable rope ladders. In the past, ladders were made of wood, but these were prone to rotting and decay, as well as conductivity while wet. However, with advanced technology and superior materials being used to construct modern ladders, they have become safe, strong tools that can be used around the house and also in any industry. While some ladders such as attic ladders and loft ladders are still made of wood, others that are designed for outdoor work are made of materials such as aluminum or fiberglass.

Step Ladders
Step ladders are ideal for use around the home. Step ladders are stable and comfortable to use, as most have large flat steps instead of rungs which makes balancing easier. Most have an added advantage of an extended frame on the top of the steps, which the user can hold on to and steady themselves. One can use them to get something from the pantry, to clean hard-to-reach places or to hang a picture on the wall. While one may buy a wooden step ladder that would be harmonious with the wooden furnishings in a country home, most people prefer easy-to-store aluminum step ladders that are best suited to contemporary apartments. Their starting price range is approximately $40.

Platform Ladders
Among the different varieties of ladders, this one is the best option for painters, decorators and electricians. The advantage of this type of ladder is that it holds the workman as well as his tools and products. This is a great ladder for any kind of work that requires extended periods of standing at an elevation/height.

There are two main types of platform ladders. The one with a platform on the top of a single ladder is usually used in homes for domestic use, especially by people painting their homes. If you decide to go in for this kind, ensure that you buy one that has a strong safety handrail at the top of the steps. The other kind has a platform supported between two separate ladders. The second type involves two separate ladders that hold a large platform supported between both ladders. As this type is more commonly used in commercial applications, they are mostly made of aluminum or steel. When buying either type of platform ladder, ideally pick one that has a platform with a slip-resistant surface, which ensures that the user or the tools do not slip off. A basic model is likely to start at $50, but a commercial one could cost more than $1000 depending on its design.

Extension Ladders
Extension ladders are well suited for use at high levels in outdoor environment. As their name indicates, these useful ladders can be adjusted to the exact height of the job they are required for, be it painting the exteriors of a house or clearing the gutters. Extension ladders have two or more sections. The sections are sliding and the top part of the ladder is extended using a rope and pulley system. These sections are of the same length, and the ladder gets its stability from the 1½ feet overlap of the sections. Most extendible ladders have only two sections, but if the ladder has more sections, the overlap must be bigger too. These ladders will also have a locking device that stops the extended section from moving while in use, and end caps that prevent the structure from being damaged. A word of caution, extension ladders are more dangerous to use than other ladders, and extra care must be taken while using them. They are available in sizes that start from 6 ft and go up to 60 ft, with the lowest price being around $200.

Folding Ladders
Among the different types of ladders, this variety is great for people with limited storage space. They can easily be carted around in a truck or stored on an RV or in a small shop. A common folding ladder is the adjustable A-frame aluminum design. This can be dismantled into four main pieces and folded where it looks like one long piece of metal. By buying a folding ladder with an aluminum lock, you can avoid the possibility of it rusting. Larger versions of this ladder are used commercially and in industries. The folding ladder used by most law enforcement agents, firefighters and rescue workers, folds up to the size of a briefcase, and can be assembled in less than five seconds. It can also hold more than 1000 lbs of weight.

Articulated Ladders
This ingenious ladder transforms itself to be used as a step ladder, a straight ladder, scaffolding or even a table! Articulated ladders have several hinges or joints, which makes it possible to manipulate them into various positions for different jobs. A person buying an articulated ladder must look for good stabilizers on the feet and sturdy locks on the hinges/joints. The best articulated ladders need to be tough and are thus made of either aluminum or fiberglass. The price range is between $200 to about $400.

Many buyers are perplexed when it comes to choosing between an aluminum ladder and a fiberglass ladder. While aluminum ladders are extremely strong and weather-resistant, which makes them perfect for commercial use, they conduct electricity, and give way or become unusable on being exposed to heat. Fiberglass ladders, the current favorite (and rightly so), are lightweight, sturdy and don't conduct electricity.

When using a ladder, comply with the safety techniques and checklists that have come with the ladder. There is also a weight limit on every ladder which must be adhered to strictly.