The ubiquitous
step ladder is an essential piece of equipment for UK home owners. Step ladders are small enough and light enough to be easily managed and have features that make them universally appealing. Practically everyone has a home step ladder. Read on to learn some important facts about these highly functional and essential items.
Two Are Better Than One
If you really think about the sort of chores you need to do around your home or apartment, you're likely to realise that you need both a step stool and a step ladder. Step stools are great for getting things down from high cupboards, dusting the top of the fridge and hanging pictures in rooms with normal ceiling heights. Choose a step stool that's about 3 feet (or less) high with rubber treads on the broad steps. If you need to reach higher than dusting the chandelier, a folding step ladder is in order. A step ladder is also essential if you'll be painting walls and ceilings or installing or maintaining items like overhead light fixtures. Once you have a wood, fibreglass or aluminium step ladder, it's certain that you'll find many ways to use it, from hanging curtains and draperies to installing window blinds and shades. Step ladders are also useful outdoors for washing windows on lower floors, painting trim or changing light bulbs in outdoor fixtures.
The Platform Step Ladder
This is a very stable ladder that has a high platform where you can set tools or a can of paint. Available in wood, aluminium or fibreglass, platform step ladders come in various heights. Some models have a hand rail high up on the ladder. Utilising the familiar scissors design, when open, a platform step ladder is highly stable because of its wide treads and triangular configuration. This ladder folds for easy storage. Whether you choose a wood, fibreglass ladder or
aluminium ladder , some type of step ladder is a virtual necessity regardless of whether you live in a home or a flat for those fond of DIY.
The Combination
Ladder This is a multi-function ladder that's about the same size as a step ladder. The combination ladder is more versatile than a step ladder because it can be used as a step ladder, an extension ladder, a handy freestanding extension ladder and a stairwell ladder. For those on a tight budget, the versatile combination ladder is an excellent choice.
Regardless of what type of
step ladder or other ladder you choose, be sure to follow the manufacturer's ladder safety recommendations for use in the UK.
