When it comes to DIY and odd jobs around the house our stepladder is the go-to piece of equipment for most of these jobs.  The deeper treads and platform top on most step ladders makes them ideal for casual and novice users, as they're stable and comfortable to use for long periods of time.  Step ladders also have the advantage of a handrail at the top for extra stability and it's these features that mean that the humble step ladder is part of every homeowner's kit.

Projects on the stairs, such as decorating, dusting or replacing light bulbs can be hard to achieve safely as most step ladders don't come with individually adjustable legs.  Without this feature it is impossible to safely set up a ladder on your staircase, and all too often people trying to cut corners or use ladders improperly ends in an injury, tears and a trip to A&E.  Some step ladders, like those from Little Giant, have a multitude of features, including adjustable legs which allow it to be used as a staircase ladder, but if you already own a ladder and you're not looking to replace it then it's hard to justify the cost of a brand new ladder for a short, intermittent task.

The happy medium in this situation is the Hailo TP1 Stair Platform.  This nifty bit of equipment can be used on its own; to provide a stable platform to stand on for tasks on the stairs, but it can also be used as a platform to place a stepladder (maximum four treads) on for extra height.  The Hailo TP1 Stair Platform has two height adjustable telescopic legs which allow you to independently lengthen each leg to fit many different types and styles of stairs, from a standard staircase to a space-saving or spiral staircase.  Adjustable arms at the other end provide extra stability on the top stair, and all these adjustable parts are lockable, so once it is in place, and you have used the integrated spirit level to ensure it is set correctly, it will not move.

The platform surface is textured with a non-slip surface, and the feet are also equipped with soft, gripping covers which ensure maximum stability on any stair surface, whether that is carpet or polished wood.  It will arrive assembled and ready to use, with next day delivery for most of the mainland UK. 

The unit weighs a mere 9 kilos, so it is lightweight and portable.  If you're wallpapering a stairwell then portability and ease of set up is vital for the smooth running of your DIY project.  The maximum load is 150 kilos but it should be remembered that this weight limit includes any step ladder you use on it, so pick a lighter weight ladder if you can.  It is 57cm wide and just under a metre long, which is a good size platform for working on or for setting a ladder on.  With a 10 year warranty you can be sure this platform will make changing light bulbs a doddle for at least a decade.  With proper care and maintenance it will be serviceable for many years and will become an essential part of your DIY arsenal.

Take a look at your staircase and think about whether you are using the space to its full potential.  Many people overlook this area for storage and decoration simply because safely working on the stairs seems like a mammoth, possibly dangerous undertaking.  With the Hailo TP1 Stair Platform you could be hanging pictures and putting up shelves and storage boxes with ease, turning your stairs from just another part of the house into a place for displaying family photos or keeping treasured books and ornaments on display, where they are unlikely to get knocked or damaged.  You might like to install some feature lighting like a pendant chandelier, or even colour-changing LED strips to turn your staircase into something beautiful.