There is a lot to think about when it comes to choosing your ladder. You have to make sure it is certified to current safety standards (EN131 for professional or non-professional use), as well as being the correct type of ladder for the work you are looking to do. With so many to choose from it can be mind boggling if you're not au fait with ladders. However, there is something else you need to decide as well: do you want a wooden ladder or an aluminium one? There are differences between the two that are more diverse than just the materials they are made from.

Here is a little bit more about each ladder type, helping you to choose which one you want for your home, garden, or work.

Aluminium Ladders

Aluminium ladders are often chosen over wood due to their light yet strong properties. They are frequently favoured, and used in a number of applications from painting and decorating to aerial ladders mounted on fire engines. The reason aluminium ladders are so strong is because aluminium is combined with other metals to create a number of different properties depending on the ladder and the job it is intended to be used for.

There are a number of alloy materials that can be used to create this strong metal, including zinc, copper, magnesium, manganese, and silicon. Often, more than one of these extra materials is added to create a number of strong properties.  Some of the main advantages of aluminium ladders are properties like corrosion resistance, malleability, and superb strength, which is excellent when it comes to feeling safe and secure when you have to climb big heights. Aluminium ladders are moisture resistant which means that it will generally remain free from rust, so you won’t need to worry about it deteriorating as a result of being left out one rainy day. You know that it’s going to be with you for a while, and reliability is so important when it comes to ladders. The fact that the metal is incredibly light means that it is easy to manoeuvre and easy to transport from place to place.

Wooden Ladders

First and foremost, it is important that you check that any wooden ladder you plan to purchase is certified by the FSC, which means the wood has been responsibly and sustainably sourced. In this day and age, sustainability is key when it comes to making responsible purchases. If you want to extend the lifespan of your wooden ladder, then you need to treat the wood as soon as you can, if this has not been done by the manufacturer. This can help to prevent brittleness and cracking in the wood and protects it against the elements if it is to be kept outdoors.

If you have been given an old wooden ladder it is advisable not to use it as a ladder, but to re-purpose it as storage or decoration around the home.  Do check the structural integrity of the ladder before bringing it into your home, and look out for active woodworm, as this can spread to other wooden furniture. This can be treating it if necessary.

One of the main benefits of wood is that it provides a wonderful natural aesthetic which fits in with many styles of decoration. It can offer anything from a classic look to one that is more rustic, and still serve a useful purpose in the home. Wood can also be cut to size easily when creating custom made ladder that have been built specifically for a job or purpose and that requires a ladder of a very specific length. 

If you are choosing a ladder for work, it is advised that you select an aluminium ladder. They are stronger, lighter, and safer to use in general. Wooden ladders are great, but they are most suitable for occasional use in the home or for decoration. Both types of ladder are great, but they definitely have applications that they are better suited. Choose carefully when it comes to selecting your ladder, and remember to think your options through when it comes to choosing between wood and aluminium.