If you're thinking of redecorating your house this year then you'll need a four tread step ladder.  This height of step-ladder is the most popular for domestic painting and decorating, for both professionals and DIYers alike.  Four tread models give you enough height to reach the tops of walls and ceilings, so they are ideal for interior jobs.  They also give enough height to work on exterior walls up to the first floor.  This height model is also small enough to be stored indoors without any problems.  When closed, most of these stepladders can be carried vertically through doorways, lessening the chance of knocking items off shelves and causing damage with the ends of an unwieldy ladder.  Midland Ladders have a great range of step ladders for domestic, trade and industrial applications, so we will look at the models that you can choose from for a home decoration project.

Atlas Trade Steps

The four tread Atlas step ladder from Youngman is designed for domestic and light trade use, so it really is a step-ladder built for interior renovations.  This little step ladder weighs just 3.5 kilos, less than a small sack of potatoes, so it is easy to move it around while you are working.  The top step is a platform and this is 78 centimeters high, but the ladder is only 1.48 metres when closed, so it gives a good height boost while not being to big to store in a cupboard or behind a door.  It is certified to EN 131 and has a duty rating of 110 kilos.  This figure is worth remembering, as you will need to factor in your own weight, plus that of any tools and equipment or materials when deciding if this step ladder is up to the job.  At only £34.50 including delivery and VAT, this step-ladder is a good budget conscious choice for small scale painting and decorating. Lyte make a four-tread stepladder, one which is rated to EN 131 and BS2037 class 1, meaning it has maximum load rating of 175 kilos, so it can take a lot of weight.  This model also has a platform that gives a height of 81 centimetres, just a few more than the comparable Youngman model.  When closed it is 1.59 metres, so is slightly taller but could still be stored in a built in cupboard or behind a door.  It weighs 4.5 kilos, so one more than the cheaper alternative, but still very light given the height available.  The Lyte four tread step medium duty step ladder costs £67 including VAT and delivery, and represents very good value for money, and an excellent choice for a full home decoration project.

Titan Platform Steps

Titan Ladders also have a four-tread platform step ladder, one which is designed for regular, everyday use. This stepladder is designed for industrial use, but in a domestic setting offers a more sturdy construction, which may give reassurance to the untrained ladder user.  It is kitemarked to BS2017 class 1 and, like the Lyte model, can take a maximum load of 175 kilos.  The platform height is 98 centimeters, so it is much taller than the previous two models. The downside to this is that the rungs are further apart, so it is less comfortable to climb than one that has closer rungs.  It weighs more than the other two as well, 5.2 kilos.  This is not much heavier, still just a shade over the weight of a small sack of potatoes.  Given the double riveted tread construction, large platform and sturdy handrail, the weight is very low. This model costs £80 including VAT and delivery, so although it is the most expensive so far, the extra care and attention in the design and construction, and the fact that this ladder will withstand continuous use make it well worth the money.  For professionals, this is a great investment and will pay for itself after a couple of jobs. Titan Ladders manufacture builders steps: a step ladder without a platform and handrail.  These are designed for quick access to height rather than prolonged use such as with painting, as there is no handrail and no platform, so the top rung cannot be used.  This means that you get less working reach with four tread builders steps compared to four tread platform step ladders.  Despite the shorter reach, these steps are great for everyday use, as they are made to BS2037 class 1, meaning they are suitable for medium duty work.  They can carry a load of up to 175 kilos, and only weigh 3.3 kilos themselves.  This is the lightest model we have looked at so far,: as there is no platform or handrail there is nothing to cause the extra weight.  Non-slip rubber feet and double riveted rungs are evidence of the sturdy construction of this step-ladder, which is less than a metre tall closed, and 81 centimetres when open.  Taking one rung out of the equation to give us the top rung height gives us a figure of around 60 centimetres, which is still enough to carry out most light decorating tasks but for cutting in, wallpapering and ceiling painting you will probably want more height and the stability of a handrail.  They only cost £53 including delivery and VAT, cheaper than most we have looked at, but more expensive than the cheapest platform step ladder on offer.  There is also a heavy-duty version of these steps available, for £57 including VAT and delivery.  Like the medium duty ones they are manufactured to BS2037 class 1, take a maximum load of 175 kilos, but they weigh 4.5 kilos, 1.2 kilos more than the medium duty model of the same specification.  For professional painters and decorators the heavy-duty version represents a longer lasting product, so the extra £4 investment is worth the extra length of use you can expect from a sturdier product.

Little Giant Ladder Safety Steps

Little Giant, the popular American step ladder manufacturer, has a four tread safety step, which follows the design of a platform step ladder with handrail.  The difference between a standard step-ladder and the Little Giant Safety steps is that these have much deeper treads, but the platform is not any bigger than the treads in general. However, this design feature does make them easier to climb and gives a feeling of stability for unsure ladder users.  The top rung is 91 centimetres tall, giving excellent height and the most out of any of the four-tread step ladders we have looked at already.  The Little Giant Safety Step is certified to EN14183 and will take a maximum load of 150 kilos, which is a generous allowance for a person plus equipment and materials.  The Little Giant systems also havea vast range of accessories including paint buckets and tool shelves so a complete home decoration system is possible with this system.  Ideal for people who refurbish property to sell on, the Little Giant Safety Step-ladder does require a bigger initial investment; this model costs £130 including VAT and delivery, but comes with a five-year warranty, protecting your investment.  The four-tread model weighs 11.5 kilos, over double the weight of the other models we have looked at, but because they are designed with patented Tip n Glide wheels, they do not need to be carried to be moved around.  The user-friendly approach to design also means this step ladder opens and closes with one hand, and can be stored in a 127mm gap (the step-ladder is 1.42 metres tall when closed), ideal for storing in the dead space behind a door.  The Little Giant systems can be used by professionals and domestic users alike, but they are designed more with the home user in mind. When making your choice between the options available for home décor projects, the criteria you will need to look at are weight (can you comfortably carry and move this ladder around), size (does it give you the height you need and can it be stored easily), cost (is it within budget, or is it worth spending a little extra for a sturdier step ladder) and the features.  Features that might make a difference include the depth and size of the treads, whether there is a platform and handrail for tasks that require you to be up the step ladder for long periods, and whether the load rating is enough for you and your tools.  Out of these models, it seems the best compromise for a domestic decoration project of any size is the Lyte four tread platform step ladder (£67).  If you're still unsure, call the team at Midland Ladders and we can run through all your options.