Best Step Ladder – Buying Guide & Reviews
Your choice of ladders for household purpose depends entirely on the task at hand, the height you need to reach, and also on the work platform, you require for the job.There are many things that you should consider while purchasing a step ladder, always make sure that the ladder you buy is sturdy, durable, and comes with firm rungs and non-slip platforms. Let’s not go deep into the factors right now. There are some basic things that you should understand before purchasing a ladder. One of the most important things is that never try doing new things you are not supposed to do on a ladder, however big the ladder is, they stay up on the basis of balance and if you lose the balance you will fall down.
If you go online searching for a ladder, you will find numerous ladders on the market. Each with a different or same specification, you will also find various manufacturers too. So, exactly will you select the best ladder? Here are some of the factors that should consider, in order, to purchase the best step ladder on the market. Check our review for: Best Telescoping Ladder.
Best step ladder, yes, those ladders with maximum strength, maximum height adjustment feature, and safety rating.
- Types of step ladder
- Safety rating
- Portability
- Max load capacity
- Size of the ladder
- Things to remember
Types of step ladders –Step ladders can be classified into different types on the basis of material used and on the basis of design. On the basis of design, step ladders can be differentiated as
- Front step ladder
- Twin step ladder
Front step ladder – This is the traditional type step ladder that has rungs on the side of the ladder, the other side of the ladder does not have any rungs and it’s just for the ladder support.
Twin step ladder – This type of ladder has rungs on both the sides. The user can use any of the sides to climb up the ladder. One of the key advantages of this type of ladder is that more than 1 person can climb this ladder.
On the basis of material a step ladder can be differentiated as –
- Aluminum step ladders
- Wooden step ladder
- Fiberglass step ladder
- Aluminum step ladders – This type of step ladder is lightweight, they are resistant to corrosion and comparatively more portable. However, they conduct electricity and so cannot be used for wiring and power grid works
- Wooden step ladder – this type of ladder is expensive and comparatively heavier than aluminum ladders. Wooden ladders can also be used for electrical and power grid works.
- Fiberglass step ladder – this type of step ladder is not common but, it is durable, non-corrosive, and is highly dependable.
Safety rating–Safety rating of a ladder is the safety the ladder provides the user while using it. It simply means the product won’t deform or break when you climb on it with a load. With this being told, safety rating is not done by the manufacturer, but, by the international bodies. So, while purchasing a step ladder, always check if any of these terms are inscribed on it.
- ANSI – This means “American National Standards Institute”
- OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Organization
- EN131 – European Safety Systems
These are the top international bodies that certify the ladders for their quality and safety. It is very important that you check your product and manufactures product description for this term.
Portability – We know for a fact that step ladders have to be carried from one place to another with the least effort. This simply means that the step ladder should be lightweight and at the same time, should be strong enough to support weight without deforming. So, always check the weight of the product and then purchase it. PS: weight of the product and maximum load capacity are entirely different.I will explain the maximum load capacity in the next point.
Max load capacity – Every ladder is designed to support a fixed weight, apply a load above this weight and the ladder will break or deform. Currently, ladders with different max load capacity are available on the market. It could vary from 200lbs to anything till 500lbs. Each load capacity is suitable for different purposes and it is recommended that you should not use a step ladder for any purposes it is not designed for.
Size of the ladder – Step ladders are made of different materials and each material has its own weight, however, size of the ladder can vary with brand and weight load capacity. Most of the people think size of the product indicates the durability and strength of the product, no; it is not, size of the ladder does not indicate the strength of the ladder, the only two things related to the strength of a ladder is its type of material and design of the product. Now, there is one more thing you should consider while selecting the size of a step ladder, if the size of the ladder is too big, storing it will be difficult. So, make sure that the ladder you buy has a size that is suitable for storage in the space available.
Things to remember –
- Always position the ladder carefully so that it does not slip
- It is recommended that step ladder should have minimum 3 points of contact with the surface.
- Step ladders normally come with rubber bush beneath it, this bush prevents the ladder from slipping.
- Ensure that ladder is maintained properly and the joints, nuts, and bolts are free from rust.
These are the key factors that you should consider while purchasing a step ladder. Here is the list of 10 best step ladders available on the market today.
Table of Contents
1. Flip-N-Lite 300-Pound Duty Rating 6-foot Stepladder with Platform
This step ladder is from the brand Little Giant Ladder Systems. This product is lightweight but the product comes with extra-strength provided by the industrial-rated construction. The product comes with huge and comfortable platform that is large enough for a person to stand. The whole product is slim and has a weight of 9.5lbs. The maximum weight load capacity of this product is 300lbs. This step ladder is ANSI certified for safety.
2. VonHaus Steel Folding Portable 4 Step Ladder with 330lbs Capacity
This product is a step ladder from the brand VonHaus. This a 4 step ladder that comes with a maximum load capacity of 330lbs. The building material is powder coated steel that has very lightweight but, high strength. This product comes with rubber bushes on its legs to prevent it from slipping. The whole product is compact and can be folded down easily. One of the notable things of this product is that each step on this ladder is incorporated with gripped threads to prevent slipping.
3. Best Choice Products Shade 3 Step Ladder Platform Lightweight Folding Stool 330 LBS Cap Space Saving w/Tray
This step ladder from the brand Best Choice Products is a 3 step ladder that comes with a maximum load capacity of 330lbs. This product comes with an extra tray attached to it, to store tools, paint etc. The product has a rubber foot to prevent skidding and is designed to be folded and store it somewhere. The product has lightweight and the frame is strong and is made of high-quality steel for extended use.
4. Louisville Ladder FS1508 300-Pound Duty Rating Fiberglass Step Ladder, 8-Feet
This step ladder is from the brand Louisville Ladder that is made of fiberglass and can support a maximum weight of 300lbs. This ladder has 8-feet height and is 1A type. The whole product looks attractive and has molded slots to keep the tools. The manufacturer has used semi-tubular steel rivets to enhance the strength of the joints and, in turn, increase thestep ladder strength. One of the notable things of this products is that it comes with non conductive coating on its body and also heavy-duty bottom back brace.
5. Delxo 3 Step Ladder Folding Step Stool Stepladders with Handgrip Anti-slip and Wide Pedal Sturdy Steel Ladder 330lbs White and Black Combo (3 feet)
This step ladder from the brand Delxo is a 3 step ladder that is made of sturdy steel. The product is GS and TUV certified and the product has a weight of 15.2lbs and has a maximum load capacity of 330lbs. The product can also be used as utility stool and the whole design is space saving. The metal locks are placed in such a way that it does not annoy the user. The product comes with an excellent hand grip and smooth edges to avoid any cuts or wounds.
6. Cosco 8-Foot Signature Series Step Ladder Type 1A
Cosco 8-Foot Signature Series Step Ladder Type 1Afrom the manufacturer Cosco is a lightweight step ladder made of aluminum. The product comes with patented aluminum boxed frame. This ladder is easy to use and can be folded easily. The manufacturer has incorporated project trays that have features like slots for tools, paint, and other useful materials. The whole product weighs only 22lbs and is ANSI certified.
Conclusion
A step ladder might not be an essential household utility, but, at times it’s very handy. If you are planning to purchase a step ladder, I would recommend that you read the factors mentioned above and then check the product specifications thoroughly and proceed.
