Ladder Buying Guide: What Type of Ladder Do I Need?
Whether you’re a seasoned trade professional, a DIY enthusiast, or simply tackling a one-off job at home, choosing the right ladder is about more than just height. Working at an elevated spot is one of the leading causes of serious accidents and injuries. That’s why it’s vital to check safety, practicality, and durability. And of course, the ladder you buy should fit your specific purpose. We recommend a wide range of ladders throughout our guide below, so you can find the perfect ladder for you.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the selection process and the considerations you should be aware of before making a purchase before recommending some key products for you.
Understand Your Needs: Ask These Questions First
Before browsing ladders online or heading to a merchant, ask yourself:
- What tasks will you be using the ladder for?
- How high do you need to reach?
- Will this be used indoors, outdoors, or both?
- Is this for occasional DIY or daily professional use?
- Will you need to transport and store the ladder regularly?
Answering these will dramatically narrow down your options and help you choose a ladder that’s right for you, not just any ladder.
Safety Standards and What They Mean
In the UK, modern ladders are designed to meet the BS EN 131 standard, which sets clear requirements for strength, stability, and durability. Ladders built to this standard are tested to withstand everyday wear, repeated use, and realistic working loads.
You may also see ladders classed as Professional or Non-Professional. This simply reflects how often the ladder is intended to be used.
Professional-rated ladders are designed for frequent or trade use, while non-professional models are suitable for lighter, occasional tasks around the home.
Ladder Materials: The Upside and the Downside
The material a ladder is made from affects its weight, durability, safety, and suitability for different environments.
Aluminium Ladders
Aluminium ladders are the most common choice for both domestic and professional use. They are lightweight, easy to handle, and naturally resistant to rust, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor work.
Their lighter weight makes them easier to transport and reposition, especially for larger ladders. However, aluminium conducts electricity, so it should be avoided when working near live electrical sources unless the ladder is specifically designed for that purpose.
Fibreglass Ladders
Fibreglass ladders are designed with safety in mind for environments where electricity may be present. The material is non-conductive and highly durable, making it a popular choice for professional and industrial use.
Fibreglass ladders tend to be heavier than aluminium and are usually more expensive, but they offer excellent longevity and added peace of mind when working around electrical installations.
Steel Ladders
Steel ladders are built for strength and stability. They are typically heavier and less portable than aluminium or fibreglass models, but they offer excellent load-bearing capability.
Because steel can corrode if exposed to moisture, these ladders are generally better suited to indoor or controlled environments rather than frequent outdoor use.
Timber Ladders
Timber ladders are less common today but are still used in certain settings. They do not conduct electricity and can offer good stability, but they are heavier and require more maintenance than modern alternatives.
Over time, timber can degrade if exposed to moisture, which limits its practicality for regular outdoor use.
Ladder Types and When to Use Them
Different ladders offer different levels of reach, stability, and flexibility, and using the correct type for the task is essential for both safety and efficiency.
Below is a complete overview of the ladder types available within the BPS Depot product range, along with practical guidance on when each type should be used.
Step Ladders — Stable, Everyday Access
Step ladders are self-supporting ladders designed for use on level ground. They are one of the most common ladder types for both domestic and professional environments and are ideal where a wall or structure is not available to lean against.
Best for:
- Indoor work
- Short-duration tasks
- Level surfaces
Typical uses:
- Painting and decorating
- Changing light fittings
- Reaching shelves or cupboards
- General maintenance tasks
Why choose a step ladder?
Step ladders are quick to set up, easy to reposition, and offer good stability for everyday work at low to medium heights. Many models include tool trays or platforms, making them practical for tasks that require both hands.
Extension Ladders — Maximum Vertical Reach
Extension ladders are leaning ladders made up of two or more sliding sections, allowing the user to extend the ladder to greater heights. They must always be used against a stable vertical surface.
Best for:
- External access
- High working heights
- Professional outdoor tasks
Typical uses:
- Gutter cleaning
- Roofline access
- External painting
- Window cleaning at height
Why choose an extension ladder?
If you need to reach upper storeys or work at a significant height, an extension ladder provides the reach that step ladders cannot. They are a staple choice for tradespeople working on buildings and exterior structures.
Stair Ladders — Safe Access on Staircases
Stair ladders are specifically designed to be used on staircases, where standard ladders would be unstable. They feature adjustable or offset legs that allow the ladder to remain level when positioned on steps.
Best for:
- Indoor maintenance on stairwells
- Decorating above stairs
- Properties with high ceilings or split levels
Typical uses:
- Painting stairwell walls and ceilings
- Changing light fittings above stairs
- Installing handrails or fixtures
Why choose a stair ladder?
Working on stairs with a standard ladder is unsafe. Stair ladders are engineered to maintain balance and stability on uneven step heights, making them the safest option for stair-based tasks.
Multipurpose Ladders — Flexible, All-in-One Solutions
Multipurpose ladders are designed to adapt to a variety of working positions. With multiple hinged sections, they can be configured to suit different tasks and environments.
Best for:
- Mixed indoor and outdoor work
- Users who want one ladder for multiple jobs
- Limited storage space
Typical uses:
- Step ladder configuration for indoor tasks
- Leaning ladder configuration for exterior access
- Adjustable-height work in varied locations
Why choose a multipurpose ladder?
Multipurpose ladders offer excellent versatility and value. They’re ideal if you want a single ladder that can handle a wide range of jobs without investing in multiple ladder types.
Combination Ladders — Structured Versatility for Regular Use
Combination ladders consist of multiple sections that can be assembled into specific configurations, such as step ladders or extension ladders. They are often favoured by professionals who need adaptability with a more traditional ladder design.
Best for:
- Tradespeople
- Regular maintenance work
- Varied working heights
Typical uses:
- Interior decorating
- External access
- Maintenance tasks across different sites
Why choose a combination ladder?
Combination ladders provide flexibility while maintaining a straightforward, robust design. They’re well-suited to users who need versatility without complex mechanisms.
Roof Ladders — Secure Working on Pitched Roofs
Roof ladders are purpose-built for working directly on sloped roofs. They feature ridge hooks that secure the ladder over the roof apex, helping to prevent slipping.
Best for:
- Roofing and chimney work
- Roof inspections
- Tile and slate maintenance
Typical uses:
- Roof repairs
- Chimney access
- Maintenance on pitched roofs
Why choose a roof ladder?
Roof ladders are essential for safe roof work. They distribute weight more evenly across the roof surface and provide a stable working position where standard ladders are unsuitable.
Conservatory Ladders — Access Over Fragile Structures
Conservatory ladders are designed to safely span over fragile or uneven surfaces, such as glass or polycarbonate roofs. They often feature adjustable frames to avoid direct pressure on delicate materials.
Best for:
- Conservatory cleaning
- Gutter access above conservatories
- External maintenance over glass roofs
Typical uses:
- Conservatory roof cleaning
- Accessing awkward rooflines
- Maintenance where standard ladders cannot be used safely
Why choose a conservatory ladder?
These ladders minimise the risk of damaging fragile surfaces while providing a safer working position for tasks above conservatories and similar structures.
Surveyor Ladders — Stability on Uneven Terrain
Surveyor ladders feature adjustable legs that allow the ladder to be levelled on sloped or uneven ground.
Best for:
- Outdoor and site work
- Uneven or sloping terrain
- Professional surveying and construction tasks
Typical uses:
- Surveying work
- Accessing structures on uneven ground
- Landscaping and groundwork tasks
Why choose a surveyor ladder?
When ground conditions are unpredictable, surveyor ladders offer improved stability and safety compared to standard ladders.
Tripod Ladders — Ideal for Soft Ground and Gardening
Tripod ladders use a single rear leg rather than a traditional A-frame, allowing them to be positioned securely on soft or natural ground.
Best for:
- Gardening and landscaping
- Orchard and hedge work
- Outdoor use on soil or grass
Typical uses:
- Tree pruning
- Hedge trimming
- Fruit picking
Why choose a tripod ladder?
Tripod ladders excel where standard ladders struggle. Their design allows the rear leg to be driven into soft ground, creating a stable base.
Single-Person Pole Ladders — Lightweight Specialist Access
Single-person pole ladders are designed for use by one operative at a time and are commonly used in specialist professional environments.
Best for:
- Utilities and telecoms work
- Inspection tasks
- Situations requiring frequent repositioning
Typical uses:
- Pole access
- Narrow vertical structures
- Short-duration work at height
Why choose a single-person pole ladder?
These ladders prioritise mobility and efficiency, making them suitable for specialist tasks where speed and control matter.
Considerations Before Buying a Ladder
Before choosing a ladder, it’s worth thinking beyond how high it can go. The right ladder should suit how you work, where you’ll use it, and how often it will be needed.
Working Height and Reach
Ladder height is often misunderstood. What matters most is your safe working reach, not the overall length of the ladder.
Choosing a ladder that’s too short encourages overreaching, while one that’s unnecessarily tall can be harder to control. Always allow enough height to work comfortably without stretching or leaning.
Ease of Use
A ladder should feel manageable from the moment you set it up. Weight, locking mechanisms, and how easily the ladder opens or extends all affect usability.
If a ladder is awkward to handle or time-consuming to adjust, it’s less likely to be used correctly, which can increase risk during everyday tasks.
Versatility
If you carry out a variety of jobs, versatility becomes important. Multipurpose and combination ladders can adapt to different working positions, reducing the need to store or transport multiple ladders.
This can be especially useful for tradespeople or homeowners with limited storage space.
Safety Features
Good ladder design includes features that actively support safe use. Non-slip rungs, secure locking systems, stable feet, and wide standing platforms all contribute to better balance and confidence at height.
Choosing a ladder that meets current UK safety standards helps ensure these features have been properly tested and built for real-world use.
Final Thoughts: Invest in Safety and Suitability
Choosing the right ladder isn’t just about height. It’s about selecting the right tool for the right task and ensuring it meets UK safety standards.
Whether you need something light for occasional DIY or heavy-duty ladders for daily professional work, there’s a ladder designed for your needs.
If you’re unsure, talk to the team at BPS Depot. Expert advice, free delivery, and a wide range of certified ladders make finding the right ladder much easier.
