No matter what you need it for, it's definitely recommended that you invest in a step ladder for your home. They can be a lifesaver for gardening, DIY and home repairs. A decent step ladder can be easily used indoors and outdoors and usually features a non-slip coating to prevent injury.
However, knowing which step ladder is the best to truly take you to new heights can be difficult as there are a lot of important design, portability and functionality factors to take into consideration. Ideally, you want a step ladder to be sturdy and easy to stand on - and it is down to you to determine what size step ladder is fit for purpose. If you are tight on space, it may be worth exploring the best telescopic ladders on the market.
The best step ladders at a glance:
Best overall option: Home Vida Steel Portable Folding Heavy Duty Ladder - View on Amazon UK
Best lightweight step ladder: Draak Step Ladder Non Slip Treads - View on Amazon UK
Best portable step ladder: Wolfwise Stool Ladder Portable Folding Anti-Slip - View on Amazon UK
Best step ladder for safety: Home Vida 4 Step Ladder with Safety Handrail - View on B&Q
If you're ready to invest in a step ladder, you'll want to read on below to find out which brands we recommend. There's a great range of sizes and features, so there should be a ladder available that's perfect for everybody.
Best overall step ladder
This steel folding ladder is durable, won't slip on any surface, and won't break the bank either. What more could you want? It's a great value choice that is easy to clean, as you can just wipe it with a damp cloth to remove dirt from the shiny metal. The foldable design saves plenty of space and is super compact too!
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Sturdy, foldable frame
Cons
- On the shorter side
Best lightweight step ladder
If you're looking for a sizeable ladder that won't be too difficult to move around, then this is a brilliant choice. Available in a massive range of sizes, this offering from Draak is made from lightweight aluminium, so it'll be easy to transport as needed.
Our thoughts: We love the vast range of sizes on offer, as they make this one of our most versatile choices. The two-step variety might be enough to reach a steep shelf, but if you're doing some top-level gardening, you can invest in an eight-step variety for some extra height!
Pros
- Non-slip steps
- Locks into place
Cons
- Might be too tall for some spaces
Best portable step ladder
The star of this ladder is the rubber hand bar, which allows you to get a much more stable hold when you're up on the ladder. It also makes moving the stepladder around much simpler, which is a great feature in our book!
Our thoughts: We love the orange colour - it really makes this one stand out! It's got an anti-slip grip on the feet of the ladder, so you don't need to worry about things coming away from the ground, and it's easy to put up and down, no matter how mobile you are.
Pros
- Portable - lightweight
- Rubber stabilising
Cons
- Some assembly required
Best step ladder for safety
www.diy.com
Safety comes first, and this ladder features a brilliant safety rail to ensure you've got the best grip you can when you're climbing. It's simple to set up and just as easy to clean!
Our thoughts: The material here is super durable, so you won't need to worry about buying a replacement ladder for years to come. It might be a little more expensive than others, but peace of mind is absolutely priceless.
Pros
- Strong frame
- Folds out easily
Cons
- Not as aesthetically pleasing
Best step ladder for durability
Fibreglass is incredibly sturdy, and this ladder will withstand anything you throw at it. This makes it perfect if you don't have a large enough storage area, as it can fight off anything the weather may bring, even when stored outdoors.
Our thoughts: This option is also great for lifting heavier loads, as it can withstand up to 150kg. The extra-wide tread comes with a slip-resistant surface, so you'll know you're in safe hands.
Pros
- Wide, slip-resistant surface
- Integrated tool tray
Cons
- Pricier than the other options in this guide
Are step ladders safe to use on my own?
Absolutely! Step ladders are designed to be used without external support. So long as you're on a clear, flat surface, you shouldn't need anyone to support the base of the ladder, although please do continue to use your own judgement in these circumstances. Be mindful of injury at all times, especially when engaged in DIY!
When using a step ladder, what rule should be followed?
It is extremely important to maintain a 3-point contact when you are using a step ladder. This is two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand. You should stay near the middle of the ladder and also face the ladder while climbing up and down it. Keeping your ladder away and off of slippery materials is also important when you use it, and if you live in a busy household it's a good idea to use a baricade as a way of preventing too much chaos around the ladder.
What should you avoid when using a step ladder?
When using a step ladder, it is important to not overreach and to move the step ladder when needed. Also, do not shift or walk a step ladder when you are standing on it, as frustrating as it is to climb up and down what feels like constantly, this is ultimately the safest thing to do. Additionally, do not stand or sit or climb on the step ladder top or pail shelf, this is not what its intended use is.
How long can you stay on a step ladder?
Unknown to a lot of people, there is a guideline of time to adhere to when deciding if a step ladder is the right piece of equipment for the task you're doing. If your task will need you to stay up a leaning ladder or a step ladder for more than 30 minutes, then you should recalculate and find an alternative equipment to use. However, short duration should not be the deciding factor in establishing whether use of a step ladder is suitable - above all you need to have considered risk.
Caitlin Evans is a Content Optimisation Executive with a passion for finding the best products on the market. She specialises in identifying features that make a product stand out from the rest that will help people make informed buying decisions.