There are step ladder types and styles that accommodate many needs. From the traditional step ladder to the multitasking option, you can find one for every task. Therefore, when purchasing a step ladder for your business, don’t rush into choosing a model that's not perfect.

The step ladder you buy needs to meet your business's own unique requirements. Are you working inside or outside? What types of jobs are you commissioned to do? Once these questions are answered, you can better decide which step ladder will make your work easier. When researching step ladders, consider the following:

1. Step ladders are usually made from aluminum or fiberglass.

2. Foldaway step ladders are great if you need to haul them around with you to most jobs.

3. For two person projects, consider a twin step ladder.

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Consider a lightweight and versatile step ladder for frequent use

If your business offers a variety of services that require you to use a step ladder frequently, then investing in a lightweight, adjustable model makes sense. This way, it's not inconvenient to carry it with you at all times and you can store it easily. Versatile step ladders are great for use on uneven surfaces like stairways and curbs, so you can use it for multiple jobs.

I recommend: Little Giant Ladder features a lightweight tripod style step ladder that is very strong, safe and versatile. Louisville Ladder offers a wide variety of lightweight aluminum step ladders that accommodate a variety of jobs including painting, electrical and roofing work.

Select a durable step ladder for heavy duty use

If building or maintenance is your business, then you should consider a heavy duty step ladder with a heavy weight capacity. In this case you want to invest in a step ladder that is made for hard work, so make sure it is highly durable.

I recommend: Ace Hardware sells a number of heavy duty step ladders in fiberglass that work well for maintenance staff. L.K Goodwin offers step ladder options with features that accommodate heavy weights, such as full metal boots and heavy duty gussets, and have a number of functions.

Pick a step ladder with a workstation to save time and improve efficiency

Step ladders with built-in work stations provide an area where you can place your tools. This saves you from having to climb up and down the ladder, which may in turn spare you many accidents.

I recommend: Stacks and Stacks sells a two step work platform ladder with utility tray, deluxe bucket and two deluxe sliding drawers that is perfect for painters. Industrial Ladder features a variety of models, including the fiberglass step ladder by Werner that has an electrician’s workstation.

A step ladder can be an important tool in any kind of business that requires maintaining a facility of some kind. In the traditional "bricks and mortar" business world, this means most managers will keep step ladders handy, regardless of what industry they are in.

You can find a variety of durable, useful step ladder models to outfit a commercial building or business venue. Businesses that use step ladders the most include:

1. Any "trade" business where the principal service is working on some part of a building, where a step ladder helps get to those hard to reach places.

2. Any non-trade maintenance business where workers need to access areas like overhead light bulbs and shelves.

3. Any business (like a restaurant) where the owners and managers are responsible for maintaining the facility themselves.

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Get plastic step ladder models

If your step ladder is going to be stored outside or in a damp environment, you may be looking for a plastic model. Unlike wood or metal, plastic won't rust or rot. The downside? Poor construction or weak plastic parts can make your step ladder an occupational hazard.

I recommend: If you only need to go up a couple of steps, the portable, folding step ladder models at Shop.com may do the job. Look for more simple plastic designs for multi-purpose reaching at Shoplet's online step ladder directory.

Find wooden step ladder models

Another good choice for a step ladder is wood. Wooden models can offer the best durability and ease of use, as long as buyers remember to check them periodically for wear.

I recommend: Get the Louisville Ladder and other handy wooden step ladder options at Alexandria General Supply online. For a solid 5-foot wooden ladder exceeding OSHA standards, check out the "Babcock" and other models on the step ladder list at BuyHardwareSupplies.com.

Browse aluminum and metal step ladder options

Lots of step ladder makers choose metal materials for production. Although aluminum is a chief source of structures like step ladders, fiberglass is also a frequent option, and you can find mixes of fiberglass and other materials that make a versatile yet sturdy ladder for extended use.

I recommend: Find step ladder information and models at Global Industrial, a site serving trades and other industries. Instawares has a collection of smaller aluminum step ladders for everyday use.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Remember when you're looking for that perfect buy that overall longevity is the key in purchasing a ladder. Talk to your step ladder provider about warranties and other information on how long your new ladder will last you and how safe it will keep you when you're using it.

Every home and office has use for a step ladder at some point. Many industrial businesses couldn’t function without at least one on the premises. Even regular office buildings need a step ladder now and again to change light bulbs on high ceilings, access boxes on the top storage shelf or even to paint the new conference room. The functionality of step ladders is seemingly endless, especially since they have the ability to hold upwards of 300 pounds and fold up neatly for storage purposes. So, if you don’t have one for your business yet, it’s probably best that you invest in one.

Step ladder pricing and costs vary depending on the material that makes up the ladder and the height you need. As you browse the Internet for the best option, be sure to not only compare prices, but also weight capacity and ease of use. Consider the following before making a purchase:

1. Werner is the best known manufacturer of fiberglass step ladders.

2. An aluminum step ladder is, by far, the least expensive.

3. A wooden step ladder is the most sturdy and most expensive.

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Rely on a durable fiberglass step ladder

Most manufacturers rate their fiberglass step ladders as heavy duty for professional use. In other words, they can take up to 300 pounds of weight on a regular basis and for extended periods before they show any signs of wear. These ladders usually range from six to 12 feet tall when erected, and still fold up nicely for storage.

I recommend: Visit Ace Hardware for a variety of fiberglass step ladder selections, ranging from $100 to $330. Drill Spot offers fiberglass options from popular step ladder manufacturers, such as Werner, priced at $70 for regular models to more than $900 for twin fiberglass step ladders. It all depends on your needs.

Save money when you purchase an aluminum step ladder

Aluminum is a relatively inexpensive material. Therefore, aluminum stepladders are the least expensive option you'll find. They are about half the cost of fiberglass and less than one-fifth the cost of wooden step ladders. Additionally, aluminum is a very light weight material, which makes these ladders very easy to maneuver. Three-foot-tall aluminum ladders weigh less than 10 pounds and an eight-foot aluminum ladder is less than 20 pounds.

I recommend: Find aluminum step ladders through Wasserstrom from $70 to $250, depending on height and manufacturer. Sears has aluminum step ladders for $50 to $90.

Go with a time-tested wooden step ladder

C.R. Laurence (CRL), with products focusing on the construction industry, manufacturers wooden step ladders from four to 10 feet tall expressly for use by glaziers, because they need sturdy and trustworthy support to do their job. Most of their ladders, therefore, earn the classification of extra heavy duty.

I recommend: Gordon Glass Company has four-foot CRL wooden stepladders for around $200. You can find the CRL 10-foot wooden step ladder at DK Hardware for about $500.

If your job function or business requires reaching high levels to perform daily tasks, you probably have some sort of step ladder at your disposal. But are you using the correct one for the task at hand? There is more to step ladders than you think. There are different grades and types. Some might be better for small jobs, like changing light bulbs, but for climbing to high levels like a roof, you might need a different type. Taking some time to learn some step ladder key terms can help you decide if the step ladder you currently use is safe enough for the tasks at hand.

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Platform step ladder

A platform step ladder is a typical step ladder, but the difference is that this one has a small platform at the top. This can be used to place items on or to stand on.

I recommend: Visit ContractorTools.com to see a visual image of a platform step ladder and see typical sizes this step ladder comes in.

Maximum intended load

All ladders, including step ladders, have a maximum intended load. This is the total weight that the ladder can safely support. The total weight includes the person on the ladder and any equipment that person is carrying.

I recommend: You can read more about maximum intended load at the Washington State Dept. of Labor and Industries.

Rung

The rung of a step ladder is the horizontal piece that goes across the ladder that functions as the step. It is also referred to as a cleat.

I recommend: You can see a visual image of a steel rung at SlipNOT.

Ladder type

The ladder type explains the maximum intended load. Ladder types can be extra heavy duty, heavy duty, medium duty or light duty. Most step ladders fall into the light duty category.

I recommend: You can read more about ladder types at Guide4Home.

Failure

When a step ladder encounters failure, that means that the ladder cannot carry a load, it has broken or parts have separated.

I recommend: To read more about stepladder failure, visit J.E.I. Metallurgical.

OSHA regulatory requirements

OSHA has certain requirements that all ladders, including step ladders, must meet. These are the OSHA regulatory requirements.

I recommend: You can read more on the OSHA regulatory requirements for industrial step ladders at Lab Safety Supply.