Features and benefits of aluminum stepladders

Types of stairs and stepladders

Ladder

In accordance with the still Soviet GOST 24258–88, a ladder is a device "for moving people in height." A clumsy definition hides a structure of two vertical supports, interconnected by horizontal bridges - steps.

The following varieties are distinguished:

• free-standing;
• attached inclined;
• hinged;
• added vertical.

There is also a marching view, but it has nothing to do with household apartment and construction needs. For all varieties, the surface load parameter (standard) is set at 2000 (200) Pa (kgf / m2).

Ladder

Stepladders are a type with characteristic structural features in the shape of the letter "L" or "A". Both options when unfolded represent a stable isosceles triangle. Its sides are an ordinary ladder and a support frame. For greater stability, rubberized tips are put on the legs. An alternative design is stairs on both sides.

Peculiarities:

• For the stability of the structure, the ladders are equipped with upper platforms or safety belts in the center (sometimes in the form of belts).
• The legs can be equipped with a traverse - a wide bar that fixes them in pairs in a single plane.

The standard length of the ladder is 6 meters, but there are varieties of other heights - it is considered according to the last step or platform.

Mini stepladder

The mini-version is also called a stepladder or stool.

Peculiarities:

• you can work while sitting or standing;
• more often this variety has 3 steps, but there are also options with 5 jumpers;
• the standard height of such a ladder is 90 cm.

This type is more often used in everyday life, but there are also building variations.

Stand with platform

It is a ladder with a work platform fixed from above and a support block. More often this design is presented in a mobile form. Both the front and the base can be equipped with casters.

Peculiarities:

• professional models are made of aluminum or stainless steel;
• The grooved platform is used as a work platform or tool storage location.

In accordance with GOST, variations with a working floor height of more than 1.3 m from the ground surface are equipped with barriers. This is usually a side or rail.

Varieties

There are several types of multi-stage stairs that you can design yourself.

Mini chair

This is a small step ladder that can be used for small spaces. The chair is made in height from 70 centimeters to 1 meter. On the top step, you can stand up with your feet or sit down and work at the table. The mini chair can be used like a regular chair.

Rack platform

The peculiarity of the stand platform is that the upper step is fixed with a special device. The fixed platform allows you to stand freely on it and place additional devices. The height of the platform rack reaches 1.3 or 1.5 meters. You can store such a platform in a folding form, leaning against the wall of the storage room, dressing room or basement. To fold the ladder, simply unfasten the latch, raise the platform and join both sides together.

Parting unilateral

Parting ladder with one-way ladder is designed as a stand. On one side there are steps, and on the other side there is a support wall. A stable platform is attached to the upper step. It is customary to use such a stand as a decorative element of the interior. It is difficult to collect and store in small spaces. The design is not particularly stable.

Parting double-sided

A double-sided platform assumes the presence of equivalent steps on both sides. This stand is convenient to use when gluing wallpaper. One person can stand on each side. Due to the fact that both sides are located symmetrically about the center line, it is easy to assemble and store folded. Separated double-sided ladders do not exceed a height of 2.3 meters.

Rolling

The name speaks for itself. A stepladder on wheels is made for work in houses with high ceilings. Rolling stairs are used in libraries, museums, exhibition halls.

Most often, rolling stairs are products with a maximum number of steps, designed as a spaced one-sided stand. The wheels are equipped with a locking mechanism that can be easily removed when the ladder needs to be rolled to another place.

Types of ladders for home use

Models are classified into the following groups:

Working heights and geometry of some types of ladders

• by material - steel and aluminum;
• according to their purpose, they distinguish professional, household and special;
• by design, the models are divided into folding, sliding, transformers and separate sections;
• you can classify stairs by manufacturer.

Climbing stairs can be either 2-way or 1-way. The steps usually have an anti-slip coating. It is recommended to select the height of the structure individually. Before purchasing a suitable product, it is necessary to determine where it will be used. To find the right ladder, you need to take 2 measurements:

• the height to which you need to reach;
• own growth.

You can calculate the height in the following way: subtract the growth data and 30 cm from the first value.For everyday use, 3-step ladders are usually purchased, the working height of which is 270 cm, and the highest step is located 60 cm from the floor. To make it more comfortable to work, it is better to use 4 or 5-stage designs, the working height of which reaches 310 cm.With its help, you can easily hang curtains or replace a burned-out light bulb. Such a ladder will serve as a good help in the household.

For work on a personal plot, it is better to purchase a 10-step or attached design. Gardening involves activities at significant altitudes - usually tree tending and harvesting. A convenient use case in this case is a transforming staircase.

Differences of a children's step-ladder

Plastic ladders cannot be transformed like aluminum or steel ones, but they are ideal for a child's room. When buying, you need to look at the quality of the plastic used and its thickness: the lower this indicator, the more likely it is that chips and cracks will appear when falling. Moreover, a structure with an insufficient strength factor simply will not withstand an adult.

Such products are made especially stable, they increase height by a maximum of 50 centimeters, while they have wide feet with a ribbed surface that prevents slipping.

The child can easily lift and transfer the structure to the desired place. The stepladder does not take up much space and has an attractive design.

Design features

In essence, the step ladder is an improved ladder that can be either single or double. Double-sided is more comfortable and more stable. But one-sided is much easier.

If you plan to use the ladder at home, you do not need to buy a tall product. Up to 1.2 m will be sufficient.

The number of steps must also be taken into account. It is more convenient if there are a lot of them, and they are located close to each other. Then a person of any age and physical development will be able to use the ladder.

Sometimes the specifications indicate the maximum workload.The higher it is, the better, but not at the expense of the low weight of the product.

Expert opinion
Dmitry Levin

You can also pay attention to additional structural elements. Stepladder castors are very useful, as are bucket hooks and compact tool racks.

Choosing the right step ladder for your home

The aluminum step ladder belongs to the category of rather expensive purchases that are made once and for a long time. Therefore, the choice of it should be approached, armed with certain knowledge.

What should you look for when buying? The first is sustainability. The stepladder should stand evenly with all its "limbs" on the floor surface, without distortions

In addition, her legs should not part when the wearer climbs on to her.

Therefore, right in the supermarket, you need to ask the seller to unfold the stairs and climb it. In this case, step on all five steps in turn. Because unscrupulous manufacturers can produce products with loose fasteners.

Even before buying, experienced builders advise you to fold and unfold the ladder several times. If at the same time there are some difficulties, something in the mechanism is jamming, it is better to refuse to purchase this model and look at another one.

It is necessary to carefully examine every detail so that there are no burrs, chips and cracks on them. All sections of metal parts must be covered with plastic or rubber pads. On the bottom of the supports, the same pads should be put on, which will prevent them from sliding on the floor.

This video talks about how to choose a ladder:

Manufacturers supply a restrictive handrail on the upper platform with a plastic shelf.

It performs two functions - it acts as a soft stop so that the metal does not scratch the wall, and serves as a place where small parts can be folded. Such a shelf must be intact and securely attached to the metal surface of the structure.

In addition, study the joints of the parts. If they use a bolted connection, it should not be loose. And the welded seams should have a flat surface, without holes and depressions.

This video lists the characteristics of an aluminum step ladder:

After reading our recommendations, you now know what an aluminum step ladder should be like for five steps.

Views

Manufacturers of aluminum stairs produce several modifications of such structures, making it easy to choose a variation for a certain type of work. To figure out which model to choose, you need to familiarize yourself with the features and characteristics of each of them.

Stepladders

These are folding structures of different lengths. The ladders are equipped with wide steps, so that even compact products are able to cope with heavy loads. Depending on the model, these ladders can be equipped with safety hooks or wheels for ease of movement. Stepladders are:

• double-sided (products with jumper steps on both sides);
• one-sided (with the arrangement of steps on one side).

The former are more convenient to use. Single-sided models are considered household. They are intended for short-term use at home, in an apartment or in an office.

Attached

Ladders with two beams connected by jumpers (most often cylindrical). This is the very first model. In ancient times, it was often used to storm fortresses. Over time, ladders have become more durable and reliable, and their purpose has changed dramatically.

To take advantage of such a structure, you need a support. It can be a wooden or concrete wall, a pillar. The support area must be sufficient to ensure good structural stability. Depending on the requirements, you can choose a straight non-extendable model, as well as a folding or retractable modification.

Platforms

A kind of aluminum construction ladder. These are structures with a platform installed on two supports. These are reliable and stable devices. If necessary, it is possible to change the height of the platform depending on the needs. Such ladders are convenient in work, since the master will be able to move around the site, as well as arrange the necessary tools and equipment. The platforms can be:

• assembly;
• articulated;
• staircase;
• mobile.

Transformers

These are multifunctional structures equipped with a transformation mechanism. The most popular type of transforming stairs is telescopic with hinges. They are equipped with pull-out sections, the number of which depends on the modification of the product.

The transformer can be converted into a regular ladder with an optimal length. In addition, it easily "transforms" into 2 step-ladders, between which a platform is installed. There are also professional transformers on sale. They can be dielectric, designed to perform electrical work.

Towers tours

These are structures for professional use, which are used for work at a height of up to 20 meters. These are composite products, consisting of sections of the same size. The towers, produced in production, have a length of 3 to 20 m. It should be noted that the more sections there are in the structure, the more versatile it is.

The scaffolds have different dimensions of the working platform. Its dimensions are selected in accordance with the number of workers. The platforms are designed for 1.2 or 3 people. Using these structures, it is possible to reduce the time for repair or finishing work due to the simple assembly of the product and the ease of moving it to change the location.

Constructions

Construction types can be combined depending on the model.

Single sided step ladder

This type of construction is typical of stepladders. It is also found at racks with platforms.

Peculiarities:

• steps are located only on one side, the opposite part serves as a support block;
• these models weigh less than counterparts with double-sided filling;
• structures are unsuitable for paired work;
• less stable than double-sided models due to uneven weight distribution.

This type of ladder is included in the budget, since it requires less material to manufacture. Lightweight designs are convenient for hand-held transportation.

Double sided step ladder

The two-sided version differs from the previous one only by the presence of steps on the opposite side. This has several advantages:

• Time-consuming processes that require third-party support can be carried out by two people, being at the same time on a ladder from different sides.
• The support side often replaces tool attachments - for example, during wallpapering, steps are used to hang different types of rollers.
• Double-sided split type is the most stable design option.

It is found in all models of stepladders, racks and transforming ladders.

Step ladder

Structurally, it consists of two support beams (rail) and steps. Models for high heights are equipped with platforms or handrails. Folding can be provided depending on the type.

Peculiarities:

• Full stability is achieved only by fastening to building elements or other supporting surfaces.
• It is permissible to work while standing at a height of at least 1 m from the top.
• The total construction length of household models is less than 5 m.

This type is often supplemented with accessories, since the basic kit is not suitable for comfortable work.

Sliding step ladder

Sliding models can be used as attached or one- and two-section ladders. They have at least one additional block, which is fully or partially extended, depending on the model.

Peculiarities:

• convenient for work at high altitudes;
• quick adjustment in 1-2 clicks;
• the top block is often equipped with rollers for unfolding along the walls;
• sections can be used as independent stairs.

Self-locking hook fasteners and latches prevent the blocks from disengaging.

Articulated stepladder

The hinge type is universal, adaptable to working conditions. It can be used as a detachable structure. A popular variety is the transforming step ladder, which is also used as a platform.

Peculiarities:

• When working on a structure in the form of a platform, on top of the ribs of the steps, for convenience and safety, a flooring, usually wooden, is installed.
• Assembly and change of shape are carried out after unclamping the fixing elements - structures in the form of dogs or buttons next to the hinges.

In most cases, red / green markings or “Lock / Unlock” inscriptions are provided.

Telescopic ladder

Retractable or telescopic ladders are used for work at heights. They consist of two or three overlapping parts that can be moved apart to provide the required height adjustment.

Peculiarities:

• the design can be fully extended, turning into a variation of the attached type;
• when assembled, the ladder is compact, easy to carry and store;
• usually presented in the form of 2-3 sections, the length of which is from 2.5 to 3.5 m.

The two-section retractable ladder can be extended to a length of about 8 meters. In models with 3 or more sections, the standard overall length is 10 meters.

Mobile stepladder

The mobile type resembles a one-sided split type in appearance. Their functionality is identical. These ladders are equipped with small wheels on the support side.

Peculiarities:

• In the basic position, the wheels are locked for stability.
• The latch is removed when you need to move the ladder.
• In addition, the front (without rollers) part of the structure is raised.

This provides mobility. If necessary, the stairs are fixed with additional screw stops, which can be folded or stationary. Models often include a playground.

Views

Today the consumer is offered a wide selection of ladders. They can be classified according to various criteria.

• According to the location of the steps, the structures are one-sided and two-sided.
• In terms of shape and structure, the ladders are divided into:
  1. classic with an installed working platform;
  2. A-shaped;
  3. L-shaped or folding transformer ladders that are used by specialists;
  4. universal with pull-out sections, they can be folded out and extended in a telescopic way.

1. Made of wood. Such ladders are considered not practical enough, as they can be deformed due to the influence of environmental factors. In addition, they are heavy and cannot be used with loads exceeding 100 kilograms.
2. Made of metal. Such models are considered more reliable than the previous ones due to the production of supports from steel as well as iron pipes. This type of construction weighs a lot and has sufficient overall dimensions even when folded.
3. Aluminum. They are characterized by compactness, practicality, they are lightweight, stable and mobile.
4. Combined. This type of ladder has steps and racks made of different materials.

1. Low ladders consist of 2-3 steps, they are compact and designed for everyday household use, they are characterized by lightness and reliability.
2. High ladders have 4 or more steps in their design. It is beneficial to use them in rooms with high ceilings or when carrying out outdoor work.

There are products for their intended purpose:

• garden;
• for construction;
• for the electrical industry;
• used for painting and repair purposes.

By the nature of the use of stepladders there are:

• mobile;
• portable;
• attached.

How to choose?

Several parameters affect the choice of aluminum stairs, and this is not only a type of design

It is worth taking into account its dimensions, the number of sections and steps, as well as the manufacturer. Let's take a closer look at each of these parameters.

Dimensions (edit)

The maximum height at which work will be carried out will depend on this parameter. The shortest is the 2 meter version with wide steps. Such structures are equipped with a different number of crossbars, but basically their number does not exceed 8 pieces. These units are ideal for home use.

The next size range of stairs is represented by models with a length of 4, 5 and 6 m. Such variations are in greatest demand. Most of the models presented in this size are transformers. Constructions of 6 meters are used both in everyday life and for professional activities.

Further, there are long structures that have heights of 8, 9, 10, 12 and 14 meters. Unlike the previous ones, these modifications are only attached - this feature is dictated by safety rules. Basically, these are sliding options, presented in various standard sizes.

Number of sections and steps

Multi-section models are represented by structures with a different number of sections - there can be from 1 to 4. Single-section versions are used at a height exceeding 5 meters. The most common types of such stairs are 1x8 and 1x12 (the first number indicates the number of sections, the second indicates the number of steps).

Two-piece ladders are also a hit. These designs are versatile. They include a pair of equal length sections that extend or unfold with a hinge mechanism. The most popular options for two-section ladders are 2x9 and 2x7. Such products are suitable for facade or roofing work in the yard, as well as for professional builders. For interior work in an apartment or a private house, such options are not suitable.

In addition, there are 3 and 4-section aluminum ladders. They are suitable for use in various industries. When folded, such structures do not exceed the dimensions of ordinary stepladders. When unfolded, they form a length of 3.5 to 15 meters. Such products are used as ladders or platforms. The most popular three-section models are 3x12, 3x10, 3x7.

It is also worth paying attention to the width of the steps. The longer the work, the more overall crossbeams should be

Components such as safety valves, automatic locking systems, and pointed tips will also be important.

Manufacturers

The choice of the manufacturer is also important. To save your budget, you can take a closer look at domestically produced models. It is necessary to choose well-known and proven brands. Do not give preference to manufacturers offering the cheapest solutions. As a rule, they offer low-quality ladders that do not withstand the loads declared by the manufacturer, quickly deform and become unusable.

Below is a rating of popular manufacturers, based on the opinion of buyers:

• Stairs (Russia);
• Krause (Germany);
• Eiffel (Russia);
• ITOSS (Slovakia);
• Kroft (Russia);
• Dogrular (Turkey).

For information on how to choose an aluminum ladder, see the next video.