22 Sep 2025

SPOTLIGHT: A BUYER'S GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT LADDER MATERIAL

When you need to climb safely, you may not think it, but the material of your ladder plays a huge role. It directly affects safety, durability, portability, and cost. In the UK, thousands are injured each year in ladder-related incidents, many due to inappropriate ladders for the task. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), around 6,000 UK residents are hospitalised annually from ladder-related accidents in the home.

In this article, we'll compare the three main ladder materials - aluminium, fibreglass, and wood (timber) - so you can make the most informed decision when choosing the right ladder for the job at hand.

WHY MATERIAL MATTERS: KEY FACTORS YOU MUST CONSIDER

Before opting for a material, think the following:

Safety: Electrical conductivity, stability, slip risk
Durability & Maintenance: Susceptibility to weather, rot, rust
Weight & Portability: Travelling between locations or moving around site
Cost: Up-front vs long-term value
Compliance: Ladder standards in the UK, e.g. EN 131 & BS Standards

ALUMINIUM LADDERS

ADVANTAGES

Lightweight and easy to move around - ideal if you often carry your ladder up and down stairs or between sites
Resistant to rot and corrosion (though natural oxidation may occur)
Typically more affordable than fibreglass versions with equivalent features

DISADVANTAGES

Conduct electricity - making it unsafe near live wiring or during electrical work
Can dent or deform under heavy loads or impact

BEST USES

Dry indoor work like painting ceilings, fitting curtain rails
Occasional outdoor use, providing you avoid contact with electrical sources
DIY jobs around the home

FIBREGLASS LADDERS

ADVANTAGES

Non-conductive: one of the safety materials for work near electricity
Very durable, tolerant of weather and heavy use
Often compliant with higher load ratings and professional standards

DISADVANTAGES

Heavier and more cumbersome to transport
Height up-front cost
Can degrade (e.g. moisture, UV) if not properly maintained

BEST USES

Electrical trade work, telecoms, outdoor installation
Regular, daily use in industry or construction
Sites where safety standards like EN 131 are mandatory

WOODEN (TIMBER) LADDERS

ADVANTAGES

Naturally non-conductive when dry: safe in many situations away from electricity
Aesthetically pleasing, especially for loft access, heritage properties, or where aluminium/fibreglass look out of place
Can be sturdy and long-lasting if well maintained

DISADVANTAGES

Heavy and harder to move and store; less portable
Vulnerable to rot, warping, splinters, and insect damage
Needs regular treatment/inspection

BEST USES

Indoor & loft access where material appearance and warmth matter
Occasional use in dry, indoor settings
Heritage restoration where traditional materials are preferred

COMPARISON TABLE

Here's a handy quick guide summarising how these three materials compare across key features:

Feature	Aluminium Ladder	Fibreglass Ladder	Wooden Ladder
Weight / Portability	Lightweight, easy to carry	Heavier, less portable	Heaviest, harder to move
Durability & Weather	Resists corrosion; may dent	Excellent for weather; long-lasting	Prone to rot, warping; needs careful storage
Cost (Up-front & Long Term)	Lower cost to buy; moderate maintenance	Higher initial cost; lower replacement rate	Moderate cost; possibly higher maintenance costs
Safety near Electricity	Conductive – not safe	Non-conductive – safe choice	Non-conductive when dry; risky if wet or damp
Best Use Case	DIY, portable tasks, indoor/exterior low risk	Electrical work, trade, regular heavy use	Heritage settings, lofts, occasional indoor use

UK STANDARDS & LOAD RATINGS

Understanding ladder standards is critical:

The EN 131 Standard is mandatory for new ladders; ensures load capacity, stability, safety.
The old BS 2037 standard applies to aluminium steps and ladders, though many trades ladders now follow EN 131 or are being transitioned.
Load ratings: Domestic (Class III) ladders are rated to about 125 kg; trade/professional rated ladders under EN 131 / Class 1 or industrial could be rated up to 150 kg or even 175 kg depending on material and design.

In 2023/24, falls from height caused 50 worker fatalities in the UK - many involving ladders or portable access equipment

HOW TO CHOOSE A LADDER BASED ON YOUR NEEDS

Here’s a checklist to match ladder material to your situation:

Task Type: Are you doing electrical work? Go with fibreglass. For painting or occasional reach tasks, aluminium or wood may suffice.
Frequency of Use: For daily or trade use, pay more for durability (fibreglass or high-grade aluminium).
Environment: Outdoor, wet, or harsh conditions favour fibreglass or properly treated aluminium. Wood between heating and moisture control.
Weight / Transport: If you’ll move the ladder often, lightweight options matter.
Budget vs Safety: It’s tempting to opt for the cheapest, but non-compliance or reduced safety often costs more later (repairs, accident risk, replacements).

CONCLUSION

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to ladder material. If safety is your priority - especially around electricity or in trade work - fibreglass is often the best investment. For home or DIY use, aluminium may hit the sweet spot. Wood remains a useful, traditional option in the right circumstances, particularly indoors.Make sure to consider UK ladder standards, load ratings, and the specific environment you’ll be working in. And always inspect before use. Your ladder could be the difference between success and serious injury.