07 Jan 2026
CAN YOU USE A TELESCOPIC LADDER ON UNEVEN GROUND?
Using a ladder on uneven ground is one of the most common challenges people face when working at height. Sloped driveways, garden areas, gravel surfaces, and rough ground can all raise the same question: can a telescopic ladder be used safely on uneven ground?
The short answer is yes, but only under the right conditions. Telescopic ladders are versatile and compact, but like all access equipment, they have limits. Understanding when they can be used safely, when extra precautions are required, and when they should not be used at all is essential for reducing risk.
This guide explains how telescopic ladders behave on uneven ground, the advantages and limitations, and how to make informed decisions before using one in these conditions.
Why Uneven Ground Is a Safety Concern
All ladders rely on stable contact with the ground to remain safe. When the surface beneath the ladder is uneven, sloped, or soft, stability is reduced. This increases the risk of slipping, twisting, or sudden movement during use.
Telescopic ladders are often used in environments where uneven ground is unavoidable. Examples include outdoor maintenance, gutter cleaning, garden work, and site-based tasks. While their compact design makes them easy to position, this does not remove the need for proper ground support.
The key issue is not whether the ladder can stand on uneven ground, but whether it can do so without compromising safety.
How Telescopic Ladders Differ From Traditional Ladders
Telescopic ladders differ from traditional extension ladders in a few important ways. They are lighter, more compact, and designed to adjust in small height increments. This makes them convenient, but it also means that correct setup is essential.
Most telescopic ladders have straight side rails and fixed feet. They do not automatically adjust to uneven surfaces. This means the ground beneath the ladder must be stable enough to support both feet evenly.
On firm, level ground, this is rarely an issue. On uneven ground, extra care is required to prevent one foot from sitting higher or lower than the other.
When a Telescopic Ladder Can Be Used on Uneven Ground
A telescopic ladder can be used on uneven ground if the surface can be made stable before climbing.
This may include:
- Firm ground where the ladder can be levelled
- Slight slopes where the ladder can be repositioned safely
- Outdoor surfaces that are solid and non-slip
In these situations, the ladder must sit flat at the base, with both feet making full contact with the ground. The ladder should not rock, tilt, or move when weight is applied.
If stability cannot be achieved at ground level, the ladder should not be used without additional support or equipment.
The Role of Ladder Feet and Grip
Most quality telescopic ladders are fitted with anti-slip rubber feet. These help improve grip on smooth or hard surfaces such as concrete or paving.
While anti-slip feet improve traction, they do not compensate for uneven height differences. They are designed to prevent slipping, not to level the ladder.
On uneven ground, relying on grip alone is not enough. Stability must come from proper positioning and support, not friction alone.
Using Telescopic Ladders on Soft or Loose Surfaces
Soft ground such as soil, grass, or gravel presents additional challenges. Even if the ladder appears stable at first, the ground can compress or shift under load.
This can cause:
- Gradual sinking of one foot
- Sudden loss of balance
- Reduced confidence while climbing
If a telescopic ladder must be used on soft ground, the surface should be compacted or supported to prevent movement. If this cannot be done reliably, the ladder should not be used.
Do Stabilisers or Accessories Help?
Some telescopic ladders are compatible with stabiliser bars or base supports. These accessories can improve lateral stability and reduce movement, especially at greater heights.
Stabilisers can help in some uneven ground scenarios, but they are not a universal solution. They still require a reasonably level base and should only be used in line with manufacturer guidance.
Using improvised solutions such as bricks, wood, or loose materials under ladder feet is unsafe and should be avoided.
👉 Check out our range of ladder accessories
Height Increases Risk on Uneven Ground
As a telescopic ladder is extended higher, stability becomes more critical. Small movements at the base are magnified at height.
When used on uneven ground:
- Overreaching becomes more dangerous
- Side loading increases instability
- Minor ground movement has a greater effect
This is why correct ladder height selection and cautious positioning are essential. Using a ladder that is taller than needed often increases risk rather than improving access.
For guidance on choosing the correct ladder height, our Complete Guide to Telescopic Ladders explains how height and working position affect safety and performance.
When You Should Not Use a Telescopic Ladder
There are situations where a telescopic ladder should not be used on uneven ground under any circumstances.
These include:
- Steep slopes
- Loose or shifting ground
- Surfaces that cannot be stabilised
- Environments where the ladder cannot sit flat
In these cases, a different access solution should be considered. Using the wrong equipment increases the likelihood of accidents and equipment damage.
Pros of Using a Telescopic Ladder on Uneven Ground
When conditions allow, telescopic ladders offer some advantages.
They are easy to reposition and adjust. This allows users to fine-tune height and placement more easily than with fixed-length ladders. Their compact size also makes them practical for outdoor and site-based tasks where space is limited.
When set up correctly on stable ground, they perform well for short-duration tasks and light to moderate workloads.
Cons and Limitations to Be Aware Of
The main limitation is that telescopic ladders do not self-level. They rely entirely on the surface beneath them. This makes careful ground assessment essential.
They are also lighter than some traditional ladders, which means surface conditions play a greater role in overall stability.
Understanding these limitations is not a drawback. It allows users to choose the right ladder for the job and use it safely.
Best Practice for Safe Use
Before using a telescopic ladder on uneven ground, always assess the surface carefully. The ladder should sit flat, feel stable under load, and remain secure throughout use.
If stability cannot be achieved easily and confidently, the ladder should not be used.
For broader guidance on ladder safety, setup, and usage, the Complete Guide to Telescopic Ladders provides detailed best-practice advice across a wide range of working environments.
Choosing the Right Telescopic Ladder
Not all telescopic ladders are built to the same standard. Build quality, locking mechanisms, and base design all affect stability.
If you regularly work outdoors or in environments where ground conditions vary, choosing a high-quality telescopic ladder designed for professional use is essential.
You can explore suitable options by browsing our full range of telescopic ladders, which includes models selected for strength, reliability, and compliance with safety standards.
👉 Shop our full range of quality telescopic ladders, designed for safety, performance, longevity, and compliance.
Final Answer: Can You Use a Telescopic Ladder on Uneven Ground?
Yes, a telescopic ladder can be used on uneven ground only when the surface can be made stable and level. It should never be used where stability cannot be guaranteed.
Understanding the limits of the ladder, assessing ground conditions carefully, and choosing the right equipment are key to safe working at height.
Used correctly, telescopic ladders remain a practical and reliable access solution across many environments. Used incorrectly, they carry unnecessary risk. The difference lies in preparation, positioning, and informed decision-making.
