05 Sep 2025

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT EXTENSION LADDER FOR ANY JOB

When it comes to working at height - whether that's cleaning gutters, painting an exterior wall, or tackling a professional roofing job - a quality extension ladder will be your best friend. But here's a common problem: walk into any DIY store or browse online, and you'll be faced with dozens of choices.

• Should I buy aluminium or fibreglass?
• How tall should my ladder be?
• What do weight ratings actually mean?
• Are features like stabilisers or pulley systems worth the investment?

This guide answers all of those questions. By the end, you'll know exactly how to choose the the right extension ladder for your home or work project, without waste precious money or compromising on safety.

WHY THE RIGHT LADDER MATTERS

All ladders may look similar, but they're not a one-size-fits-all item. Choosing incorrectly can cause problems such as:

• A ladder that doesn't reach high enough
• Unsafe setups because of poor stabilisation
• Fatigue or accidents from using the wrong material
• Wasting money on features you don't need

The good news? With a bit of knowledge, you can narrow down your options quickly and make the safest, most cost-efficient choice.

STEP ONE: CHOOSING THE RIGHT MATERIAL - ALUMINIUM vs FIBREGLASS

One of the first decisions you'll face is ladder material. The two most common are aluminium and fibreglass, and each come with their own set of advantages.

Aluminium Extension Ladders:

• Lightweight: Easy to carry, transport, and set-up can even be single-handded
• Durable: Resistant to rust and corrosion, making them ideal for outdoor work
• Affordable: Generally cheaper than fibreglass, a good option for homeowners or occasional users

Best For: DIY projects, painting, guttering, general home improvements

Limitations:

• Conductive: Aluminium conducts electricity. If you're working near overhead power lines or electric installations, this is a serious safety risk
• Flex: Some longer models can feel slight 'springy' underfoot compared to fibreglass

Fibreglass Extension Ladders

• Non-Conductive: Safe for electrical work, making them the go-to choice for electricians and telecom engineers
• Stability: Heavier and sturdier, offering a more solid feel when climbing
• Durability: Resistant to weather, heat, and UV exposure

Best For: Tradespeople, professional use, electric jobs, roofing, and regular outdoor work

Limitations:

• Heavier: Not as easy to move or transport, especially longer models
• More Expensive: Typically costs more than aluminium

STEP TWO: GET THE HEIGHT & REACH RIGHT

Height is where many people get confused. A ladder labelled as 20ft, doesn't necessarily let you reach 20ft comfortably.

Ladder Length vs Working Height

• Ladder Length: The total length of the ladder when fully extended
• Maximum Working Height: The safe vertical reach you can achieve while standing around 4 rungs from the top

For example:

• A 20ft (6m) ladder might give you a working height of around 17ft (2.5m)
• A 28ft (8.5m) ladder might give you a working height of 25ft (6.7m)

PRO TIP: Always allow for at least 3ft (1m) overlap where ladder sections extend.

HOW TO CALCULATE THE HEIGHT YOU NEED

1. Measure the job height: From ground to the highest point you’ll need to reach.
2. Subtract your own reach: Most people can comfortably add about 5–6ft (1.5–1.8m) from their standing height.
3. Add for overlap: Remember the sections of an extension ladder must overlap, so factor in 3ft or more.

Example: If your gutters are 20ft high and you’re 6ft tall, your reach standing on the ladder is around 11ft (6ft body + 5ft arm reach). That means you’ll need a ladder that comfortably extends to around 25ft working height, which usually means buying a 28ft ladder.

COMMON HOUSEHOLD & TRADE HEIGHTS

• Single-storey house: 16–20ft ladder.
• Two-storey house: 24–28ft ladder.
• Three-storey house or commercial use: 32–40ft ladder.

STEP THREE: CHECK THE SAFETY FEATURES

Modern extension ladders come with features that dramatically improve safety and ease of use. Here are the key ones to look for:

Rope & Pulley Systems

• Found on longer ladders (usually 24ft+).
• Allows you to raise and lower sections smoothly.
• Reduces strain and keeps ladder movement under control.

Best for: Tradespeople or anyone frequently using taller ladders.

Stabiliser Bars

• Now required by law (EN131 standards) on new ladders sold in the UK.
• A wide bar at the base that increases stability and reduces the risk of sideways tipping.
• Essential for outdoor or uneven surfaces.

Locking Mechanisms

• Rung locks secure the ladder sections in place.
• Always ensure these are sturdy, easy to engage, and checked before climbing.

Non-Slip Feet & Rungs

• Rubberised or angled feet prevent slipping.
• Wide, serrated rungs give you a better grip, even in wet weather.

Accessories to Consider

• Stand-offs (ladder stays): Hold the ladder away from gutters or windows for stability.
• Hooks and trays: Keep tools handy and your hands free.
• Levelers: Allow safe use on sloping ground.

STEP FOUR: UNDERSTAND WEIGHT RATINGS

Every extension ladder comes with a duty rating, which tells you the maximum safe load (your weight + tools).

UK Standard: EN131

• EN131 Professional: Up to 150kg, designed for trade and industrial use.
• EN131 Non-Professional: Also up to 150kg, designed for home/DIY.

Older ratings like Class 1 (industrial) and Class 3 (domestic) are mostly phased out, but you may still see them on older ladders.

PRO TIP: If you’re a tradesperson, always buy EN131 Professional to meet HSE requirements.

STEP FIVE: MATCH LADDER CHOICE TO YOUR NEEDS

So how do you decide which ladder is right for you? Let’s break it down.

Homeowners / DIYers

• Material: Aluminium (lightweight and affordable).
• Height: 16–24ft for most UK homes.
• Features: Stabiliser bar, non-slip feet, possibly a stand-off for gutters.
• Weight rating: EN131 Non-Professional is fine for occasional use.

Tradespeople / Professionals

• Material: Fibreglass (especially for electrical work) or heavy-duty aluminium.
• Height: 28–40ft depending on job type.
• Features: Rope & pulley system, stabilisers, tool trays, standoffs.
• Weight rating: EN131 Professional (required for compliance).

BUYING CHECKLIST FOR EXTENSION LADDERS

Before you spend your money, run through this checklist:

✅ Do I need aluminium (light, affordable) or fibreglass (safer, sturdier)?
✅ What’s my job height and required working height?
✅ Does the ladder meet EN131 standards with stabilisers?
✅ Are there safety features like non-slip feet, locking mechanisms, and rope systems?
✅ Does the weight rating suit my body weight + tools?
✅ Is it designed for domestic or professional use?

OUR FINAL THOUGHTS & YOUR CHANCE TO SHOP

By now, you should have a clear idea of which type of extension ladder will best suit your needs - whether that’s a lightweight aluminium model for weekend DIY jobs or a sturdy fibreglass ladder for professional use. The key is finding a ladder that balances safety, practicality, and value for the tasks you’ll be tackling most often.

To make the process easier, we’ve put together a carefully selected range of certified extension ladders for both homeowners and tradespeople. You can explore them in our extension ladders collection, where each product includes detailed specifications and features to help you compare options quickly.

If you’d like a little extra guidance before making your choice, our team is always happy to share advice. Simply get in touch with us and we’ll help match you to the right ladder for your job.

Think of it less as a purchase and more as an investment in safety and convenience - one that will pay for itself every time you reach for it.