Which Ladder Do I Need? A Guide to Drabest Professional Ladders

Choosing the right ladder sounds simple until you start comparing extension ladders, telescopic ladders, step ladders, fibreglass ladders and access platforms. The best option depends on the work you are doing, how high you need to reach, how often the ladder will be moved and how much storage space you have.

UK Building Supplies now stocks a dedicated range of Drabest professional ladders and access equipment, covering everything from compact step ladders to three-section extension ladders and aluminium ladder scaffolding. This guide explains the main types and where each one makes the most sense.

What type of ladder do I need?

The first question is not simply “how tall a ladder do I need?” It is what type of work will you be doing. A decorator working indoors has very different requirements from a roofer, electrician or maintenance contractor.

As a general rule, think about four things: the access height required, whether the ladder needs to stand independently, how often it will be transported and whether you need a working platform rather than just climbing access.

2-section or 3-section extension ladder?

For exterior maintenance, roofline work, gutter access and general building work, an extension ladder is often the obvious choice.

The Drabest PRO 2-Section Extension / Combination Ladder is a good all-round option where you want a professional aluminium ladder without unnecessary complexity. It is available in 2x7, 2x9 and 2x11 sizes and is designed for trade and maintenance use.

If you need more reach or want a ladder that remains relatively compact when closed, the Drabest PRO 3-Section Extension / Combination Ladder gives you more flexibility. With sizes from 3x6 through to 3x16, it covers a much wider range of access heights.

When is a single-section ladder better?

Not every job needs an extension mechanism. If you already know the access height and want something simple, lightweight and quick to position, a single-section leaning ladder can be the better choice.

The Drabest PRO single-section range runs from 5 to 18 rungs. There are no sliding sections to adjust, making it straightforward to carry, position and use. These are particularly useful for regular maintenance, decorating and general access where the same ladder length is used repeatedly.

Why choose a telescopic ladder?

Telescopic ladders are all about portability. If storage space is limited or the ladder needs to travel in a smaller vehicle, a full-length extension ladder can be awkward.

The Drabest MAX Aluminium Telescopic Ladder is available in 2.6m, 3.2m and 3.8m versions. It collapses down to a compact size for storage and transport, while the pneumatic closing system is designed to make collapsing the ladder more controlled.

This type of ladder is particularly useful for mobile maintenance, surveying, installation work and tradespeople who need occasional access equipment without giving up a large amount of van space.

Standard step ladder or safety platform ladder?

For indoor work and lower-level access, a step ladder is usually more practical than an extension ladder because it stands independently.

The Drabest PRO Aluminium Step Ladder is a professional platform ladder available from 3 to 8 steps. It suits decorating, warehouse work, maintenance and installation jobs where a stable standing position is useful.

For users who want additional handrail support around the working position, the Drabest PRO SUPA STEP Safety Platform Ladder adds supportive handrails and a defined platform area. It is especially useful in commercial environments where the ladder may be used regularly throughout the day.

What about wider steps and a tool tray?

If you spend longer periods standing on a ladder, deeper steps can make a noticeable difference. The Drabest MAX Wide Step Ladder with Tool Tray uses extra-wide 120mm steps and includes an integrated tray for tools and small items.

That makes it a practical choice for decorators, installers and maintenance teams who want to reduce repeated trips up and down the ladder while carrying out a task.

When should I choose a fibreglass ladder?

Fibreglass ladders are commonly chosen for electrical and maintenance environments where non-conductive side stiles are desirable.

The Drabest Fibreglass Swingback Step Ladder is available from 4 to 10 steps and combines fibreglass stiles with a practical swingback design. It is suited to electrical installation, facilities management, industrial maintenance and general commercial access work.

Why choose a double-sided ladder?

A double-sided aluminium ladder can be climbed from either side, which is useful in workshops, warehouses and maintenance environments where you may need to approach a job from different directions.

Drabest's PRO double-sided range runs from compact 2x2 models up to 2x8, making it suitable for everything from low-level stockroom access to taller maintenance work.

When is ladder scaffolding useful?

Sometimes a conventional ladder is not the most comfortable way to work. Decorating, wall work, fitting and maintenance tasks can benefit from a wider standing platform.

The Drabest PRO Aluminium Ladder Scaffolding combines a working platform with ladder components, giving a versatile access system that can be configured for different tasks. The ladder sections can also be used separately when the platform arrangement is not required.

What does EN 131 mean?

Many of the Drabest professional ladder ranges we stock are manufactured to EN 131 requirements. EN 131 is the European standard covering portable ladders and includes requirements relating to ladder design, dimensions and testing.

It is still important to choose the correct ladder for the job and follow the manufacturer's setup and safety instructions. A professional specification does not replace correct positioning and safe use.

How do I choose the right ladder height?

Avoid simply buying the tallest ladder available. The correct size should allow you to reach the work area comfortably without overstretching or working from an unsuitable position.

Also consider transport and storage. A larger ladder may give extra reach, but if it is difficult to transport or too long for your storage area, a multi-section or telescopic model may be more practical.

Drabest ladders now available from UK Building Supplies

We have initially introduced 10 of Drabest's recommended bestselling professional ladder and access ranges, with multiple size options across the collection. That gives customers a choice of extension ladders, leaning ladders, telescopic ladders, platform steps, fibreglass ladders, double-sided ladders and ladder scaffolding.

Typical delivery is around 4 working days, subject to stock and delivery location. We always aim to get your order to you as quickly as possible and, where we can, sooner than the stated timescale.

Shop the full Ladders & Access Equipment collection at UK Building Supplies.