Ladder Materials
Step ladders are available in wood, fiberglass or aluminum. Wood is inexpensive, aluminum is lightweight, while fiberglass gives an added degree of safety when working around electricity.
Rungs
Most step ladders will have flat rungs or steps. Extension ladders can have round rungs, "D "rungs (flat on top, round underneath) or flat rungs on some extra heavy duty ladders. Rungs on quality ladders should be serrated for better slip resistance.
Ladder Feet
Look for slip resistant and non marring rubber feet on step ladders. Extension ladders usually have feet that swivel to allow for either spikes to be embedded into the ground, or a ribbed rubber bottom side for use on hard surfaces..
Ladder Levelers
There are a variety of ladder leveling devices that can be attached to an extension ladder to provide sure footing on uneven ground. Some levelers are automatic, while others require manual adjusting.
Lengths
Extension ladders are usually sold in 4 foot length increments, starting at 16' through 40' lengths. Step ladders usually start at 4' and are available in 2 foot increments up through 16' lengths are common (you can sometimes find longer with diligent search). There are specialty "two step" ladders, which are very compact, some with a hand hold, others without any hand hold (not for the un-steady or inexperienced ladder user).
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