Ladders
Trade ladders for proper access work, from step ladders to extension ladders, when you need stable footing and the right height without bodging it.
When you're up and down all day fitting, snagging, or pulling cables, a decent ladder stops wasted time and near-misses. This range covers professional ladders for site and home ladders for the garage, including folding ladders, telescopic ladders, loft ladders, combination ladders, aluminium ladders and fibreglass ladders. Pick the type that suits the job and the surface, then get the right height and rating so you're working safe and steady.
What Are Ladders Used For?
- Working at height for second-fix and maintenance jobs like fitting lights, alarms, extractors, and boxing-in where a step ladder gives you quick, stable access indoors.
- Reaching gutters, soffits, windows, and external fixings on refurbs where extension ladders let you set up properly without overreaching off a short set of steps.
- Getting into loft spaces for insulation top-ups, cable runs, and tank checks where loft ladders give safer, repeatable access than climbing on joists or balancing on a chair.
- Moving between tasks on busy sites where combination ladders and multi purpose ladders cover stairs, landings, and uneven ground without you carrying three different access ladders.
- Keeping a compact option in the van for call-outs where folding ladders and telescopic ladders pack down small but still get you up for quick checks and minor fixes.
Choosing the Right Ladders
Sorting the right ladder is simple: match the ladder type and material to the job and where you're using it, not what looks handy in the van.
1. Step ladders vs combination ladders
If you're mostly indoors doing quick access work, step ladders are the no-faff choice and set up fast in tight rooms. If you're bouncing between stairs, landings, and straight access, combination ladders earn their keep because one set covers more situations without feeling sketchy.
2. Extension ladders for reach
If the job is outside and you need height for gutters, fascia, or upper-storey access, go extension ladders with enough length so you are not working off the top rungs. If you're only ever doing low-level work, an extension ladder is just extra weight and hassle.
3. Aluminium ladders vs fibreglass ladders
Aluminium ladders are the everyday choice for general building and maintenance because they're light to shift and tough enough for site knocks. If you're working around electrics or you want extra peace of mind near live gear, fibreglass ladders are the sensible pick.
4. Storage and transport
If space is tight in the van or you're doing call-outs, telescopic ladders and folding ladders make life easier because they pack down small and carry easier through houses. If you're on the same job for weeks, a full-size set is usually quicker and less fiddly day to day.
Who Uses Ladders on Site?
- Sparkies and fire and security installers doing first fix and second fix, because step ladders make repetitive up-and-down work quicker and safer.
- Joiners and kitchen fitters for snagging, scribing, and overhead fixings where a stable platform stops you twisting and overreaching.
- Decorators and maintenance teams working around occupied properties, because the right work ladders let you set up fast and keep moving room to room.
- Roofers, gutter teams, and general builders using extension ladders outdoors, where a proper length and solid stance matter more than saving a few quid.
Ladder Accessories That Make Site Work Safer
A couple of the right add-ons stop slips, speed up set-up, and save you damaging the client's place.
1. Ladder stabilisers and standoffs
A stabiliser or standoff gives you a wider, steadier base and keeps the ladder off gutters and fragile edges, which is exactly what you want on awkward ground or when you're leaning up to fascia.
2. Replacement feet and anti-slip mats
Worn feet are where ladders start to feel sketchy, especially on smooth slabs and indoor floors, so swapping feet or using an anti-slip mat is a cheap fix that stops the ladder creeping as you climb.
3. Ladder clamps and ties
Clamps and ties help secure the ladder where you can, which is a big help on outdoor jobs and busy areas where you cannot risk a knock or a shift mid-task.
Shop Ladders at ITS.co.uk
Whether you need trade ladders for daily site work or home ladders for odd jobs, we stock the full spread of step ladders, extension ladders, loft ladders, telescopic ladders, combination ladders and more. It's all held in our own warehouse, in stock and ready for next day delivery so you can get access sorted without holding the job up.
Ladders FAQs
What types of ladders do you sell?
We stock the main access ladders people actually use day to day, including step ladders, extension ladders, loft ladders, telescopic ladders, combination ladders and folding ladders, plus aluminium ladders and fibreglass ladders across different heights.
What is the difference between step ladders and combination ladders?
Step ladders are self-supporting for quick indoor access and repeated up-and-down work. Combination ladders reconfigure into different positions, so they cover more awkward setups like stairs and landings, but they are usually heavier and take a bit longer to adjust.
Are telescopic ladders good for storage and transport?
Yes, telescopic ladders are a solid choice when van space is tight because they collapse down small and carry easily through houses. The trade-off is they can be more fiddly than a standard ladder, so for all-day use on one site many people still prefer a full-size set.
Which ladders are best for trade use?
For trade ladders, pick the ladder type around the task first, then choose a proper rating and a height that stops you working off the top. Step ladders suit indoor fitting and maintenance, while extension ladders and combination ladders make more sense for outdoor access and mixed setups.
Do you sell loft ladders for home access?
Yes, we stock loft ladders for home access where you need safe, repeatable entry for storage, insulation, or quick checks. Measure your hatch size and the floor-to-ceiling height before you buy, because that is what decides whether it fits and sits right.
Are extension ladders suitable for outdoor jobs?
Yes, extension ladders are made for outdoor reach like gutters, soffits and upper-storey access, as long as you choose enough length and set them correctly on firm ground. If you're always on uneven surfaces, look at stabilisers and make sure the feet are in good nick.
Do you stock aluminium and fibreglass ladders?
Yes, you'll find both aluminium ladders and fibreglass ladders in the range. Aluminium is the common all-rounder for general jobs, while fibreglass is a sensible choice when you're working around electrics or want a non-conductive option.
Can I get next day delivery on ladders?
Yes, we hold stock in our own warehouse, so next day delivery ladders are available on qualifying orders. Check the delivery options at checkout to confirm cut-off times and services to your address.
