Do you need to fix a roof? Are you keen to paint or clean the upstairs windows? Maybe you have to rescue Tom the Tabby cat from the big old oak tree in your garden. Whichever it is, you will need to find a way to get up high.
You could turn to a trusty rigid wooden ladder, but we think there’s another (better) option – the telescopic ladder. Made from robust aluminium and versatile in its construction, the best telescopic ladder is a hardy, practical tool.
The average telescopic ladder extends from approximately 0.8m to 3.3m (sometimes even higher). Use it to get the job done efficiently and then close the ladder back down and pop it away until it’s needed again.
Which Is The Best Telescopic Ladder For You?
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If you’re in the market to buy, we think this type of ladder would be a welcome addition to your DIY repertoire. But how do you choose the best telescopic ladder to suit your needs?
Well we’ve taken a “step up” for you! We’ve checked out five of the best telescopic ladders on the market, here’s what we found:
#1: DIY Multi-Purpose Aluminium Telescopic Ladder
Check current stock levels, price, and reviews on Amazon
Features:
- Lightweight and durable aluminium design
- Extends incrementally to a height of 3.8m
- 150Kg load bearing
- Solid rubber tipped feet
- Industrial grade latches
- Foldable, with storage straps
- A shape length 190cm by 190cm
- 12 steps in total (30cm between each step)
- 83cm in length and 13.5 Kg in weight (when collapsed)
- Supplied with safety certification
Things You Might Want to Know:
- The rungs don’t lock into a closed position when you lift the ladder (so they might drop when you move it).
- You cannot use the ladders without locking the stabiliser bar into place at the bottom – so these ladders are quite wide down below.
- You should always take care when collapsing the ladders (watch your fingers)!
- This is our pick for the best telescopic ladder
#2: 5M Telescopic Multi-Purpose Ladder
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Features:
- Made from high-quality aluminium
- Foldable
- Herringbone length of 2.5m and extended length of 5m
- 150Kg load bearing capacity
- Rubber feet for grip and stability
- Rolling casters for easy manoeuvrability
- Stable locking key between steps to prevent friction
- Stabiliser bar
- 30cm between each step
- 86cm in length and 17.8 Kg in weight (when collapsed)
- Complies with EN131 safety standards
Things You Might Want to Know:
- When using as a short ladder, extend the rungs from the top. Keep the bottom rungs gathered.
- Don’t forget to remove the black plastic pieces from the support bar (these are just for shipping purposes) – you can then join the stabiliser bar and feet.
- There’s no carry bag, but you can hook the ladder under your arm and carry by holding the lower rung.
- This is our 2nd best telescopic ladder pick
#3: Nassboards Lightweight Telescopic Ladder
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Features:
- Collapsable
- Corrosion-resistant aluminium alloy
- Open to height required – up to extended length of 3.2m
- Just 95cm high when retracted
- Black anti-slip rubber caps on bottom for stable footing
- 10 rungs on ladder
- 27.5cm between each rung
- Weighs just 13.35kg
Things You Might Want to Know:
- The latches automatically lock in place but do make sure you watch where you’re putting your fingers!
- Reinforced bottom step gives extra stability
#4: Telescopic Multipurpose Ladder
Check current stock levels, price, and reviews on Amazon
Features:
- Extend rung by rung to a height of 3.8m
- Lightweight but durable
- High quality polished aluminium
- Step intervals of 30cm
- Closed length of 81cm for simple storage
- 150Kg load bearing capacity
- High quality rubber feet for grip and stability
- Locking key between steps prevents friction
- Conforms to EN31 standard
Things You Might Want to Know:
- This is a robust ladder, so might feel a little heavy to some
- Take care not to catch your hands in the A-frame mechanism
#5: WolfWise Telescoping Ladder
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Features:
- Non slip end caps
- Unlock each section in 1 foot increments as needed
- Choose the height to meet your needs
- Corrosion resistant aluminium alloy
- Lightweight
- 15 rungs in total
- Locking rung on step 2 and 14
- 150Kg load bearing capacity
- Extends up to 4.7m
- Retracts to 94cm for simple storage and transport
Things You Might Want to Know
- The manufacturer suggests you avoid standing on the top three rungs (as a safety precaution)
- This ladder does not have a soft-close mechanism so take care – it closes with relative force!
No products found.
Are Telescopic Ladders Safe?
Telescopic ladders offer a more convenient method of reaching up high to carry out jobs inside and out. They are usually lightweight (around 30 lbs), which allows for the ladders to be carried and transported with relative ease.
The fact that the ladders are so lightweight might give the impression that they are on the flimsy side. This can be a worry for some, after all – when you’re climbing upwards and carrying a toolkit or a full paint pot – you need to feel well-supported and safe.
However, telescopic ladders are designed to be robust – and to support the weight stated in the product description. As an added precaution all ladders are tried and tested to ensure they meet the relevant safety standards.
As a telescopic ladder user there are ways of working you should be aware of, and adhere to, in order to stay safe. For a start you should give your new ladder a once over – check its rungs and feet. You also need to make sure you are wearing suitable shoes.
What Is The 4 to 1 Rule for Ladders?
Before you start your ascent it’s wise to check the angle of the ladder. When placing your ladder, always use the 4 to 1 rule. In a nutshell, this means you have to move the base of the ladder one foot away from the wall for every four feet you have to climb. This will ensure you are able to climb safely.
Once you have figured out where to place it, firmly stand your ladder against a flat wall and make sure the feet are firmly set on an even floor.
The best telescopic ladders are fitted with rubber anti-slip feet to ensure they stay in place as you climb (thus avoiding any dangerous slips).
Safety guidelines also suggest you leave locking mechanisms well alone when you’re standing on the ladder. It’s specified that you should not exceed a working height of more than 4ft above the step you’re on.
Do not overstretch yourself. E.g. if you’re cleaning out guttering, don’t try and overreach to clear those last few leaves. You should always maintain three points of contact to be ladder-safe.
Finally, find a clean and dry place to store your ladder whilst it’s not in use (this will keep it looking pristine and also keep it in good, working order).
How Do Telescopic Ladders Work?
As the name suggests, a telescopic ladder works just like a telescope (imagine picking up a telescope and pulling it out so you can see a ship in the far-off distance). The telescopic ladder begins small, until it’s pulled down rung by rung. Each part slides down, creating a space between each rung.
When you fold it back in (just like a telescope) the ladder retracts bit by bit, collapsing back into itself.
The end result is a surprisingly small ladder that can be easily stored in the garage, under the car etc. The compact size also ensures that the telescopic ladder can be easily transported and positioned, as well as safely stored.
Do Telescopic Ladders Have to Be Fully Extended?
Most of the best telescopic ladders allow you to adjust the height to suit the task in hand. You might have to paint the coving in the lounge, or perhaps you want to clean the bedroom window.
Alternatively, maybe you are braving the roof to replace a broken tile. You can adjust the height to suit, so your ladder doesn’t have to be fully extended to use it.
Can You Use A Telescopic Ladder On A Roof?
This depends on exactly how you intend on using it. If you simply want to reach a roof, as long as the ladder is long enough then of course!
Though you may also need to combine your telescopic ladder with a ladder standoff in order to access roofs with any significant overhang.
If you want to use your telescopic ladder on a flat roof in order to reach a higher point then, again, yes you can (as long as it’s safe!).
However, if you want to lay a telescopic ladder on a pitched roof to reach the ridge, most (even the best telescopic ladders) are not suitable for this. That said, if your ladder includes roof ridge hooks, or you can safely attach some, it may be safe to use them. Always consult with the manufacturers instructions to be sure!
Advantages of a Telescopic Ladder
The best telescopic ladders will prove to be a significantly valuable addition to your home. Traditional wooden fixed ladders will get you down from A and up to B (and vice versa) but they do not share the same qualities as the modern telescopic ladder.
The best telescopic ladders are:
Easy to Store
Long wooden ladders take up lots of space in a garage or lying down somewhere outside your home – not convenient or attractive. When space is at a premium you need to be able to store your telescopic ladders in an easy way.
The collapsible design allows you to expand telescopic ladders when you need them and fold them down when you don’t. You can then pop them in a cupboard, under the bed or anywhere else you have a little spare space going!
Easy to Carry and Transport
Telescopic ladders are generally lightweight, so you don’t have to find a friend to help you carry them around, or help you to prop them up. You will be able to easily transport telescopic ladders too – so there won’t be any precariously balanced ladders strapped to your car roof.
Easy to Adjust
You can use telescopic ladders at a number of heights to suit the job in hand. A versatile piece of kit, telescopic ladders can be carried around and used for a multitude of different tasks inside and outside your home.
Safe to Use
There’s no need to worry about safety, manufacturers are well aware of safety regulations and are vigorous in their approach to check products are fit for purpose.
You can look for a sign showing the ladders meet the EN-131 standards if you would prefer peace of mind. This is not a legal mark of quality, but a voluntary one. If the product carries an EN-131 mark then the manufacturer is happy to guarantee the smooth function and reliability of the ladder
Which Telescopic Ladder Is Best?
We’ve listed five of the best products on the market – which telescopic ladder will suit you best?Will you go for the portable and foldable 2020 New Design DIY Multi-Purpose Aluminium Telescopic Ladder that boasts it’s both lightweight and strong?
Or perhaps you prefer the 5M Telescopic Ladder – the ladder that extends quickly and can be carried and stored with ease. Maybe you’re keen to try the Nassboards Aluminium Telescopic Ladder – another good option as this one is all about great portability and safety.
Then there’s the Telescopic Multi-Purpose Ladder that is easy to adjust and compact enough to be stored out of the way when not required. Finally, we have the No products found. with its safety first approach – this one could be for you.
It’s difficult to select a out and out winner – all five have great qualities and would prove useful to you. Base your decision on your budget and the features you expect to see from your money.
Remember, your safety is paramount. Place your ladders carefully and follow all safety guidance. When you climb do so with due care and don’t try to reach down for something or too far up. Choose a reputable manufacturer and make sure the ladder you go for meets all of the safety requirements.
The Best Telescopic Ladders In The UK
