Need an extending ladder but can’t decide between a telescopic ladder and an extension ladder? Keep reading – this guide looks at the pros and cons of both options.

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Buying an extension ladder might seem confusing when you learn there are different types. We’re here to make things easier.

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Cast your mind back to the beginning of 2018: Theresa May was Prime Minister, everyone was falling in love with that man-fish thing from The Shape of Water, and the word 'covid' was still a couple of years from meaning anything at all.

It was around this time that the EN131 ladder regulations were updated and a number of new rules came into force regarding the design and manufacture of portable ladders. You can read our blog about EN131 if you want all the details - for now, there's one specific rule we'd like to focus on:

Leaning ladders, telescopic ladders and hinge-jointed ladders longer than 3 metres must be wider at the base to make them more stable.

- from the Ladder Association's updated EN131 guidance

The easiest way to make a ladder wider at its base is to fit it with a stabiliser bar. When the updated EN131 regulations came into effect, most British ladder manufacturers started fitting all of their ladders with a stabiliser bar as standard.

So a ladder without a stabiliser bar can be a difficult thing to find nowadays - and even if you could find one, it wouldn't necessarily be safe to use. Still, if you're absolutely determined to get your hands on a ladder with no stabiliser bar, you do have a few options...

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If you've found yourself reading this blog, you're probably looking for the best extending ladder for an upcoming job! Don't worry, you're in good hands. Here at Ladders UK Direct, we offer a huge range of extending ladders that are suitable for jobs around the home, on-site or on the move.

In order to find the best extending ladder for you, we need to first ask you the following question - what will you be using your extending ladder for? Trade or DIY jobs? Work your way through this blog and we're sure we'll be able to find the best extending ladder for you.

Best extending ladder for jobs around the house

Looking for an extending ladder for DIY and jobs around the home? We have a range of extending ladders that are perfect for you! All of our DIY extending ladders are designed with homeowners and DIY-ers in mind. This means they're lightweight, easy to operate & durable - so you won't have to worry if they get a bit damp in your garden shed. What kind of jobs might you use an extending ladder for, you ask? Our DIY extension ladders can be used for cleaning windows, gardening, painting & most other DIY jobs you can think of!

So which extending ladder is the best for you? Take a look at some of our best DIY extending ladders below and choose the best one for you!

On the left, we have the Domestic Double Extension Ladder which is made of lightweight, sturdy aluminium and comes with a 1-year guarantee. This ladder is perfect if you want a ladder that's free from bells and whistles and will get the job done!

On the right, we have the Domestic Triple Extension Ladder that's certified to EN131 non-professional standard. It also comes with a 1-year warranty and is made of durable aluminium. Take a closer look at our top DIY extending ladders to decide which one is the best for you...

Domestic Double Extending Ladder >         Domestic Triple Extending Ladder >

Best extending ladder for tradespeople

Choosing the best extending ladder for tradespeople is a little trickier, there are so many excellent options on the market!! Here at Ladders UK Direct, we think the best extending ladders for tradespeople are from LFI. Not only are these extending ladders made to the highest standards, but they're also available at incredibly reasonable prices. Take a look at some of our top picks below.

On the left, we have the LFI Super-Trade Plus Double Extension Ladder that boasts lots of great features including a stabiliser bar, comfortable D-shaped rungs and PVC moulded feet. This double section extending ladder comes in a range of lengths, so we're sure you'll be able to find one that suits your needs.

On the right, we have the LFI Super-Trade Plus Triple Extension Ladder, another excellent choice if you're looking for the best extending ladder. It conforms to EN131 professional standards and boasts all of the same great features of the double extension ladder. Look at these two trade extending ladders in more detail below.

LFI Super-Trade Plus Double Extension Ladder >         LFI Super-Trade Plus Triple Extension Ladder >

So there you have it - an insight into the best extending ladders we have to offer. We hope that you can find the right ladder for your needs here, if not head to our Extension Ladders page to explore our full range. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to get in touch.

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The average height of a two-storey house is between 4.7m (15.5ft) and 5.8m (19ft). For a two-storey house, we recommend a 3.0m to 7.0m extension ladder.

Working out how tall your house is is no easy task. It's not like you can just grab a tape measure and set to work! Eyeballing it won't give you an accurate height either. The last thing you want to do is order a ladder and realise it's a few feet too short or wildly too long. Don't worry - we're here to help.

If you live in a single storey house or bungalow then you might already have a ladder that's tall enough to reach the gutters. The average single storey house is only 3.3 metres or 10.8 foot tall, so you have a lot more choice. There's a wide selection of step ladders, combination ladders and extension ladders that will allow you to reach this height with ease.

Now, most people live in two-storey buildings which average a height between 4.7 and 5.8 metres (or 15.5 - 19 foot). As you can imagine, finding a ladder to satisfy this height might be a little more tricky. You'll be pleased to hear that you're in the perfect place to buy one! Here at Ladders UK Direct, we supply a huge range of ladders that can be used to reach the guttering on a two-storey house. For example...

LFI Super-Trade PLUS Triple Extension Ladder

One of our best-selling ladders, the LFI Super Trade PLUS Triple Extension Ladder comes in a range of heights - most of which are suitable for the average two-storey house in the UK. The 3.0m-7.0m is a great 'safe' option, but this ladder also comes in shorter and longer lengths.

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Glass Fibre Double Extension Ladder

If you're worried about a low-hanging electrical wire, we'd recommend choosing a ladder that's tall enough for your two-storey home but that's also non-conductive. This will help you to stay safe if an accident occurs while you're working outside your house. This ladder is made of top-quality fibreglass that's specifically designed for use around electrical / chemical hazards.

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How tall of a ladder do I need for a 3-storey house?

If you're purchasing a ladder for a 3-storey house, you'll need a bit of additional length. Extension ladders over 5 metres in length should work perfectly. As a good rule of thumb, always ensure that you can carefully reach the desired location while your waist is below the ladder stiles. You can browse some of our longer length ladders by clicking the links below.

• 7-metre ladders
• 8-metre ladders
• 9-metre ladders

Note: If you're planning to do extensive work on the roof of your home, we'd highly recommend investing in a proper roof ladder! These come with a hooked edge that will provide excellent stability while you work on the roof of your two-storey house.

Browse Roof Ladders >

If you're still not sure which ladder is the best choice for your two-storey home, contact Ladders UK Direct today. We'll help you find the right ladder for your requirements!