Ladder or Hop-Up: Which Should I Use?

If you’ve got a DIY task to get done and only a short space of time, it’s understandable that you may not want to deal with the hassle of bringing out a ladder, especially if the job will only take you 5 minutes! Luckily, for many short DIY tasks, you can use a hop-up step instead of a full ladder to get that little bit of extra reach. But how do you know when a hop-up is suitable for your task and when you should get a ladder out? This blog will explain!

When to Use a Hop-Up

Use a hop-up when…

• You need a quick and stable height boost for a short job e.g. changing a lightbulb or painting a section of wall.
  
  
• Your task requires you to use both hands – hop-ups offer a stable platform without the need for 3 points of contact like ladders.
  
  
• Your task only requires a small amount of additional height and you’re working on a solid, level surface.

When to Use a Ladder

Use a ladder when…

• You need to reach higher than a hop-up allows.
  
  
• You need to move along a wall or reach different spots without repositioning a platform.
  
  
• The task is brief (less than 30 minutes) and low-risk.

When to Avoid Ladders and Use a Platform Instead

• If your task will take longer than 30 minutes.
  
  
• If your task requires you to reach significantly.
  
  
• If your risk assessment suggests that higher fall protection is needed.

At Ladders UK Direct, we stock both hop-ups and ladders, so you should have no trouble finding the perfect height access tool for your task. Use the buttons below to browse our selection:

Shop Ladders Shop Hop-Ups

If you have any questions about our range of hop-ups and ladders, please get in touch with us at Ladders UK Direct today!