Choosing the Right Ladder for Your Trade: A Complete Guide

When it comes to working at height, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Different trades face different challenges, from electrical work in stairwells to maintaining tall ceilings in offices, to outdoor site jobs in all weather conditions.

At Lyte Ladders & Towers, we’ve been supporting trade professionals for nearly 80 years, and we understand that choosing the right ladder for the job is one of the most important safety decisions you can make. This guide shares advice on which ladder types best suit different trades, based on industry needs, safety standards, and functionality.

Builders & Contractors

Builders need ladders that can take heavy daily use and adapt to multiple tasks.

Common tasks: Site access, roofing, ceiling work, internal fit-outs.
Best ladder types:

• Extension ladders – providing superior reach for external access to roofs or upper floors.
• Roof ladders - purpose-built ladders designed to tackle the unique challenges of working on pitched roofs.
• Staging boards with handrail systems - for larger surface areas where stability is critical.

Electricians

When working near live electricity, safety is non-negotiable. That’s why glassfibre ladders  (also known as fibreglass or GRP) are the top choice for electricians, because they’re non-conductive, strong, and weather-resistant.

Common tasks: Installing or maintaining wiring, lighting, telecoms.
Best ladder types:

• Glassfibre step ladders - compact for inspection and maintenance work, with non-conductive stiles for electrical safety.
• Glassfibre widesteps - for tasks requiring longer duration and 360° enclosed protection, combined with non-conductive safety.
• Glassfibre combination ladders - 4-in-1 non-conductive ladders for versatility on the job, including work in stairwells.

Decorators & Painters

Painters and decorators frequently spend longer periods of time working at height, whether it’s painting high walls or ceilings, so platform steps are the safer choice.

Common tasks: Interior walls, ceilings, stairwells, external facades.
Best ladder types:

• Platform step ladders – secure standing area, reduces fatigue on long jobs.
• Widesteps – extra stability and space for paint trays and equipment.
• Combination ladders –  provides versatility moving between stairwells, exterior work, etc.

Facilities Management & Maintenance Teams

For daily maintenance, inspections, or plant access, enclosed podiums and platform steps provide secure footing and peace of mind.

Common tasks: Lighting, HVAC systems, cleaning, inspections, repairs.
Best ladder types:

• Podiums – 360° enclosed safety, ideal for FM environments.
• Combination ladders – flexibility across multiple building types.
• Widesteps – stable and enclosed access for repetitive maintenance tasks.

Gardeners & Groundskeepers

Outdoor work demands weather resistance, secure footing, and lightweight mobility.

Common tasks: Tree pruning, hedge trimming, gutter cleaning, outdoor maintenance.
Best ladder types:

• Extension ladders – safe access for tall trees and exterior work.
• Step ladders – lightweight and quick to set up for hedge trimming or grounds work.
• Widesteps – for longer duration tasks with 360° enclosed protection while working at height.

Utilities & Telecoms

We’ve been supplying leading telecoms providers for over 30 years, with specialist ladders designed for the job.

Common tasks: Telecoms pole access, overhead wiring, inspections, repairs.
Best ladder types:

• Specialist access ladders - Butterfly rung ladders used by BT Openreach for safe telecoms poles access.
• Glassfibre step ladders – compact steps for where electrical safety is required.
• Glassfibre extension ladders – non-conductive extension ladders for high access in external environments.

Why the Right Ladder Matters

• ✅ Safety: Using the wrong ladder type is a leading cause of falls from height according to HSE.
• ✅ Efficiency: The correct ladder reduces fatigue, improves productivity, and ensures compliance.
• ✅ Durability: Professional-grade products, maintained and repaired correctly, save money over time.

Resources & Further Reading

• Step Ladder Safety: Are You Standing Too High?
• The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Safe and Reliable Ladders for Trade Professionals
• EN131 Certification Explained

Built by Experts. Trusted by Professionals.

Every trade has unique access needs, and choosing the right ladder type is key to working safely and effectively. From glassfibre steps for electricians to podiums for FM teams, or extension ladders for contractors, there’s a Lyte solution designed to fit the task. Whether you need standard trade ladders or bespoke access solutions, our team can help you find the right product for your job.

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