There is a very good likelihood that at some point, you are going to need to get to an out-of-reach place, and do it safely. Be it getting a jar off a shelf that is just a little too high, or climbing on the roof to clean out your gutters, the only good way to do those elevated tasks is with an assist from a ladder or step stool.
Every home can profit from having a quality, properly-rated step stool on hand. And for outdoor chores, ladders are invaluable. There are many different factors to weigh when selecting if your needs are more to the domestic step stool arena, or a more versatile, ladder-type setup. Let's break them down and help you decide what you will work best..
What is the difference between a ladder and a step stool?
Essentially, there are four types of height-assisting devices for home use: step stool, step ladder, platform ladder and pole ladder.
Step Stool
Only designed for interior use, the step stool is handy, without being cumbersome. They are designed to be easy to use, but rarely employ hand rails for stability in climbing. Instead they have wider steps that allow the user to climb as if walking up a staircase. They usually only have between one and four steps. They are portable, and fold flat for ease of storage. And the hinged inverted V design improves stability. Depending on the model, they can be rated up to a load of 250lbs.
If you spend a lot of time at home cleaning, decorating and doing any improvements above your reach, this is the option for you. Great for getting things off high shelves in closets or pantries.