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AWKWARD SPACES

Choosing a ladder for stairs

Only use equipment and configurations explicitly designed for the staircase.

Ladder.co.uk editorial · 22 September 2026

The name is not enough

A product described as a combination ladder may support several layouts but still not allow stair use. Find the manufacturer’s stair configuration in the manual and check its dimensional limits.

Measure the staircase

Record tread depth, riser height, width, landing size and any turns. Confirm that every foot and support can be positioned exactly as instructed without blocking a necessary escape route.

Avoid improvised levelling

Do not use loose packing, bricks or furniture to lift one side. A dedicated platform or access tower may be better for decorating a stairwell, especially for work needing both hands.

Practise the setup before working

Engage all locking parts and recheck them after each configuration change. If the instructions do not match the staircase, stop and choose another method. Comfort with DIY is not a substitute for a suitable access system.

Further reading

HSE: Safe use of ladders and stepladders ↗

Compare ladder types ↗