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The Best Folding Step Ladders
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Best Overall - Home Vida 3-Step Steel Portable Folding Heavy Duty Step Ladder
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Best heavy duty step ladder - BONTEC 4 Step Folding Ladder
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Best small ladder with handrail - Beldray LA023957TQ Two Step Ladder
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Best with handrail - Home Vida Folding Four Step Ladder with Safety Handrail
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Best 3 step with handgrip - VonHaus Premium Quality Three Step Folding Step Ladder
Folding Step Ladder Reviews
- No. of Steps
- 3
- Construction
- Metal
- Shelf / Tray
- No
- Weight load
- 150kg
- Other Sizes
- 2, 4 step
- Weight
- ‎5kg
- Build Quality
- 5
- Value for Money
- 5
The Home Vida 3-Step Steel Portable Folding Heavy Duty Anti-Slip Step Ladder is a practical and reliable solution for a range of home and garden tasks.
With a maximum load capacity of 150 KG, the ladder is built to handle heavier tasks while ensuring safety and stability. Made from heavy-duty steel, it feels robust, and the weight capacity is reassuring, particularly for heavier tools or more involved projects. The ladder’s 3-step design provides enough height for reaching shelves, painting ceilings, or trimming high plants, making it versatile for both indoor and outdoor use.
One of its standout features is the anti-slip steps, which are essential for safety. The textured surface on each step gives you confidence when standing on the ladder, reducing the risk of slipping even if you’re wearing less stable footwear or working on uneven surfaces. Additionally, the non-slip feet keep the ladder firmly in place, adding an extra layer of security.
The ladder is foldable, which makes it easy to store when not in use. It folds down to a compact size, so it’s great for those who have limited storage space. I also found it light enough to carry around the house or garden with ease, making it ideal for quick tasks that require mobility. Its portable nature also means it can be easily moved from one place to another without hassle.
The steel frame of the Home Vida ladder feels strong and durable, designed to withstand frequent use. Whether you’re working indoors or outdoors, it holds up well under different conditions, and the anti-rust coating ensures longevity, even if you use it for gardening.
The Home Vida 3-Step Steel Portable Folding Ladder is a highly functional and reliable ladder for various home improvement and gardening tasks. Its sturdy construction, 150 KG load capacity, and anti-slip features make it a safe and convenient choice. Add in the ease of folding and portability, and you have a step ladder that’s perfect for both quick jobs and more involved projects.
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2. BONTEC 4 Step Folding Ladder[ SAVE 20% ]
Best heavy duty step ladder
- No. of Steps
- 4
- Construction
- Iron
- Shelf / Tray
- Yes
- Weight load
- 181kg
- Other Sizes
- 2,3,5 step
- Weight
- ‎8.48 kg
- Build Quality
- 5
- Value for Money
- 4.5
The BONTEC 4-Step Ladder is a robust and versatile tool, perfect for various tasks both indoors and outdoors.
One of the most impressive aspects of this ladder is its super load-capacity of up to 181 KG. Thanks to its thickened steel pipes and widened pedals, this ladder feels incredibly sturdy and durable. The metal riveting technology used in its construction ensures all the linkage mechanisms are solid, giving you confidence that the ladder won’t wobble or shift while in use.
When open, the ladder stands at 146 cm high, with wide steps measuring 36 cm x 27 cm on the top platform and slightly smaller middle and lower platforms. The ladder provides a comfortable standing height of 96 cm above the ground, which is ideal for tasks like painting, cleaning, or DIY projects. Despite its robust build, the ladder is relatively lightweight at 8.5 kg, making it easy to move around your home or garden.
When folded, it measures just 7 cm thick, making it incredibly space-saving. This slim profile means it can easily be tucked away in narrow spaces, like behind doors or in storage cupboards, when not in use.
A great feature is the built-in tool tray at the top of the ladder. This is incredibly handy for holding tools, paint buckets, or other items, saving you from constantly climbing up and down to retrieve what you need. It makes the ladder perfect for more involved tasks where you need to keep multiple tools within arm’s reach.
Safety is a key concern with any ladder, and the BONTEC 4-Step Ladder doesn’t disappoint. The wide, anti-slip pedals provide excellent grip, ensuring your feet stay securely in place while climbing or standing. The ladder also has non-slip rubber feet, which prevent it from sliding or scratching your floors. One of my favorite features is the sponge-covered handrail, which provides a comfortable and stable grip as you climb up and down.
One of the standout benefits of this ladder is that it comes fully assembled, so you can start using it right out of the box. This is a huge time-saver, and its simple folding mechanism makes it easy to set up and collapse when you’re done.
The BONTEC 4-Step Ladder is an excellent choice for those looking for a strong, safe, and versatile ladder. With its high load capacity, wide anti-slip pedals, and thoughtful additions like the tool tray and sponge handrail, this ladder is perfect for both light and heavy-duty tasks. It folds down to a compact size, making it easy to store and transport. Whether you’re using it indoors or outdoors, this ladder is reliable, comfortable, and built to last.
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3. Beldray LA023957TQ Two Step Ladder
Best small ladder with handrail
- These are the ultimate kitchen steps. Need to get up on top of the wall cabinets? Don’t drag out a chair. This set of steps is non-slip, easy to climb, and comfortable to stand on.
- There’s a lot to like about a set of steps like this for the price. More affordable than a full size step ladder, it’s ideal for changing lightbulbs, or even doing a spot of decorating.
- Compared with the Kingrack steps, you sacrifice a little height, but have the advantage of a top handle. This way, you know where the steps are and there’s something to hold on to.
- If you need your steps ultra-light and portable, you should go for aluminium. Steels steps might be sturdy, but you pay the price in weight. This weighs as much as a full size ladder.
- More than a few users have complained that the closing mechanism is stiff. Although it’s good to know it won’t close accidentally, you might need to oil it after purchase.
- Compared with the grippy rubber feet you get on the Kingrack steps, some users have complained that the feet on this ladder can skid about on laminate floors.
- No. of Steps
- 2
- Construction
- Alloy Steel
- Shelf / Tray
- No
- Weight load
- not stated
- Other Sizes
- 3 step
- Weight
- 4.2kg
- Build Quality
- 4
- Value for Money
- 5
British company Beldray are famous for inventing the folding ironing board, but also make one of the best kitchen steps that I’ve come across. With more than 150 years of experience, they know a thing or two about what works well in the home. The LA023957TQ two-step ladder is great. It’s small, folds down flat, and it even looks good.
Made from steel box section, this simple set of steps is rugged and reliable without taking up too much room. The two treads are wide and have a turquoise-coloured non-slip coating on them, so it doesn’t look ugly in your kitchen.
When standing on the top step, you get an extra 47 cm of height from the floor, and you can use the large, curved handle on the top to help keep yourself steady. Weighing in at just over 4 kg, it’s not exactly lightweight, but it feels nice and solid. And if you need a bit more reach, there’s a three-step version available.
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4. Home Vida Folding Four Step Ladder with Safety Handrail
Best with handrail
- If you’re at all nervous about climbing a step ladder, then this is one of the easiest I’ve come across. Big handrails, deep steps, and excellent rubberised grips help you to feel at home.
- You can climb really high on this step ladder, and still hang on to the top handle or safety rails. At 160 cm in height, there’s 60 cm above the top step to hang on to.
- If you need to stow this ladder away for a while and the safety handles are in the way, you can simply unbolt them. If you’re a confident climber, you can also remove them altogether.
- As good as the safety handrails are for keeping your balance, they get in the way when you fold the ladder up. Compared with the incredibly streamlined XinSunho, these are a bit big.
- As you might expect from a tubular steel alloy ladder, there’s a fair amount of weight to content with. At 9 kg, this is definitely not an ultra-lightweight aluminium step ladder.
- There’s a bit of assembly needed before you can start re-painting the kitchen ceiling. Although supplied with all the necessary tools, they’re not the best quality.
- No. of Steps
- 4
- Construction
- Alloy Steel
- Shelf / Tray
- No
- Weight load
- 150kg
- Other Sizes
- 3 step
- Weight
- 9.0kg
- Build Quality
- 4
- Value for Money
- 4
If you need a new set of shelves for the garage, a decorative post box, or clothes airer, homewares outfit Home Vida have got your back. And if you need a really solid set of steps, their step ladder with safety handrail is one of the best. Made from chunky tubular steel, it’s as solid as a rock and easy to climb thanks to its textured treads.
Ideally designed for anyone who wants to climb up high, but not without extra support, the four steps on this ladder will get you up to just under 1 m high. That’s high enough to reach most things around the home or garden, and you have big handrails on either side to hang on to.
To add to the stability, the legs splay out at the bottom and have rubber feet for gripping onto a range of surfaces. Each folding tread has a ribbed, rubberised texture that allows for excellent grip, whatever the weather. It can take up to 150 kg maximum load as well, so it’s ideal for working on, even with your tools.
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Compare Product Features
Use the dropdown to sort the table by the feature you want to see.
Home Vida 3-Step Steel Portable Folding Heavy Duty Step Ladder
- 5
- 3
- Metal
- No
- 150kg
- 2, 4 step
- ‎5kg
BONTEC 4 Step Folding Ladder
- 4.8
- 4
- Iron
- Yes
- 181kg
- 2,3,5 step
- ‎8.48 kg
Beldray LA023957TQ Two Step Ladder
- 4.5
- 2
- Alloy Steel
- No
- not stated
- 3 step
- 4.2kg
Home Vida Folding Four Step Ladder with Safety Handrail
- 4
- 4
- Alloy Steel
- No
- 150kg
- 3 step
- 9.0kg
VonHaus Premium Quality Three Step Folding Step Ladder
- 4
- 3
- Alloy Steel
- No
- 150kg
- 4 step
- 6.6kg
How to Choose the Best Folding Ladder or Stool
You won’t realise how handy a folding ladder or stool is until you have one standing ready at home, in the workshop, or even in the office. Reaching high shelves or lightbulbs in the ceiling doesn’t have to be a dangerous operation.
Main Types
All folding ladders and step stools can be packed away, nice and flat, to save you a bit of room in the kitchen or bathroom. The big difference between them is the number of steps. Usually, the more compact the ladder or stool folds down, the fewer steps you have to climb up.
Construction
One of the best materials for a sturdy folding ladder or stool is aluminium – strong but lightweight, it offers security but doesn’t compromise on weight. You’ll also find some of the best rolling stools and folding steps are made from tough ABS plastics. For heavier-duty steps, alloy steel or fibreglass is commonly used.
The height of the top step on your folding ladder or stool will determine how high you can reach – and extra steps give you flexibility while keeping you on solid ground.
Check what the maximum load weight is on your choice of the ladder if you are intending on climbing up while holding heavy items, as a combined weight may be above the maximum load.
Some stools roll freely on casters until you step on them and they lock in place. This is great for when you need them to be flexible but not foldable.
READ NEXT: Best Telescopic Ladders
Usage
Having a folding ladder or step stool in your kitchen, garage or workshop opens a world of possibilities. You could add a higher shelf for more storage in your garage or reach the top of a kitchen cupboard without having to climb dangerously onto a chair. With anti-slip rungs and rubber feet, a folding step stool is the only sensible choice.
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