In this guide we’ll look at the best work platforms.
We’ve compared safety, maximum load, height and cost
to give you our top recommendations.
Every product we recommend is carefully researched, fact checked and tested where possible. If you buy from a link, we may earn a small commission. Learn more.

The UK's bestWork Platforms2022 Review
What Are The UK's Best Work Platforms?
Read Our Work Platform Reviews
KS Tools Aluminium work platform
FEATURES | RATING | PRICE | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
FEATURES |
| RATING | PRICE |
|
KS Tools Aluminium work platform Review
Simple and portable, the KS Tools Work Platform is the best work platform for tight spaces. The anti-slip grooves in the step platform helped to make us feel secure during use as well, which is important when working at any height.
Folding it down flat was simple, and it was easily packed away in a small car boot, which is great for anyone that needs a stable work platform but doesn’t have a lot of space to carry it.
Chunky red safety clips let you know instantly if the hop up platform is locked off, which we found to be nice safety touch as well.
Songmics Multi-Purpose Aluminium Ladder
FEATURES | RATING | PRICE | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
FEATURES |
| RATING | PRICE |
|
Songmics Multi-Purpose Aluminium Ladder Review
Adaptable and versatile for a whole range of uses, the Songmics ladder platform has six different modes accessed by unfolding the ladder using its six beefy locking safety hinges.
The 82 cm wide stabilising legs with PVC non-slip feet helped us to feel secure on hard flooring as well as carpets, it didn’t feel unsafe to work at heights of well over three metres.
Use it as a short step ladder, full height ladder, stand-off ladder or a work platform with the two included metal plates. It’s this range of applications that make us think it’s the best work platform for versatility.
Silverline 640000 Step-Up Work Platform
FEATURES | RATING | PRICE | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
FEATURES |
| RATING | PRICE |
|
Silverline 640000 Step-Up Work Platform Review
Basic and reliable, the Silverline Step-Up Platform is great for cleaning, odd jobs and other domestic applications. As a solid base for working above your head, you can’t go wrong with this ultra-light offering from trusted brand Silverline.
The sturdy locking system keeps the legs splayed out for maximum stability, and can be set up in less than 30 seconds, making this by far the best work platform for quick assembly.
The platform steps have machined treads for extra grip, so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting up and down either.
Homcom Aluminium Scaffolding Ladder
FEATURES | RATING | PRICE | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
FEATURES |
| RATING | PRICE |
|
Homcom Aluminium Scaffolding Ladder Review
Another multi-purpose folding ladder, the HOMCOM combination step platform allowed us to work at different heights with just a few adjustments, as either a step ladder, extending ladder or hop up platform.
The wide scaffold platform was perfect for installing ceiling mouldings and cornices, so we’re calling it the best work platform for home decorating.
The way that the step platform can attach to different steps on the end ladders means you can safely work on stairs or uneven ground, making this the ideal decorating platform for home use.
How to Choose The Best Work Platform
If you need that extra bit of height and want to safely work above your head, you’ll need a work platform (also variously known as a platform ladder, ladder platform, hop up platform, step platform, or safety platform)! Having a sturdy and secure base is essential, but you need to find the best work platform both for you and for the jobs you undertake.
There are two main types of work platforms available: a simple folding step-style platform or step stool for maximum portability, and a scaffold tower-style that is accessed with a platform ladder for higher applications.
Construction
Most work platforms need to be portable as well as strong, for use around the home as well as on the job site. To keep the balance between stability and weight, most work platforms are made of aluminium. You can find steel platforms, but they are more suited to industrial work.
Features to Look For
When you’re looking for the best work platform for your requirements, it pays to know where you’ll be using it.
Safety should always be at the forefront of your mind when attempting any domestic or professional job. Working at any height can be dangerous, so keep an eye out for steps and platforms with good grip as well as locking mechanisms that are easy to operate and hard to break.
Usage
If the majority of your work is painting or plastering ceilings, you’ll need to fit into tight spaces and move around a lot, so a lightweight folding platform or folding step stool is the best choice.
On the other hand, if you’re planning on working higher or spending long periods of time on a platform ladder, a full scaffold tower with handrails, is a much safer option.
Some work platforms, particularly decorators platforms, allow for height adjustments to work safely on stairs as well, which can solve problems when decorating ceilings or installing blinds on high windows.
Safety Standards
The UK safety standards are clear when it comes to working at height. Whenever there is a risk of personal injury from falling, even from ground level, the site and equipment have to be checked thoroughly.
The majority of accidents, happily, can be avoided by taking sufficient precautions before attempting any work at height. Always read all instructions that come with your work platform and wear appropriate safety gear at all times.
Related Articles
-
Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer 500 Review
Harry DunctonUpdated March 10, 2022
-
The Best Extending Ladders
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Solar Generators for Reliable and Portable Power
Harry DunctonUpdated June 6, 2022
-
The Best Ratchet Straps
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Mortice Deadlocks
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Ground Anchors
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Plastic Sheeting
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Inspection Lights
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Step Stools
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Torx Bit Sets
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Heavy Duty Tarpaulins
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Shelf Brackets
Harry DunctonUpdated June 16, 2022
-
The Best Garage Alarms
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Chainsaw Oils
Harry DunctonUpdated March 24, 2022
-
The Best Key Safes
Harry DunctonUpdated June 22, 2022
-
The Best Cable Reels
Harry DunctonUpdated June 23, 2022
-
The Best Smart Plugs
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Home Safes for the UK Market
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Padlocks for the UK Market
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Storage Bins for The UK Market
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Table Vices
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Heavy Duty Castors
Harry DunctonUpdated May 11, 2022
-
The Best Trolley Trucks
Harry DunctonUpdated May 3, 2022
-
The Best Tool Backpacks
Harry DunctonUpdated March 15, 2022
-
The Best Rolling Tool Bags
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Trestle Tables
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Sack Trucks
Harry DunctonUpdated June 23, 2022
-
The Best Tool Chests
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Site Radios
Harry DunctonUpdated May 3, 2022
-
The Best Super Glues
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Tool Belts
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Oil and Restoration Products for the Home and Garden
Harry DunctonUpdated March 15, 2022
-
The Best Extension Leads
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Step Ladders
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Electrician Tool Bags
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
The Best Toolboxes
Harry DunctonUpdated April 25, 2022
-
The Best Wood Glues
Harry DunctonUpdated March 12, 2022
-
Everything You Need to Know About Power Tool Batteries
Harry DunctonUpdated May 22, 2022