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telescopic-ladder

The UK's bestTelescopic Ladders2022 Review

Updated: May 12, 2022

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What To Look For in a Telescopic Ladders

A 3 – 4m ladder will generally be adequate for most household jobs. For example, this will be suitable for cleaning windows and accessing the loft. However, if you need to reach the windows on a two-story house, or go even higher, you’ll need a 6 – 8m ladder. 

If you buy a ladder that’s longer than necessary, you’ll still be carrying around extra weight, even if the ladder compacts down well – just something to bear in mind.

In terms of construction material, the majority of telescopic ladders are made from aluminium. This is both lightweight and sturdy. In my opinion, the best telescopic ladders weigh under 10 kg. These are easily transported outside or upstairs, adding to the practical nature of having a collapsible ladder. Having a telescopic ladder that’s inconvenient for you to carry will negate all the benefits, so make sure it’s a manageable weight. 

To fit it into a cupboard, car boot or a set of drawers, you’ll want a ladder that compacts down to around 70 cm. However, if you’re storing it in your shed or garage, you can afford to go for a slightly less compact model, around 80 – 85 cm, when folded. 

Regarding safety, look for a ladder that adheres to the BS EN131 standard. This shows the ladder complies with certain safety guidelines. On top of this, the ladder should have built-in safety features such as anti-pinch mechanisms and non-slip covers on the feet.

I’ve chosen the Nestling 2.6 m Telescopic Ladder as my top pick. It extends to 2.6m, yet folds down to an incredibly compact size of 74 x 46 x 7cm. It’s lightweight, at just 7 kg, yet has a 150 kg weight capacity. It’s also available in other sizes, up to 3.8 m.

Below, you’ll find a full review of this telescopic ladder, as well as some excellent alternatives.

What Are The UK's Best Telescopic Ladders?

IMAGE RECOMMENDED PRODUCTSPRODUCT FEATURES
best-telescopic-ladder Nestling 2.6 m Telescopic Ladder
Top Pick
Nestling 2.6 m Telescopic Ladder
  • Available in a range of sizes
  • Sturdy yet lightweight construction
  • Perfect for indoor and outdoor use
best-telescopic-ladder Finether 3.8 m Telescopic Ladder
Finether 3.8 m Telescopic Ladder
  • High-quality aluminium
  • 3.8 m maximum height
  • Supports up to 150 kg
best-telescopic-ladder Youngmans 3.3 m Telescopic Ladder
Youngmans 3.3 m Telescopic Ladder
  • Automatic locking and release
  • Safe and sturdy to use
  • Portable and convenient

Read Our Telescopic Ladder Reviews

B010L44E5G
6626568210329
Available in a range of sizes, Sturdy yet lightweight construction, Perfect for indoor and outdoor use,

Nestling 2.6 m Telescopic Ladder

best-telescopic-ladder Nestling 2.6 m Telescopic Ladder
FEATURES RATING PRICE
FEATURES
  • Available in a range of sizes
  • Sturdy yet lightweight construction
  • Perfect for indoor and outdoor use
RATING
100
PRICE
Check Price on Amazon

Nestling 2.6 m Telescopic Ladder Review

Whilst extendable ladders are obviously useful for reaching great heights, one of their other benefits is how small and easy-to-store they are. This Nestling 2.6 m Telescopic Ladder is no exception, folding to measure 74 x 46 x 7 cm.

This makes it one of the best telescopic ladders on this list for storage in small spaces because it compacts down more than the others. Although, naturally, most telescopic ladders will still be able to fit under bed, in small cupboards, and in the car boot.

Whilst this ladder has a total height of 2.6 m, Nestling sells a range of different sizes, with maximum heights that range from 2 – 3.8 m.

It’s constructed from aluminium alloy, which is both strong and relatively lightweight, and the ladder weighs 7 kg in total. This makes it easy to transport up stairs or even out of the house, both of which can be tedious with longer, heavier ladders.

When it comes to the telescopic function itself, the overall consensus is that it works very well, extending by 30 cm increments one rung at a time. There are plenty of instructions and warnings on the ladder itself, so as long as it is used in a considered way there shouldn’t be any problems with trapping or pinching fingers as it extends.

Even so, it’s worth pointing out that the ladder does collapse down in quite a forceful way when the locks taken off to collapse it, so caution is definitely required to make sure no fingers are in the way.

Once extended and locked, it’s sturdy and can hold up to 150 kg. There are textured, rubberised caps on the feet that work well to stop the ladder from slipping and add to its overall steadiness.

Pros

  • Collapses down to smallest size of ladders on this list, measuring 74 x 46 x 7 cm
  • Grippy rubber caps on the feet prevent slipping on most surfaces
  • Easy to customise to the height you want - release buttons are simple to use and can individually drop a rung at a time
  • At 7 kg it's easy to manage when carrying up stairs or around the house
  • Overall construction feels sturdy and holds weight well

Cons

  • There may still be a slight flex when used fully extended which can unnerve some users
  • Rungs drop down hard so extreme care must be taken not to trap your fingers
  • Distance between each rung is 30 cm which is larger than other ladders on the market and may be more difficult for shorter users to manage
Check Price on Amazon
B01N6A8OY3
0768390067910
High-quality aluminium, 3.8 m maximum height, Supports up to 150 kg,

Finether 3.8 m Telescopic Ladder

best-telescopic-ladder Finether 3.8 m Telescopic Ladder
FEATURES RATING PRICE
FEATURES
  • High-quality aluminium
  • 3.8 m maximum height
  • Supports up to 150 kg
RATING
99
PRICE
Check Price on Amazon

Finether 3.8 m Telescopic Ladder Review

If you want maximum versatility from your ladder, this Finether 3.8 m Telescopic Ladder has the potential to extend up to 3.8 m but can also be used at lower heights as well.

This adaptability makes it one of the best telescopic ladders for doing a range of tasks.

For example, it can be used in areas where a standard ladder might not fit, supports up to 150 kg so you can take a tin of paint up too, and is useful for cleaning windows.

Whilst many tall ladders might be in danger of resting against the pane, this Finether ladder is tall enough to reach the window, but can be adjusted so that it doesn’t lean against the glass.

It is constructed from aluminium alloy which makes it sturdy and rust resistant, yet also relatively lightweight. It weighs 11.6 kg which will be manageable for most people to take up and down stairs and all over the house.

When packed down, it measures 84 x 47 x 8 cm, so storage is possible under beds and in cupboards, and it will also fit in the boot of a car. There’s even a storage bag included, to keep it a little bit more protected.

In terms of safety features, this telescopic ladder has a heavy-duty strap to secure it closed, a stabilising bar at the base, and plastic caps on the feet to prevent slipping and tipping.

It is also fully tested in accordance with EN131 which means it meets the European safety standard for ladders.

Extending and retracting the ladder is straight forward, but you do need to be careful when it collapses that your fingers aren’t in the way of the rungs; they can come down with some force.

Pros

  • Rubber feet offer good grip on most floor types
  • Steps are very wide which makes it easier to climb up and down
  • Easy to store thanks to compact size
  • Extends relatively high for a telescopic ladder, up to 3.8 m
  • Complies with EN 131 European safety standards

Cons

  • At full extension this ladder may flex, especially when near its maximum load capacity
  • Care needs to be taken when collapsing down as it’s easy to trap your fingers
  • The 11.2 kg weight may be less easy for some people to manage and carry for extended periods
Check Price on Amazon
B00B4CQO94
5013704103200
Automatic locking and release, Safe and sturdy to use, Portable and convenient,

Youngmans 3.3 m Telescopic Ladder

best-telescopic-ladder Youngmans 3.3 m Telescopic Ladder
FEATURES RATING PRICE
FEATURES
  • Automatic locking and release
  • Safe and sturdy to use
  • Portable and convenient
RATING
91
PRICE
Check Price on Amazon

Youngmans 3.3 m Telescopic Ladder Review

Decorating at home can be made a lot easier with the help of an extendable ladder like this Youngmans 3.3 m Telescopic Ladder. The 3.3 m length makes it possible to access various higher areas in the house, like the stairs and landing, whilst the mid heights allow for wall painting, picture hanging and accessing taller cupboards etc.

It can be extended rung by rung, with each one locking in place before the next is opened, and feels sturdy when in use.

Made from aluminium alloy, the construction of this ladder is strong and rust resistant, able to hold a maximum capacity of 150 kg. It weighs 11.4 kg, which makes it the heaviest ladder featured on this list (by 200 g), despite being smaller than the Finether 3.8 m model.

Whilst generally easy to use and carry around, this weight still means that it can feel heavy when extended, and some people may find it easier to extend the ladder whilst it’s lying flat, instead of trying to support the weight and extend it at the same time.

It collapses down to 80 x 51 x 8.5 cm, meaning it’s slightly wider than the other ladders featured here, although this shouldn’t cause problems with storage (and Youngmans make special mention to the fact that it can still fit in the boot of a small MX5 Mazda convertible…!).

Overall, this is one of the best telescopic ladders for decorating due to its size, and you’re unlikely to need anything taller for work inside the house. It is relatively heavy, especially when it can be observed that there are larger ladders that are lighter, but for work around the house it should still be manageable.

Pros

  • Extending and collapsing the ladder is simple
  • Wide treads offer a secure surface to stand on
  • Feels sturdy both at full length and partially extended
  • High weight capacity of 150 kg

Cons

  • Relatively heavy construction and is heavier than some ladders that extend to larger lengths
  • Quite wide so may not fit into as small a space as narrower ladders
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How to Choose The Best Telescopic Ladder

Telescopic ladders can be a lot more convenient than traditional ones; they’re generally lighter and easier to move around the home, as well as more practical to store and transport.

They also don’t compromise on height, with telescopic ladders on the market that can extend up to 8 m, making them a useful addition to the house. Most telescopic ladders will allow you to extend them one rung at a time, so you get a ladder of several different heights in one unit.

There are a few things to bear in mind when buying a telescopic ladder, and the following information should help you decide if it’s the right choice for you, as well as what to look out for and avoid:

As mentioned in the introduction, telescopic ladders have several advantages over traditional, static ladders. Here are a few reasons why you might consider buying one of these tools:

  • Extremely easy to store. Unlike traditional ladders which need to be stored in a shed, garage, or perhaps under a bed, telescopic ladders can be stored just about anywhere. They pack down to heights of around 70 cm meaning they can fit into cupboards, car boots, and even some drawers.
  • Easy to transport. Telescopic ladders fit easily into the boot of a car, as well as into medium/large backpacks. As a result, you can carry one with you wherever you need to go – be it to a decorating job in town, or a remote location in the country. They’re also easy to carry around your property, without worrying about accidentally smashing the end of a long, unwieldy ladder into your walls or possessions.
  • Very lightweight. Traditional ladders can be somewhat unwieldly, especially when trying to navigate them through narrow passages or up stairs. Telescopic ladders can be carried by just one person the majority of the time, and their lightness means they remain relatively easy to manoeuvre even when fully extended.
  • Versatile. Telescopic ladders can be used in locations where it’s difficult to take a traditional ladder. They can be used in more cramped spots because they don’t have to be extended fully, and they can also be used far away from the car or van without it being labour intensive to get them there. Equally, if your traditional ladder is kept in the shed, it will be a lot more effort to go and get it than simply reaching into the under-stairs cupboard.

When buying a ladder, it’s important to make sure that it adheres to safety regulations.

Certifications

You must ensure that the telescopic ladder you are buying meets the EN 131 certification. This is a safety standard for ladders; any ladder which carries this certification has been confirmed to comply with European law.

You can request the EN 131 certificate from the manufacturer or seller when buying a ladder. This is an extra level of reassurance to make sure that it genuinely meets the requirements.

Do not be tempted to buy a product that does not meet these standards; not all countries have such stringent tests. If the telescopic ladder you are looking at doesn’t have an EN131 certificate, it could be dangerous to use.

If you’re looking to use your ladder for professional use, you’ll need to check that it has been approved for this type of work. It will need to EN 131 certified, but also to have undergone other tests. Professional ladders need to adhere to stricter and tougher requirements because they will be put under more strain than domestic ladders.

Safety Mechanisms

Automatic locking mechanisms are standard in most telescopic ladders. With these designs, you can be sure that the rungs are firmly secured into place as soon as they are extended and ‘click’. There are no fittings that could come loose or be neglected by human error.

Some ladders have dampening or ‘anti-pinch’ systems in place which protect your hands when collapsing the ladder. Without these, you will need to take extra care when retracting the ladder, especially until you get the hang of it, to keep your fingers out of the way. The rungs of telescopic ladders can collapse with force, pulled down by gravity, which could catch your fingers if you weren’t expecting it.

One feature that your telescopic ladder must have is a stabiliser bar. This is a thick aluminium bar at the bottom of the ladder that prevents the two legs bending away from each other. This provides extra stability and prevents the ladder from shaking and swaying, so you feel more secure when using it.

You should also choose a ladder that has robust, grippy caps on the end of the feet – this will greatly reduce the risk of the ladder slipping on smooth or wet surfaces.

Making sure that your ladder has appropriate safety features is one thing, but there are also ways to use your telescopic ladder that will make it a lot safer.

Check the maximum weight capacity before purchasing a telescopic ladder – they tend to have a lower capacity than traditional ladders. Check that the maximum capacity is suitable for your jobs.

Remember that the maximum load includes your weight plus any tools and materials you may be carrying. If you are carrying very heavy materials, then a telescopic ladder might not the right tool for the job.

Always make sure that any ladder is positioned against a stable and solid surface before climbing, and test the first rung for stability before climbing up.

Do not be tempted to alter the height of the ladder whilst using it. It can be very dangerous to mess with the locking mechanism whilst the ladder is in use. You should always get off the ladder first, and then make any required height adjustments.

Always place the ladder on firm, flat ground, and don’t use platforms or objects under the ladder to increase its height further. These could easily cause the ladder to be extremely unstable and unsafe.

Extending Your Ladder

Extending a telescopic ladder is easy and quick and most follow the same method. Whilst you should check the instructions of your specific ladder, these are the steps you’ll generally need to take:

Extending to full height

  • Detach the strap that holds the ladder together during transit.
  • Position the un-extended unit upright on the ground.
  • Stabilise the bottom rung of the ladder by holding it with your foot.
  • Starting with the top rung, open each section fully. Important: only start with the top rung if you are fully extending the ladder to its maximum height.
  • Make sure that all the locking mechanisms are engaged as you extend each rung

Extending to a mid-height

  • Detach the strap that holds the ladder together during transit.
  • Position the un-extended unit upright on the ground.
  • Stabilise the bottom rung of the ladder by holding it with your foot.
  • Choose which rung height you want to extend to. Starting from the bottom, fully extend each section until you reach your desire height.
  • If you want to adjust the height, reset the ladder and start from the beginning.
  • Make sure all locking systems are engaged before ascending the ladder.

Collapsing Your Ladder

  • Hold the ladder upright with one hand supporting one of the side poles (holding a section that is not a join).
  • On the second rung there is usually a locking system to deactivate the bottom locks.
  • Once this lower locking system is deactivated you can slowly pully the ladder down and each section will compact itself.
  • Important: keep your hands on the outside tubing at all times – placing your hands elsewhere could result in them getting trapped.
  • You may have to unlock each section individually, depending on what style of ladder you have.
  • Once fully retracted, secure the collapsed ladder with a strap.

Take care when extending and lowering the mechanism as they can easily trap fingers and thumbs if not used carefully.

Telescopic Ladder FAQs

Most telescopic ladders are made of aluminium alloy which needs little in the way of maintenance. However, you should never leave your ladder out in the rain. If it does get wet you should wipe it down well before storing it in a dry place.

To keep the mechanism moving freely, use a dry cloth to apply a silicone-based spray to the stiles of the ladder. This will leave a slightly waxy coating which will allow the mechanism to move smoothly. However, you should check the manual that came with your ladder for specific maintenance and cleaning advice.

Telescopic ladders are not designed to be opened vertically downwards, they need to be opened from floor-level up, so they are not suitable as a fire escape ladder.

There are several safety precautions you should take when using a telescopic ladder.

  • Always check the ladder before use – ensure nothing is damaged or broken and that the rungs are secure.
  • Make sure that all the extended rungs have fully locked into place before use – if your ladder has an automatic locking mechanism, you should hear an audible click.
  • Tie the ladder up or stabilise it against a solid surface before you climb it.
  • Make sure that the ladder is at a safe angle and that the feet are braced.
  • Never adjust the locking mechanisms while you’re on the ladder.
  • Take care when extending and closing the ladder. If the ladder is closed too quickly it can trap your fingers and/or damage the ladder itself.

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About Your Guide

  • Harry Duncton

    Harry Duncton is a jack of all trades with experience ranging from carpentry and furniture restoration to tree surgery and gardening. Happiest when found in his shed, he hopes his daughter will find a passion for making things as well.
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