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.