Type of wooden ladder

[JumbleDuck]

I need to buy a couple of wooden ladders, but I'm flummoxed by the different types. Could someone gently explain to me, as to an inquisitive child, the difference between a "timber industrial ladder", a "timber trade ladder" and a "timber pole ladder"?

 

[prv]

Possibly weight limit? I know "Industrial" and "Trade" ladders have to carry more weight than DIY ones, the terms have specific meaning in ladder world.

Pete

 

[alahol2]

Standards...

 

[VicS]

hTis is a pole ladder . Presumably named because its stiles were traditionally made by splitting a pole lengthwise.

I have an extension ladder which has wooden stiles and aluminium rungs ........... nice handle and to use.
I expect it was relatively expensive when I bought it 50 years ago

 

[thinwater]

Interesting. Wooden work ladders no longer exist in the US except as decor or furniture. Aluminum is available for DIYs, but generally avoided in industry. Industrial ladders are nearly always fiberglass (non-conductive).

The historic problem was deterioration if left outdoors.

 

[pvb]

May I ask why you want a wooden ladder? Aluminium ones are generally lighter and easier to handle.

 

[JumbleDuck]

May I ask why you want a wooden ladder? Aluminium ones are generally lighter and easier to handle.

Pure aesthetics!

They are for loft access in my barn, which is an oak framed building I put up a few years ago, and my workshop, which is a 200-year old stone-built former smiddy. One will be semi-permanently in place and the other will be hinged at one end and raised to horizontal by a rope, so weight is not a major issue.

 

[JumbleDuck]

Standards...

Thanks. That's one of the manufacturers I looked at, but I hadn't spotted the standards page. They do "industrial" ladders and "pole" ladders, both of which are rated at 175kg, plus a super-duper wire-reinforced industrial one ... which is also rated at 175kg.

 

[thinwater]

Pure aesthetics!

They are for loft access in my barn, which is an oak framed building I put up a few years ago, and my workshop, which is a 200-year old stone-built former smiddy. One will be semi-permanently in place and the other will be hinged at one end and raised to horizontal by a rope, so weight is not a major issue.

Yup,that we still use wood for. Aluminum or fiberglass just wouldn't do!

 

[pvb]

Pure aesthetics!

They are for loft access in my barn, which is an oak framed building I put up a few years ago, and my workshop, which is a 200-year old stone-built former smiddy. One will be semi-permanently in place and the other will be hinged at one end and raised to horizontal by a rope, so weight is not a major issue.

Has to be wood!

 

[JumbleDuck]

I need to buy a couple of wooden ladders, but I'm flummoxed by the different types. Could someone gently explain to me, as to an inquisitive child, the difference between a "timber industrial ladder", a "timber trade ladder" and a "timber pole ladder"?

To my surprise, I have received this very clear explanation from the sales people at Alton Ladders. He works on Sundays!

Pole Ladders

Traditionally used on construction sites for access to scaffolding. The side stile are half moon shaped and taper slightly from the bottom to the top. The overall width of the ladder also tapers slightly from the bottom to the top.

Industrial Ladder

Top quality timber ladders designed for heavy duty use. Manufactured to BS1129 Class 1:1990 from Douglas Fir rectangular stiles with round Ash rungs.. Tie rods are fitted at intervals. All metal fittings are rust-proofed.

Trade Ladder

Trade ladders are manufactured generally in accordance with the BS1129 Class 1:1990 pattern, but are not tested or certified to that standard. They are designed for use in a trade environment. Made from high-grade North American softwoods, with rectangular stiles and round rungs with tie rods fitted at intervals.​

I shall be measuring up for some pole ladders tomorrow. Many thanks, All.

 

[LadyInBed]

Pure aesthetics!

They are for loft access in my barn, which is an oak framed building I put up a few years ago, and my workshop, which is a 200-year old stone-built former smiddy. One will be semi-permanently in place and the other will be hinged at one end and raised to horizontal by a rope, so weight is not a major issue.

Why not make wooden steps from planks?

 

[JumbleDuck]

Why not make wooden steps from planks?

That's more or less what I propose to pay someone to do.