Which To Buy; Wood, Fiberglass, or Aluminum Ladder?

Choosing the ladder that best suits your needs is more than selecting the type that has the functionality to do the job. It’s also about selecting the material that will best suit your needs. It can be useful to understand the differences in ladder materials so that it meets your expectations and job requirements. Choose between a wood, fiberglass, or aluminum ladder. Before investing in a ladder, make sure to choose the material that will best suit your needs.

Pros and Cons of the Wooden Ladder

Chances are that when you think of a ladder, you picture your standard A-frame wooden step ladder. There’s a reason for this since there are more wooden ladders available than any other material on the market. It’s the cheapest of the materials available, so it is the least expensive to manufacture. There are a few benefits to wooden ladders. Although they are obviously not fire proof, they withstand heat from the sun relatively well. They also do not conduct electricity like other ladder materials, so they are relatively safe to use for electrical work. Wooden step ladders tend to be heavier which make them harder to transport but give them an unmatched stability. Wood does tend to react poorly to water, so they require indoor storage. But, wood seems to hold up for a reasonably long time, offering years of use if properly maintained and inspected before each use.

Pros and Cons of the Aluminum Ladder

One of the most notable attributes of aluminum ladders of any type is their extremely light weight. This makes them easy to transport for just about anyone and also a great asset to any household project! Although aluminum is a lightweight material, it doesn’t compromise the stability of the ladder. Aluminum is relatively sturdy if used within its weight capacity. Some even boast that their aluminum material is made of alloys that transform to match the durability of galvanized steel products. Although it is best to store all types of ladder indoors to keep away from damaging elements, aluminum actually does the best outdoors, making them have a long lasting lifespan no matter where they are kept. The biggest and most threatening con of an aluminum ladder is most definitely the fact that they are conductors of electricity. They should never be utilized when there are live wires present or electrical work is being conducted for safety measures.

Pros and Cons of the Fiberglass Ladder

Undoubtedly, the best investment in ladder materials is fiberglass. This is a synthetic plastic material comprised of tiny glass fibers mixed in with a durable resin. Since it is a relatively new material to be used in ladders, they are not as available as wooden and aluminum ladder options. Fiberglass seems to offer all of the pros of both wooden and aluminum ladders, without the cons. Wooden ladders are purchased for their long life for their resistance to the elements, but fiberglass lasts even longer and is even practically fire proof. Wooden ladders will eventually rot if they are stored in moist environments long enough, but fiberglass never rots and has the potential to last a lifetime. Many ladder purchasers like the durability of an aluminum ladder, but there are often stories of warping and bending of aluminum ladder types from outside conditions or too much weight placed upon them. Fiberglass ladders are the most durable of all ladder types and boast up to 400-pound weight capacities in certain models. Durability is a sign of weight and can be considered a con of fiberglass, although the weight of a ladder adds to its stability and safety. Carrying and transport may require the use of two people when other ladder materials can be maneuvered by one. Another con of fiberglass is the cost. Because they are unquestionably the best investment, they tend to be a bit more expensive.

Purchasing a Ladder Online

Now that you know which material will suit your job best, you need to decide on the functionality, type, and brand of ladder that you wish to invest into. Keep in mind what you will use the ladder for most often. To view a large selection of ladders of all different materials, visit our website. Purchased ladders are shipped right to the address of your choice. Have questions about any of the ladders you see on our website, the ladder material that is best for you application, or our services? Please give us a call today so that we may help you at 1-800-833-0800.

 

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