Wooden stepladders: what is it, how to choose and use?

If you need to perform any action above the level of your own growth, you should seek help from a stepladder. Models made of wood can be found both at home and in public places - shops, museums, libraries. Wood is more pleasant to look at than metal and meets all safety requirements.

A step-ladder is understood as a folding device that facilitates access to objects located at a height. It is distinguished from an ordinary staircase by its shape - when unfolded, the side view resembles a truncated triangle. In addition, the step-ladder does not need an emphasis - its role is played by the other side. The main elements of such a wooden product are:

• frame - parallel racks located in pairs on both sides of the triangle;
• steps - crossbeams between the posts;
• wide area - located at the top.

Additionally, the step-ladder package includes:

• screed - it is necessary for fixing the frame and is mandatory for all models above 4 steps;
• handrail for hands (safety arch);
• wheelsfacilitating movement from place to place;
• pillars for posts and corners - protect against injuries and scratches on the floor;
• shelves and tool holders - are rare and usually located on the handrail.

Step parameters vary depending on the manufacturer and model. For rare use, you can take narrow ones. More practical are platform steps. You can stop at each of them and calmly do your job. The frame posts can be square or rounded.

The demand for wooden ladders is quite high. This can be explained by the large number positive characteristics.

• Wide model range allows you to choose an option for any interior.
• There is an opportunity to make a stepladder on one's own, according to individual parameters.
• The tree has a rather beautiful appearance., in addition, there is the possibility of coating with varnish or paint.
• All models, made with high quality, have a long service life... Minor repairs can be done by hand.
• Often, a stepladder is used as one of the pieces of furniture. This is especially true if you have to use it quite often.
• Such a product has no harmful effect on the environment and easily recyclable.
• From a well-chosen and dried material, rather light and compact ladders are created. This is especially convenient during relocation and transport.
• No loud clanging sounds when folding and unfoldinglike metal models. In addition, the wood is much more pleasant to the touch. Steps and handrails made of this material do not slip even without a rubber coating.
• The tree does not conduct current and is suitable for working with electricity.

Aside from the pros, there are also downsides. They mainly relate to the conditions of use and storage. The tree is best used in a room with constant humidity and temperature. Abrupt changes in the microclimate can provoke the appearance of cracks and other defects. In addition, if the wood is not handled very carefully, it can be difficult to clean it.If such a ladder is kept in unsuitable conditions, the material may begin to rot or fungus and pests will appear on it.

After examining the proposal, there are several types of ladders. They may be:

• unilateral;
• double-sided.

In the first case, the steps are located only on one side, which is used for lifting. The other side of the triangle acts as a support so that the structure can be installed not only next to the wall, but also in the middle of the room. It can look anything you like, but it should be equal in width to the stepped one. In the case of a double-sided stepladder, the steps are located on both sides. Therefore, work can be carried out in two directions at once and the ladder will have to be moved less often. Stepladders differ in the number of steps. Tall ones are usually equipped with mechanisms:

• simple (providing unfolding of the sides for lifting and support);
• with additional folding handrails for hands (when folded, this part takes up less space).

There are also very low mini-stepladders - in 2 or 3 steps. They can be folded out and fixed in the form of a regular stool. It is especially convenient for continuous use so that you do not waste time on installation. A special place is occupied by stepladders that turn into pieces of furniture. They are used if necessary, and the rest of the time they can serve as a chair, rack, hanger, etc.

Depending on the strength, texture, color and price, you can pay attention to a particular material. For the manufacture of stairs, oak, beech, ash, larch or pine are used. Stepladders made of oak or beech are considered the most durable. Pine trees are slightly inferior in strength, but they have a pleasant smell, are easy to decorate and are affordable.

Before proceeding with the choice of a particular model, it is necessary to decide which characteristics are most preferred.

• First, decide on the height of the ladder. She should be comfortable. When installing on an upper platform, the working level should not be higher than outstretched hands. This should be especially taken into account if the work being done requires effort and time. Hands raised up quickly get tired, and attempts to reach for something can threaten with loss of stability. If the working height changes, it is better to choose a model with spacious steps.
• If the ladder is used by one person, you need to focus on its weight. For a person of average build, any type of wood is suitable. If there are several users, the strength should be maximized.
• For outdoor use it is necessary to make sure that the ladder has been properly processed.
• Weight and dimensions in the folded position are of great importance. They will determine the storage location and transportation method. If the step-ladder does not fit in the passenger compartment, you need to purchase mounts for the trunk in advance.

Immediately before buying, you need to inspect the ladder - any dent or crack is a reason to refuse the purchase. It is better to check it for stability directly in the store. The extension mechanism must function well.

If a wooden stepladder is used in an enterprise, all activities related to it must be regulated by the relevant document on labor protection.At home, the responsibility to familiarize yourself with these rules is voluntary and depends on the degree of responsibility of the individual. The general rules for working with a ladder are the same for everyone.

• If the ladder is used on a soft surface or soil, there should be special ribbed pads on the lower ends of the uprights. Rubber pads are a must for slippery or smooth surfaces. They are also needed so that dents and other damage do not remain on the flooring.
• You cannot work on the upper steps and platform without a palm rest. The same applies to moving up the steps - you must definitely hold on to the side posts.
• Stepladders without telescopic extensions should only be installed on a level surface to avoid the possibility of tipping over. Do not put any objects under the legs.
• To prevent the ladder from accidentally moving to the side, it can be fixed with a rope.
• Two people cannot be on one side at the same time. If the weight of one person or two on opposite sides exceeds the maximum allowable weight, the fasteners of the structure may not be able to withstand the load.
• It is forbidden to hang over the edge, climb and step over the side posts.

Proper care will help extend the life of the ladder. It should be inspected periodically for defects. The greatest danger is posed by cracks and gaps at the joints of parts. They cannot be covered with anything. It is better to abandon use altogether or replace an unreliable part. Minor chips or minor damage can be repaired by yourself. The protective coating also needs updating - this way the wood will be better preserved. Any dirt and damp spots should be removed as quickly as possible using a dry method.

To store the ladder, you need a dry room with a constant temperature. This can be a garage, a glazed balcony, a storage room or a closet (for small models). It is impossible to store it outdoors, or just leave the structure there for a long time. Floor positioning is less convenient. Compact models can be hung on the wall using brackets or hooks.

For information on how to make a stepladder yourself, see below.