When it comes to choosing a ladder to keep around your home, there are a number of different types of ladders that you can consider, each with their pros and cons.
Think carefully about how you will be using it so that you can avoid having to purchase a large number of different types, which will end up taking up a lot of space in your home or garage.
A fixed ladder is of a set length and consists of rungs between two poles.
These come in various lengths and can be leaned up against walls or other surfaces.
There are also pull down options like those going to many attics.
For those who need a longer option but don't have a lot of storage space, telescoping or extension ladders might be a good choice since they collapse down to a smaller size for storage, and can be made to be a number of different lengths.
Another good option is a step or folding ladder.
These are folded so there are steps on two sides and a small platform at the top.
The folding type usually has a few different one way hinges so that you can use it in places where the ground is uneven as well as on flat ground.
Climbing these is more like climbing stairs than climbing the fixed type.
Specialty ladders also exist for use by certain professionals, such as those made out of fiberglass for electricians and those with hooks on the top for firefighters.
Firetrucks have special ones that are on a rotating platform on top of the truck, for example.
Although many ladders were made out of wood, these days it is more common to make them out of aluminum since it is lighter and allows for more versatility in the design of the ladder.
You also don't have to worry about splinters if you have a metal ladder, though it might get hot if you leave it out for a long time in the heat.
Of course there are also some that are made out of rope, but this is a hanging type and not as commonly used.