The TB Davies Sizing Guide

Choosing the right size or length ladder is just as important as the style. One of the most common and potentially dangerous ladder selection mistakes is purchasing a ladder that is either too long or too short.

Working Out the Reach Needed

Measuring advice

Before you buy a ladder or step, first measure the height that you are looking to work at or to reach. Then using this measurement, work out the right sized product to buy with the guide above. The pictures show the average heights of most UK homes, and so they will give you a rough guide to calculate which ladder or step would be most appropriate for the job. If in any doubt at all, give our sales team a call on 029 2132 0000

Working from a ladder?

Across our website and literature we calculate the 'Approximate Working Height' as 1.6m added to the last climbing height.

This gives an approximate measure of comfortably working at chest height, e.g. drilling into a wall.

So, our 3.0m Pro Double Aluminium Extension Ladder, which extends to 6.0m gives us a working height of approximately 6.8m

See Tables Below for More Details

Working from a Step Ladder?

Across our website and literature we calculate the 'Approximate Working Height' as 1.6m added to the platform height or last climbing height if you are using a Swingback Step Ladder.

This gives an approximate measure of comfortably working at chest height, e.g. drilling into a wall.

If you are reaching above, e.g. painting a ceiling, then please measure this and add to the platform height.

So, a person who has a reach of 2.15m wants to paint a ceiling which is 2.75m (9 ft), then the platform height needed must be around 0.60m. In this example a Hop Up Step would be sufficient.

See Tables Below for More Details

Vector Graphic of Operator Using a Step Ladder

Use this Table to Select the Right Extension Ladder

Height to Work Point:	Look for Extended Lengths of:	Suggested Products:
2.7m	4.25m	2.5m Double
2.7 - 3.9m	4.25m	2.5m Double
3.9 - 5.1m	5.25m	3.0m Double
5.1 - 6.4m	6.25m	3.5m Double or 3.0m Triple
6.4 - 7.6m	7.25m	4.0m Double or 3.0m Triple
7.6 - 8.5m	8.25m
8.5 - 9.4m	9.25m

The figures above are based on adding 1600mm plus the height of the last climbing tread. Ladders are set at an angle of 75^o

Use this Table to Select the Right Step Ladder

Height to Work Point:	Look for Platform Height of:	Suggested Product:
2.1m	0.10m
2.4m	0.40m
2.7m	0.70m	Hop Up Step, 3 Tread Premier XL
3.0m	1.00m	4 Tread Premier XL
3.3m	1.30m
3.6m	1.60m
3.9m	1.90m
4.2m	2.20m
4.5m	2.50m
4.8m	2.80m	10 Tread Stadium
5.1m	3.10m	12 Tread Stadium
5.4m	3.40m	14 Tread Stadium
5.7m	3.70m	15 Tread Stadium
6.0m	4.00m	3012-006 Scaffold Tower