Today, country staircases deserve special attention. And these stepladders must be reliable, high quality and safe during use. Therefore, it is so important to know how to choose them correctly so that they do not break down after the purchase.

Types of stepladders for the garden

Ladders are traditionally leaning against the walls of the room for secure installation. To create them, use 2 vertical guides and transverse steps. Height can reach 3 m. If the ladder is very high, there is a serious safety risk due to potential instability.

Types of stepladders for the garden

A garden stepladder is a good option. It has a triangle shape in working order. Models are single-sided, double-sided and versatile. When choosing garden stepladders, the following features must be taken into account:

  • One-sided. Such models have only one work surface, therefore they are common and are considered the simplest.
  • Double-sided. Sliding models have a work surface on both sides. In this case, one moves up and leans against the wall. It will be especially convenient and safe to use in cellars and basements.
  • Universal. The number of stages ranges from 3 to 17. Usually used in one-sided or double-sided form. For fastening the elements, the set includes hinges that allow the structure to occupy an L-shaped position. The third part will extend to the optimum height. These ladders can be stored in garages and utility rooms, transported in the trunk of cars.

Note! Also noteworthy are transforming stairs, and they consist of retractable elements. If necessary, you can transform their size, taking into account a specific need and further work.

Specifications

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When buying outdoor stairs for gardens, be sure to take into account the design features and basic characteristics. The following aspects are taken into account:

  • the minimum width at the top between the side rails should be 30 cm according to European standards;
  • ladders should be equipped with a metal spacer or a special locking device, as this will ensure the reliability of the sections even when they are opened;
  • steps can only be created from a few corrugated materials;
  • platform width should be about 45 cm for optimal reliability;
  • sliding models are equipped with special fixation devices, due to which a high level of safety will be guaranteed;
  • models with wheels are additionally equipped with locking latches;
  • stairs with a length of 7-10 m should be offered with an emphasis and straps, since in these cases it is especially important to ensure the rigidity and stability of the structure, especially during harvest;
  • take into account the number of sections.

Three-section ladder

When using the selected ladder for a summer residence, the number of sections must be taken into account, since the possibility of the upcoming work depends on this.

  • One-section. In this case, the ladder will weigh less. The main advantage is mobility. At the same time, the height cannot exceed 4 m. When choosing a straight single-section staircase, you need to remember that the distance between the side rails should be about 30 cm for guaranteed reliability.One-section structures are used as attachments.
  • Two-piece. Swivel structures can be converted to a 2-sided step ladder by folding in half. Telescopic models involve the careful extension of sections in a certain plane: one block is placed along the other. The structure is adjustable so that the upper section can be raised or lowered. The two-piece ladder can be flattened out if an increase in working height is required. For guaranteed reliability, it is imperative to use special fastening clamps for individual blocks. According to current standards, the maximum possible length is 14 m.
  • Three-section. She has amazing possibilities for adjustment, because the 3 sections successfully complement each other with the help of articulated fasteners. Usually the models are used as classic ladders, stepladders or 2-sided stepladders with a special console. The set also includes standard clamps for fixing. The length of individual blocks should not be more than 9 m, but in reality, indicators of 1.2-4.5 m are common. For such models, lengths up to 18 m are possible.

Accounting for standard characteristics guarantees the reliability and safety of the structures used.

Street stairs in a country house

Advantages and disadvantages

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The advantages and disadvantages are primarily determined by the type of material used.

Benefits:

  • Wooden. Such stepladders are environmentally friendly and resistant to adverse external factors. Plus, they can be repaired with amazing ease.
  • Aluminum. The lightest ladder is aluminum; you can safely take it to the dacha in the trunk of a car. In addition, it pleases with amazing convenience. In addition, a variety of design options are offered for different tasks.
  • Steel. They are able to withstand serious loads.
  • Fiberglass. The main advantages are low weight, minimal thermal conductivity, durability.

Spiral staircase to the second floor

The disadvantages are also due to the materials used.

  • Wooden. Ladders should not be used in wet or rainy weather, as the material is prone to rotting. In addition, you regularly need to improve the quality of fasteners and grooves, because they loosen over time. The maximum possible load is 100 kg.
  • Aluminum. Sections can deform due to impacts and falls, and later recovery will be impossible. The joints of the hinges lose their reliability, as a result of which they become brittle, so the fastenings will have to be strengthened.
  • Steel. Ladders are heavy and cannot be transported. In addition, welded seams look unaesthetic, the painting process becomes much more complicated. Sometimes steel ladders corrode.
  • Fiberglass. Such stairs are expensive, otherwise there are no drawbacks.

What kind of staircase to choose for a summer residence

All about the composter

Any stairs for a house and a summer residence are chosen taking into account certain criteria:

  • features of use: for the street, you can choose only moisture-resistant models;
  • specifics of work: metal ladders without insulated pads on the legs are prohibited from using for electrical work;
  • whether frequent movements of the structure are required: when moving frequently, use mobile ladders;
  • the height at which to work: the model must be long enough;
  • working weight: be sure to add to the weight of a person the mass of tools, solutions and parts.

Maintenance and operation rules

When using a ladder for a summer residence, it is important to remember the basic rules of care and operation.

Note! Any ladder must be reliable and of high quality, meet the specifics of the work ahead.In addition, for any work, it is important to correctly position the ladder in order to guarantee the safest angle of the stop, so the surface must be firm, even and dry.

DIY garden ladder

Care always depends on the materials from which the stairs are made:

  • Wood. It is very important to properly protect the wood and replace worn parts in a timely manner. The tree is regularly treated with special protective compounds. Rotten and stratified ladders should not be used. At the same time, the popularity of wooden staircases for summer cottages is still very high.
  • Steel. It is important to watch out for bends and dents, loose rivets. It is also worth monitoring the condition of the metal, since steel is vulnerable to corrosion.
  • Aluminum. Fasteners and hinges should snap into place and slide smoothly. Metal friction degrades the quality of the construction.
  • Fiberglass. Such stairs do not require additional maintenance.

Proper care will prolong the life of the ladder and ensure safety while working.

Outdoor street staircase

Staircase for a summer residence with your own hands

You can also create a summer cottage staircase with your own hands, and for this it is recommended to use specially prepared drawings, high-quality materials. Be sure to take into account the characteristics of the ladder and the specifics of fastening structural parts. The correct connection of all parts determines how reliable and durable the created staircase will be.

Important! All steps must be positioned correctly, and it is recommended to install a chain or long hook, cord for guaranteed protection against falling. Elements are chosen taking into account the height and width of the stairs, characteristics. In the future, when using a correctly drawn up drawing, you can successfully cope with the task and create a flawless staircase.

When choosing or creating stairs for a summer residence, you need to remember about the quality and safety of the ladder, otherwise negligence in this matter can turn into a tragedy!