It’s a question many online have wondered: why are ladders so expensive?
They look so simple, right? Two vertical bars. Couple of rungs. So why do some of them cost so much?
Let’s dive in.
What makes ladders so expensive?
- Cost of materials
- Safety testing and certification
- Brand name recognition
- Scarcity / uniqueness
Cost of materials
Ladders are costly because they have to be made out of sturdy, high-quality materials if they’re going to be safe to use. They also have to be durable enough to withstand repeated use, bearing the weight of fully grown adults—often males, who are heavier on average than women—plus any safety gear the user may be wearing.
And it’s not just a case of being sturdy. Depending on the type of ladder, certain surfaces (especially the ladder’s feet and rungs) may require extra grip to prevent slips.
Locking mechanisms must also be taken into account. These have to be solid and reliable to ensure the ladder won’t collapse while in use.
And, on top of all this, portable ladders have to be light enough to move around for use at different locations!
Materials that tick all of these boxes rarely come cheap.
Safety testing and certification
Of course, you want to be sure the ladder you’re buying is actually safe to use. The easiest way to make sure you’re not putting your safety on the line is to buy a ladder that has undergone rigorous testing and certification.
That process comes at a cost to the manufacturer, which is reflected in the price tag.
Brand name recognition
No industry is without its big A-list brands.
Cadbury. Gucci. Nintendo. Colgate. Apple.
Five unrelated companies operating in entirely different industries, but all of these are recognisable names, and people will pay more for products carrying those names than they otherwise would.
Ladder newbies may be unaware of the big names in ladders, but ladder connoisseurs will be familiar with, for example, Werner ladders. Big names with a great reputation for building long-lasting ladders can of course command a bigger price, just like Apple computers and Gucci handbags can—because demand is high and fans trust them to deliver high-quality products every time.
Scarcity / uniqueness
This is a bit of a niche one!
Sometimes you’re after a one-of-a-kind ladder. Maybe you need something a bit unusual rather than a run-of-the-mill stepladder. Or you’re chasing after a collector’s item. An antique perhaps?
You might think we’re having you on, but in 2018, more than 400 items (including tools, ladders and an engine!) belonging to famous steeplejack Fred Dibnah sold at auction. His various ladder sets sold for prices between £400 and £1,000!
Not bad, eh?
Looking for high-quality ladders at affordable prices?
Here at Ladders UK Direct, we strive to keep our prices as low as possible. We offer great deals on EN131-certified ladders, so you don’t have to choose between safety and affordability!
Browse our cheapest ladders
