A podium ladder is a godsend for many businessmen. We love them because—for a ladder—they provide unparalleled stability when working overhead. While not everyone loves them equally, part of loving any tool is understanding the importance of its use. Ladders come in different designs for different purposes, and podium ladders are no exception. We partnered with Werner to find out why you should buy a…or three podium ladders.
Quick Article Summary
- comfortable working posture
- tool workspace
- Easier to move around (wheeled models)
- non-height-adjustable
The benefits of a podium ladder
A podium ladder is essentially a modified A-frame ladder. It folds the same and has similar steps. However, the A-frame ladder has a simple folding stand and reminds you not to use the last few steps, while the platform ladder provides you with a working platform. It is specially provided for standing on two feet while you work.
comfortable
This wide deck means you have room to move around. If you're a little anxious about working at heights, it adds a little extra security to your footing. But most notably, it means your feet are completely on the platform.
When you stand on the rungs of an extension ladder or a typical A-frame ladder, only part of your feet are on the rungs. This compresses your weight into a smaller area and causes you to feel pain after a while. The narrower the steps, the worse the pain. That's why the rungs on an extended ladder are less comfortable than the wider steps of an A-frame ladder. The podium ladder takes a big step forward by supporting your entire foot—both feet.
Workspace
On the A-frame ladder, the shelf folds down to support some tools or a paint bucket. Railings below waist height provide storage options for riders, fasteners and more with the aid of a Werner Platform Ladder or similar. You also get a hanging point for the paint bucket.
Since you have a large platform to stand on, you can also easily turn to work in any direction without having to climb down and carry a ladder.
easier exercise
You can get a Werner podium ladder with spring casters. Casters easily roll the ladder into place when working in a shop-style environment with hard floors. As you walk up the steps, your weight pushes down on the springs, and the non-slip feet keep your ladder in place.
options
Like other ladders, you can get lectern ladders with aluminum and fiberglass frames. For that matter, steel is an option for the smallest models. Weight limit up to 375 lbs.
Available in various heights. Most models range in height from 5 to 12 feet (working heights from 3 to 10 feet), with some stepped solutions. Remember, when making your selection, that the platform height is two feet less than the overall ladder height.
When you just need to stay high for a few minutes, an aluminum A-frame ladder will do the trick. It's light enough that you can move it from one point to another with relative ease. But when working longer hours, a podium ladder makes more sense in your arsenal. Painters, electricians, HVAC professionals and carpenters will definitely want to see this as the solution.
Any professional who works in a shop with upper storage will also benefit. Whether loading or unloading, you need a stable platform to support your feet. In fact, most professionals should encounter the use of a podium ladder at some point.
What about the disadvantages?
For all its benefits, podium ladders do have some disadvantages worth considering. You cannot change your working height by adjusting the height of the podium. If you need to work at multiple heights, you will need multiple ladders. Also, if you find yourself constantly working on lower steps, a podium may not be the best solution.
Having multiple heights isn't a bad idea if you can swing it. Especially for installers, this helps eliminate foot fatigue and is worth the investment.
There's also the matter of weight — the extra material does come at a cost. Any podium ladder tends to be heavier than a comparable A-frame ladder. Keep this in mind if you are going to be loading and unloading your ladder multiple times a day.
the bottom line
The podium ladder is ideal for professionals who work at heights for more than a few minutes at a time. It is also suitable for those who need to move and turn on the ladder. While the extra weight and cost are considerations, the reduction in foot fatigue is definitely a worthwhile investment in our opinion.
A-frame ladders can still come in handy when you need to move around a lot. Telescopic ladders can also be your first choice when you need to move from the ground to the roof. But when you spend a lot of time working in the air, you'll want a podium ladder (like this model from Werner).
related information
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Werner Podium Ladder Review
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choose the right ladder