SADC Certified Exporter
Nationwide & Cross-Border Delivery
Contact us for an Obligation Free Quote
Shop by Brand
Step Ladders
Step Ladders | A-Frame
Dreymar Industrial supplies A-frame step ladders in aluminium and fibreglass, from 3 steps to 16 steps, covering ladder heights of 0.8 m to 4.8 m. Choose by working height, not ladder height: the height of the ladder itself is not the height you can safely reach.
Step Ladder Height Chart: What Height Do You Actually Need?
Working height is roughly the ladder height plus 1.0 m to 1.2 m, because you can reach overhead while standing two steps down from the top. Use the table below to work backwards from the height of your task.
| Steps | Ladder height | Working height | Typical task |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 0.78 m to 0.9 m | 1.9 m to 2.1 m | Shelf picking, light fittings, signage |
| 4 | 1.2 m | 2.2 m to 2.4 m | Standard ceiling height, office maintenance |
| 5 | 1.3 m | 2.3 m to 2.5 m | Stockroom shelving |
| 6 | 1.8 m | 2.8 m to 3.0 m | Warehouse racking level 2, ducting |
| 7 | 1.8 m | 2.8 m to 3.0 m | As above, extra steps for comfort |
| 8 | 2.4 m | 3.4 m to 3.6 m | High-bay lighting, upper racking |
| 9 | 2.4 m | 3.4 m to 3.6 m | As above, double sided access |
| 10 | 3.0 m | 4.0 m to 4.2 m | Plant maintenance, overhead lines |
| 12 | 3.6 m | 4.6 m to 4.8 m | Industrial ceilings, gantry access |
| 14 | 4.2 m | 5.2 m to 5.4 m | High-bay warehouse, structural work |
| 16 | 4.8 m | 5.8 m to 6.0 m | Maximum reach in the A-frame range |
Not every model offers every step count. The heavy duty aluminium A-frame step ladder carries the widest range, from 3 steps through to 16. The medium duty aluminium A-frame runs 3 to 12 steps. Domestic models stop at 7 or 9 steps.
How to Work Out Your Height in Three Steps
- Measure the task, not the ceiling. Take the height of the thing you need to reach, in metres.
- Subtract your comfortable overhead reach. For most adults that is 1.0 m to 1.2 m above where you stand.
- Match the remainder to the ladder height column above. If your figure falls between two sizes, take the larger one. A ladder that is slightly tall is safe. A ladder that is slightly short invites standing on the top step.
Worked example: a light fitting at 3.5 m. Subtract 1.1 m of reach, leaving 2.4 m. That is an 8-step ladder.
Choosing Between Aluminium and Fibreglass
Material is decided by the working environment, not by height. Both are available across most of the step range.
Choose aluminium step ladders where weight and portability matter. They are lighter to carry between tasks, corrosion resistant, and the standard choice for warehousing, general maintenance and stock picking.
Choose fibreglass step ladders where there is any chance of contact with live electrical parts. Fibreglass is non-conductive, which means the ladder does not become part of the circuit if a tool or hand contacts a live conductor. This is the correct specification for electricians, instrument technicians and anyone working near switchgear or distribution boards.
Double sided step ladders allow climbing from either side, which suits busy sites where two people need access or where the ladder cannot be turned in a confined aisle.
Safe Working Load: Count More Than Body Weight
Safe Working Load (SWL) is the total the ladder is rated to carry, and that total includes the user, clothing and PPE, hand tools, and anything being carried up. A technician at 85 kg with a loaded toolbelt and a replacement fitting can be closer to 110 kg than 85 kg.
SWL varies by model across the Dreymar step ladder range. Check the rating on the individual product page before ordering, particularly where a ladder is shared between departments and will carry the heaviest user rather than the average one.
When a Step Ladder Is the Wrong Tool
Step ladders are self-supporting and suit open-floor tasks. They are not always the right answer.
- For repeated two-handed work at height, mobile safety ladders with a platform and handrails are safer and less tiring than standing on a step.
- For vertical access against a wall, racking upright or plant structure, extension ladders reach further with a smaller footprint.
- For sites standardising on fewer units, combination ladders convert between step and straight configurations.
- For fixed access points, guarded platforms or non-standard footprints, specialised access solutions are built to the site rather than adapted to it.
Where Step Ladders Get Used
Height and material cover most of the decision, but the working environment sets the rest of the specification. Five sectors account for most industrial step ladder demand in South Africa, and each pushes the choice in a different direction.
- Warehousing and FMCG distribution. Frequent short climbs for picking, labelling and scanner fixes. Weight matters more than maximum height, because the ladder gets carried between aisles all shift. A 6-step or 8-step in aluminium covers most racking levels.
- Manufacturing and engineering. Heavier tools, longer tasks at height, and floors that are rarely clean. Deeper treads and a taller working height earn their cost here, and the ladder tends to stay in one bay rather than travel.
- Electrical and instrumentation. Fibreglass only, without exception, wherever live parts are possible. The material decision overrides every other consideration.
- Healthcare and hospitality. Tight rooms, quiet operation, non-marking feet and a compact folded footprint. Ceiling checks and light fitting swaps rarely need more than a 4-step or 6-step.
- Facilities and property maintenance. Mixed tasks across multiple sites, so a mid-height ladder that stores in a service vehicle beats a taller one that lives in a store cupboard.
Two specification points get overlooked in every sector. Folded dimensions decide whether the ladder actually gets used or stays racked, so measure your storage bay and vehicle before choosing a height. Replaceable feet and locking spreaders determine service life, because worn feet on a smooth warehouse floor are the most common cause of a ladder being retired early.
Step Ladders Across South Africa
Dreymar Industrial delivers nationwide from Germiston, Gauteng, with cross-border shipping across Southern Africa as a SADC Certified Exporter. Step ladders sit within the full ladder range, alongside single, extension, combination and mobile safety models.
Local conditions change the specification more than buyers expect. Coastal humidity and salt air shorten the service life of untreated fittings, so hinges, spreaders and rivets deserve closer attention at inspection on sites in Durban, Cape Town and Gqeberha.
The same applies in East London, where coastal warehousing and assembly work put ladders through daily handling in humid air. Inland the problem inverts: Highveld dust works into hinges and locking mechanisms on sites across Johannesburg and Pretoria, where the fix is regular cleaning rather than corrosion protection.
Central and regional operations in Bloemfontein, Polokwane and Mbombela tend to run mixed fleets across logistics, agriculture, healthcare and mining support, where one ladder covers several task types and the taller duty classes see more use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What height step ladder do I need?
Take the height of your task and subtract 1.0 m to 1.2 m for overhead reach. The remainder is your ladder height. For a task at 3.5 m, that gives 2.4 m, which is an 8-step ladder. If your figure falls between sizes, choose the taller ladder.
What is the difference between ladder height and working height?
Ladder height is the physical height of the ladder. Working height is how high you can safely reach while standing two steps down from the top, roughly ladder height plus 1.0 m to 1.2 m. Always specify against working height.
How tall is a 6 step ladder?
A 6-step A-frame ladder stands 1.8 m tall, giving a working height of approximately 2.8 m to 3.0 m. That suits warehouse racking at the second level, ducting, and most industrial ceiling work in standard-height buildings.
What is the tallest step ladder available?
The tallest A-frame in the Dreymar range is a 16-step ladder at 4.8 m, giving a working height of approximately 5.8 m to 6.0 m. Above that height, an extension ladder or a mobile safety ladder with a platform is usually the safer option.
Should I choose aluminium or fibreglass?
Choose fibreglass wherever live electrical work is possible, because fibreglass is non-conductive. Choose aluminium everywhere else, since it is lighter to move between tasks and resists corrosion. Both are available across most step counts in the range.
Why should I not stand on the top step?
The top step and the top cap are not designed as standing platforms. Standing there raises your centre of gravity above the ladder's stable base and removes handhold options. If you need that height, the ladder is too short for the task.
Your Most Common Questions, Answered
1. What is a step ladder?
A step ladder is a self-supporting ladder with flat steps and a hinged design, allowing safe and stable access to elevated areas without needing wall support.
2. What types of step ladders does Dreymar Industrial offer?
We supply a range of step ladders, including aluminium, fibreglass, and heavy-duty steel options for industrial, commercial, and domestic use.
3. Are your step ladders suitable for industrial environments?
Yes, our step ladders are built to withstand heavy-duty use in warehouses, factories, workshops, and construction sites.
4. What load capacities do your step ladders support?
Depending on the model, our step ladders support different load ratings. Heavy-duty models can hold up to 150 kg or more.
5. Do your step ladders meet safety standards?
Yes, all step ladders are compliant with South African safety standards for durability, stability, and slip resistance.
6. Are your step ladders foldable for easy storage?
Yes, all our step ladders are designed to fold compactly for convenient transport and storage.
7. Do you sell step ladders for home use?
Absolutely. In addition to industrial models, we also offer lightweight step ladders suitable for household tasks.
8. Can I purchase a step ladder directly from your website?
Yes, simply browse our Step Ladder range and use the Add to Quote function. Once submitted, a Dreymar consultant will contact you with a tailored quotation and delivery details.
9. Do you offer step ladders with handrails?
Yes, some models include integrated handrails for additional safety, especially for frequent or prolonged use.
10. Do you deliver step ladders across South Africa?
Yes, we provide nationwide delivery with reliable logistics partners for fast, secure shipping.
11. What materials are your step ladders made from?
We offer step ladders made from aluminium for lightweight handling, fibreglass for electrical safety, and steel for maximum strength.
12. Are step ladders safe for electrical work?
Fibreglass step ladders are non-conductive, making them ideal for electrical applications.
13. Can I buy step ladders in bulk for my business?
Yes, we can fulfil bulk orders for contractors, factories, and warehouses with competitive project-based pricing.
14. Do you supply replacement parts for step ladders?
Yes, replacement feet, hinges, and other components are available to maintain ladder safety and functionality.
15. Why choose Dreymar Industrial for step ladders?
We combine high-quality materials, safety compliance, customisable options, and expert advice to deliver step ladders that meet both professional and domestic needs.