3 Step Ladder 

The 3 step ladder is kind of a modern perfection in workplace and household ladders, for many reasons. First and foremost is the number of steps; shorter ladders with only two steps are only utile for very small boosts, such as when you need to reach something from the top kitchen shelf, but are not versatile for reaching higher, such as when you need to change a light bulb or reach on top of high cupboards or shelves. Taller ladders with four or more steps tend to be a little heavier and cumbersome, and in most homes you simply don't need a light step ladder to go that high; for such high reaches you'll get a more full-sized step ladder.

The 3 step ladder is right in the middle, perfectly balanced in what it provides: it is still a small enough ladder to be very light, easy to carry and maneuver around for people who are not that strong, such as children and the elderly. A 3 step ladder is tall enough for you to reach the ceiling and high shelves, and yet low enough to be very stable, as many people become a little worried and unstable with a taller step ladder that starts to shake when you're on the top step.

Almost every 3 step ladder on the market also comes with a u-shaped upper handbar, so while you're standing on any of the steps you can sturdy yourself further with the handbar, drape or hang rags or other items you're using in your chores over that bar, and the bar also makes lifting and carrying the 3 step ladder very easy. Many shorter ladders don't have this handbar, and taller ladders either don't have them, or make them too high to grab for easy carrying.

There are also a few different kinds of 3 step ladder; some have trolley wheels on them, for easy wheeling around rather than having to lift and carry them. This is especially handy for the elderly, children, and the workplace. Most 3 step ladders are also foldable, for easy moving and storage. Folding units are usually of the A-frame shape and fold together, but some 3 step ladders are not made in the A-frame shape but rather are just a single frame, such as the marine 3 step ladder that hangs from the side of a boat but folds up in half when not in use, or the trampoline ladder for those who want a humane, safe step up to fun, rather than a risky jump. Some of these models also telescope, rather than folding in half.

The painter's or industrial 3 step ladder is also a little different; the home-use 3 step ladder has quite low, close-together steps that are easy for kids and the elderly to step up on, but the industrial or painter's 3 step ladder is considerably taller, with steps higher and further apart, and usually also has a fold-out tray near the top, for holding paints and tools. It will also usually be even more sturdy and reinforced since it will be subjected to tougher uses than will the home 3 step ladder.

When you consider buying a 3 step ladder, you should take into account the height and condition of each person who will be using it, whether it will be used for home or workplace, what further needs it must fill (such as having a tray, hooks, basket, etc. for holding items), how tough it needs to be (they can be made of very tough/heavy materials, and have extra reinforcing crossbeams on them), and where it will be stored (how should it fold or reduce in size?). Home stores and hardware stores will carry a few models to choose from; marine shops will carry models for your boat; on the following page is our online store featuring just about every kind of 3 step ladder you could ever find a need for.