A lot of times the simplest of things can benefit you the most and knowing more about what details make your job more efficient and productive is the key to success. But when there are similar products in question you can get stuck in a big dilemma not knowing which one is the better option. Same goes for ladders and especially with step and platform ladders as they are similar in design. Take a look at this detailed comparison between the two if you want to clear out the confusion.
Platform
Platform ladders are made to provide a higher level of comfort, meaning that you won't make your toes go numb or have pain in the shins or the bottom of your feet. Although similar in design with the step ladder, a platform ladder allows the user to rotate easily as if you are standing on the ground. This is because of the work ladder platform it has, which is made to provide a less obstructed standing space, and allow you to use both hands when needed. You don't get a higher reach but a more stable one.
This makes your work faster and safer as you don't need to focus on keeping your balance, whenever you feel a little vibration near your feet. There's a top rail guard about half a meter above the platform that serves to protect you from falling, but it is also positioned in a way that allows you enough space for you to operate freely. The platform takes the place of the last two steps, so there's enough space for you to even do a half squat if you are being handed a tool from beneath you. Definitely a safer and more versatile option.
This makes your work faster and safer as you don't need to focus on keeping your balance, whenever you feel a little vibration near your feet. There's a top rail guard about half a meter above the platform that serves to protect you from falling, but it is also positioned in a way that allows you enough space for you to operate freely. The platform takes the place of the last two steps, so there's enough space for you to even do a half squat if you are being handed a tool from beneath you. Definitely a safer and more versatile option.
Step
Although the step latter doesn't provide you with as much stability and comfort when standing for a very long time, it is still the most popular choice between the two, but also amongst all the other types of ladders. They are also self-supportable but unlike a work ladder platform, they do not have room for you to turn around or reach comfortably. Step ladders are divided into two categories: the first having rungs on both sides of the ladder, meaning that it can be climbed from both sides; The second one is a simple front step ladder which can only be climbed from one side.
With a step ladder, you'll be able to climb a bit higher than platform ladders, and they are not as safe when you need to reach something at a higher level. Although they are cheaper than the former, step ladders are mostly used for a quick lightbulb change or when you want to get your cat off the tree. This type of limited usage isn't the case only for step ladders, but it applies the most to them as they are meant mainly for home use and not for construction work or lifting heavy loads.
With a step ladder, you'll be able to climb a bit higher than platform ladders, and they are not as safe when you need to reach something at a higher level. Although they are cheaper than the former, step ladders are mostly used for a quick lightbulb change or when you want to get your cat off the tree. This type of limited usage isn't the case only for step ladders, but it applies the most to them as they are meant mainly for home use and not for construction work or lifting heavy loads.
