The Best Telescopic Ladders For All Your DIY Needs

Our handpicked telescopic ladders redefine versatility, offering compact storage and robust support for all your projects.
Tried & Tested: See Our Testing ↓
Written & Tested By: Richard Morgan | Updated:
Best Telescopic Ladder
Richard Morgan/DIY Works
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Telescopic ladders are extremely versatile because they are lightweight, easy to transport and able to collapse to approximately a third of their maximum height. Whether you’re a professional tradesman or DIY enthusiast, they’ll allow you to easily access anywhere.

Depending upon your requirements, many brands offer telescoping ladders that can adjust into an “A” position. This is a highly desirable feature because it increases stability and makes it even more versatile. However, it’s worth pointing out that this configuration often comes with a premium price tag when compared to standard telescopic ladders.

To assist you in selecting the right set of telescopic ladders, our handpicked selection lists top-performing models, chosen based on our first-hand experience using multiple. Our testing and up-to-date research further ensure the quality of our recommendations.

WolfWise Telescoping Extendable Ladder
Best Overall: WolfWise Telescoping Extendable Ladder
WORHAN 5m Telescopic Ladder
Best Quality: WORHAN® 5m Telescopic Ladder
Finether Telescoping Extension Ladder
Best All-Rounder: Finether Telescoping Extension Ladder
AutoBaBa Multi-Purpose Telescopic Ladder
Best Budget: AutoBaBa Multi-Purpose Telescopic Ladder
ParkerBrand Aluminium
Best Budget Runner-Up: ParkerBrand Aluminium 3.2m Telescopic Ladder

How The DIY Works Team Tests & Rates Telescopic Ladders

Telescopic ladders are a popular tool in the DIY Works office and collectively, we own several sets. From accessing lofts to cutting tree branches, the list of applications they can be used for is endless.

During our ongoing testing of telescopic ladders, we analyse their build quality, usability and safety features. As you can see in the photos below of a recent set we tested, the ability for it to extend and collapse into a compact size is the main selling point. They are so versatile and it’s clear to see why they are becoming increasingly more popular.

best telescopic ladders

Richard Morgan/DIY Works
best telescopic ladder uk

Richard Morgan/DIY Works

To keep up our commitment to reviewing and testing the latest telescopic ladders (for this article), we are continually testing the latest offerings from top brands. This means that when we notice a brand has released a new and improved set, we will attempt to upgrade our current telescopic ladders for testing (where applicable).

As well as testing and our experience of using multiple telescopic ladders, we also based our recommendations on the latest research and several factors. Some of the factors that we took into consideration included the ladder’s build quality, usability, load capacity, safety features, weight, height options, warranty and value for money.

The Best Telescopic Ladders

At DIY Works, our content is 100% independent and we would never recommend a product that we wouldn't use ourselves (read our editorial standards and how we test products).

1. Best Overall: WolfWise Telescoping Extendable Ladder

(How We Review →)

The WolfWise Telescoping Ladders are a popular multi-purpose set that’s constructed of a corrosion-resistant aluminium alloy. Whether you need to access the loft or change a light bulb, it’s easy to set up to your requirements.

The brand offer this particular telescopic ladder in lengths of 3.2, 3.8 or 4.7 metres and it’s even available in either black or red too.

Pros
  • Load capacity of 150 KG
  • Choice of 3.2, 3.8 and 4.7 metre lengths
  • Self-locking mechanism
  • Anti-slip foot board
  • Securing ratchet strap
  • Anti-slip bottom feet
  • Lightweight at just 8.3 KG
  • Aluminium construction
Cons
  • During testing, we felt that it retracted quickly (we almost caught our hands twice whilst using it!)

To conclude, the WolfWise telescopic ladders are an excellent all-round option that’s built to last and features many intuitive features. It’s also available in three different lengths that all retract into a quarter of its height for easy storage.

2. Best Quality: WORHAN® 5m Telescopic Ladder

(How We Review →)

WORHAN is another brand that produces a wide variety of telescopic ladders and this particular set is their multi-purpose option that can be used in a fully extended or “A” position mode. When fully extended, it has a length of 5 metres and when it’s in the “A” position, the total length is 2.4 metres.

According to the brand, it has been manufactured to follow the strict guidelines set in the EN131 safety standards.

Pros
  • Manufactured in Germany with a UK support team
  • Fully extended length of 5 metres
  • Meets the EN131 safety standards
  • Weight limit of 150 KG
  • Optional case available for storing the ladders
Cons
  • Relatively expensive when compared to the alternatives

Although expensive, the WORHAN telescopic ladder is very versatile and built to the highest of standards. Whether you are planning to use it for domestic or professional use, they are more than robust to handle all working conditions.

3. Best All-Rounder: Finether Telescoping Extension Ladder

(How We Review →)

By far one of the most popular telescopic ladders on the market is by the Finether brand. Each of the ladders they manufacture is constructed of a durable aluminium alloy that can withstand a maximum load of 150 KG.

In terms of the extendable lengths that the brand offers, they include 3.2, 3.8, 4.1 or 5-metre options that are all manufactured to meet the EN131 safety standards.

Pros
  • Lightweight aluminium alloy construction
  • Supplied with a carrying bag
  • Available in lengths that range from 3.2 to 5 metres
  • Double couplings on every rung
  • Conforms to the EN131 safety standards
  • Max load capacity of 150 KG
Cons
  • Not as high quality as some of the premium alternatives

Overall, the Finether telescopic ladder ticks all the boxes and even comes with a free pair of gloves along with a storage bag as a bonus. They are safe and reliable ladders that are ideal for both professional trades and domestic household tasks and they certainly won’t disappoint.

4. Best Budget: AutoBaBa Multi-Purpose Telescopic Ladder

(How We Review →)

The AutoBaBa is another telescopic ladder that’s able to adjust to a fully extended or “A” position. It’s constructed of an aluminium frame and it uses industrial-grade height-locking latches and solid-tipped feet for superior stability.

In terms of the extended lengths available, the brand offer lengths of 2.6, 3.2, 3.9, 4.7 and 5 metres.

Pros
  • 150 KG load capacity
  • Reduces to 1/5 of the extended height
  • Comes with a safety certification
  • 2 x 8 rungs with 30 CM spacing
Cons
  • One of the heaviest to carry within our roundup (18.2 KG)

Overall, the AutoBaba telescopic ladder is a more affordable alternative to the German WORHAN option. It has many similarities in terms of design and functionality but this set is only really suitable for domestic use.

5. Best Budget Runner-Up: ParkerBrand Aluminium 3.2m Telescopic Ladder

(How We Review →)

One of the cheapest sets of telescopic ladders is manufactured by ParkerBrand who are well-known for their affordable yet high-quality tools. Their 3.2-metre telescopic ladder in particular is a great option to consider and it benefits from conforming to the EN131 and GPSG standards as well as being CE-approved.

In terms of the extendable specification, once fully extended, they are 3.2 metres in length but they collapse to just 84 cm. This makes them the ideal length for tackling most domestic tasks and keeping stored away out of sight.

Pros
  • Manufactured to GPSG & EN131 safety standards
  • CE approved
  • Load capacity of 150 KG
  • Constructed of corrosion resistant aluminium
  • Soft close functionality
  • Non-slip rubber feet
  • Slide latches for securing the height
Cons
  • Not as high quality as some of the premium alternatives

To conclude, the ParkerBrand multi-purpose telescopic ladders offer excellent value for the money and they won’t disappoint. They also conform to both GPSG and EN131 safety standards for complete peace of mind.

Conclusion

All of our recommendations listed within our roundup are suited to all budgets and include telescoping ladders that can adjust into an “A” frame position. For complete peace of mind, we highly advise that you choose a ladder that conforms to the EN131 safety standards. This is because it’ll mean that the ladders will be suitable for both professional and domestic tasks and also be built to a high standard.

If you require further information regarding our telescopic ladder recommendations, feel free to get in touch and we will try to provide our assistance where possible.

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