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How to Choose a Step Stool

Posted on September 16, 2013 by Frankye Robinson
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Step stools allow you to quickly and safely complete a variety of home and office maintenance tasks. On Time Supplies features a great selection of step stools for sale, but choosing the right stool for the job can be a little tricky. This step stool buying guide will show you how to choose the best step stool for your home or office.

Choosing the best step stool depend on three key factors:

How will you store your step stool?
How will you use your step stool?
How much weight will your step stool hold?

Carefully considering and answering these questions will help you determine which step stools are best suited to your needs.

Step Stool Buying Guide

Molded vs Folding Step Stools: where will you store your step stool?

The first consideration when choosing a step stool is storage. If you are going to keep your step stool under a counter, choose molded or non-folding step stools. However, choose a folding step stool if space is an issue. Folding step stools collapse and flatten for easy storage in storage closets and cabinets. 

Best Folding Step Stools

Best Molded Step Stools:

Step Stool Height & Material: how will you use your step stool.

Choosing the best step stool height and materials depends on how you will use your step stool.

Step Stool Frame Material Guide

Plastic Step Stools
Plastic Step Stools

Ultra-lightweight are best for light maintenance tasks at home or the office.

Best Plastic Stools:

Metal Step Stools
Metal Step Stools

Aluminum and steel step stools offer enhanced portability and durability. 

Best Metal Stools:

Fiberglass Step Stools
Fiberglass Step Stools

Non-conductive fiberglass step stools are safe for electrical projects. 

 Best Fiberglass Stools:

Step Stool Sizes

One-Step Stools
For when you need a quick boost. 

Two-Step Stools
Perfect for low to medium height tasks, such as stocking shelves, filing and overhead repairs.

Three-Step Stools
Best for maintenance jobs such as painting, washing windows and making repairs.

Step Stool Duty Rating: how much weight must your step stool accommodate?

Your step stool needs to safely hold the combined weight of the user and his or her tools. You may not know in advance how much weight your step stool will need to accommodate. Duty ratings offer a general guide.

Duty Rating: Weight Limit: Recommended:

Light Duty Step Stools

200 lbs.

Medium Duty Step Stools

225 lbs.

Heavy Duty Step Stools

250 lbs.

Extra Heavy Duty Step Stools

300+ lbs.

If your step stool will be used by multiple people or for a variety of tasks, err on the side of caution and choose an heavy- or extra heavy duty stool. 

Other Step Stool Features

Once you've determined the best style, size and duty rating for your step stool, consider other features, such as wheels or handles for easy transport, or platforms for tools. If you have any questions about the step stools for sale at On Time Supplies, give us a call toll free at 1-866-501-6055.

 

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