Fiberglass vs Aluminum Ladder: Which is Best and When to Use Each

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Whether you are doing a job around the house or simply changing a light bulb, you may need a ladder to complete the task. While you may think that every ladder is the same, there are significant differences between a fiberglass vs aluminum ladder.

Both have their own advantages and depending on the plans you have for your ladder, you may want to choose one over the other.

This aluminum vs fiberglass ladder review will help you narrow down your choice for which type of ladder is best for you.

What is an Aluminum Ladder?

​An aluminum ladder is primarily constructed of aluminum which is a ductile metal. It can bend easily if it is not made of high-grade aluminum.

Heat also has an impact on aluminum and can cause it to lose its durable nature. Aluminum ladders, however, do resist corrosion and can withstand applications where water or moisture is an issue.

When to Use an Aluminum Ladder?

Aluminum ladders are ideal for ​tasks that require a lot of moving of the ladder itself. Because aluminum is a lightweight material, it can be moved around a job site easily with very little hassle.

This can make the task you are working on easier and also helps when loading and unloading when moving all of your tools from job-to-job.

Aluminum ladders are much affordable than their fiberglass counterparts. They are also much lighter than a fiberglass ladder, and you don’t need the added features that a fiberglass ladder offers.

​One downside to consider: aluminum conducts ​electricity. Thus, if you use an aluminum ladder around bare wires, power lines, or during lightening storms, you risk getting electrocuted and it’s better to use a fiberglass one. 

Changing out lightbulbs probably isn’t an issue, ​as long as you don’t directly touch the electric source. However, wear rubber-soled shoes while doing so, just for extra safety. 

What is a Fiberglass Ladder?

A fiberglass ladder is made entirely of fiberglass or fiber-reinforced plastic that uses glass fibers, allowing it to be quite durable in its design. Fiberglass is a high-grade material that can be used in a variety of temperatures as well as weather elements without degradation.

Fiberglass or fiber-reinforced plastic that uses glass fibers, allowing it to be quite durable in its design. Fiberglass is a high-grade material that can be used in a variety of temperatures as well as weather elements without degradation.

Generally speaking, fiberglass ladders are heavy duty (and heavy in weight). They are highly durable, and often used in professional and commercial environments.

When to Use a Fiberglass Ladder?

​If you are more of the general DIY’er who does occasional projects, chances are you don’t need to fork out another fiberglass ladder. You really don’t need the durability and features that a fiberglass ladder brings.

Fiberglass ladders come with a very strong and sturdy construction. If you’re going to be using a ladder to move really heavy objects, you might want to use fiberglass ladders.

Fiberglass ladders are more durable than aluminum ladders. In general, fiberglass ladders will last longer and stand up to more of a beating.

You would want to use a fiberglass ladder when you are working in high-heat temperatures ​​such as outdoors in your backyard​​​. The makeup of the fiberglass prevents bending and allows your ladder to retain its integrity without degradation.

Fiberglass ladders are also ideal for applications where electricity or electrocution may be an issue. Because fiberglass is not a heat ​inductor, it’s resistant to electricity and can help keep you safe should a stray electrical current occur.

These types of ladders are also flame resistant, which can provide superior protection and prevent burns or fires from starting. So yes, it is safe to say that you can store either of these by your outdoor gas fire pit or your firewood racks or storage.

What is fiberglass ladder

Fiberglass vs Aluminum Ladder

When you compare an aluminum vs fiberglass ladders, there are several similarities as well as differences to consider. While both aluminum ladders and fiberglass ladders offer great versatility to extend and allow you to reach areas high up, depending on the type of ​task you are working on, you may prefer one over the other. ​

Fiberglass ladders are more expensive, more durable, and resist electricity. Aluminum ladders are more common. For the general homemaker or DIYer, opt for an aluminum ladder.

Similarities

  • Aluminum ladders and fiberglass ladders are designed to provide a sturdy platform to work on with plenty of extension and reach
  • Aluminum ladders and fiberglass ladders can extend to a myriad of heights and offers good support when you need to reach up high so you can paint the ceiling and what not
  • Both aluminum ladders and fiberglass ladders come in a variety of sizes, allowing you to easily match your ladder to the application you are working in
  • Both of these ladder types offer good durability if used in a controlled climate and heat condition
  • Both aluminum and fiberglass ladders are ideal for applications with reduced safety issues and can provide you all the functionality you need to perform work at your home or business indoors and out

Differences

  • Aluminum ladders are naturally lighter in weight while a fiberglass ladder is heavier and harder to move around
  • Because aluminum ladders weigh less, they can be moved around easier ​in your well-kept yard and aluminum ladders are less laborious to use
  • A fiberglass ladder is a sturdier option especially when you consider that fiberglass ladders are made from a more durable material
  • Using a fiberglass ladder may be a better option as it allows you to work in all types of climates and work areas
  • Heat has no effect on fiberglass, allowing fiberglass ladders to retain their structure under most, if not all, circumstances
  • Aluminum ladders conduct ​electricity, which creates a safety hazard if used in the wrong conditions. If aluminum ladders touch a live wire while on the ground, you could be electrocuted. 
  • A fiberglass ladder has more expensive tag over an aluminum ladder, based on its more durable material makeup
  • You may find that an aluminum ladder is more affordable, but depending on the grade of the aluminum, aluminum ladders may not offer you the strength that you are looking for and the aluminum ladder may bend when any strain is placed on them.

Final Verdict

Unless you are a professional contractor or electrician, grab an aluminum ladder. You don’t need the added weight and durability that a fiberglass ladder offers.

If you are working with electricity, though, you’ll want to consider a fiberglass ladder. This is solely because fiberglass doesn’t conduct electricity, which makes fiberglass ladders a lot safer than an aluminum ladder.

If you are a professional contractor, you might want to add a fiberglass ladder to your arsenal. They are highly durable, and safe to use for ​hoisting heavy lumber and equipment.

​What to Consider When Buying a Ladder

Buying a ladder might seem like a trivial expense, but if you aren’t careful, you can pick up the wrong one. There are several factors beyond aluminum vs fiberglass ladders to consider when looking at buying a ladder that are very important.

Safety

By far, the most important consideration when researching an aluminum and fiberglass ladder is safety. You need to pay attention to how safe the extension ladder is, as you’ll be relying on it when you standing at the top of the steps.

Fiberglass ladders are more sturdy than aluminum ladders, and thus more safe. They are also resistant to electricity. That doesn’t mean you can’t find a safe aluminum ladder though.

Pay attention to the weight and duty rating that the ladder has. You don’t want to be putting more weight on the ladder than it was designed for.

Look at the ladder’s Duty Rating. Duty rating is the maximum safe load capacity or weight that the ladder can handle. 

What is a fiberglass ladder?

I recommend taking a look at the Louisville Ladder AS3008 8 ft 300-Pound Duty Rating Aluminum Stepladder or the Werner D1224-2 24 ft 225-Pound Duty Rating Aluminum Flat D-Rung Extension Ladder.

Step Ladder vs Extension Ladder

A step ladder is a short, folding ladder that has several small steps for you to climb. This ladder is also typically equipped with a small platform near the top, allowing you to set​ other tools down while on the ladder.

This ladder is very portable. It has two sections that quickly fold up onto itself and be moved from location to location. When extended, the ladder makes an inverted V shape, with the two legs resting on the ground and joining together in a point at the top.

This ladder is also very easy to use. It is built with wide, flat steps that are easy to climb and stand on. My big fans of easy to use and highly portable tools around the house – they just make your projects a lot easier. 

This ladder is often confused with a stepping stool. This ladder is much taller than a stepping stool, and has multiple steps. Typically, they range 4-8 ft high.

An extension ladder is basically like two ladders that can be combined into one. The ladder can typically be used like step ladders, where the two sides fold out into an inverted V shape. The ladder can also be extended into one long piece, and leaned up against a wall. This allows the ladder to “extend”, and be twice as long as it was previously.

An extension ladder typically isn’t as handy. They are bulkier, heavier, and much more awkward to move around. While they have a lot of the same capabilities as the step ladders, they are not nearly as convenient.

They also don’t usually have nice wide steps, which makes them less safe, especially for children or the elderly.

However, extension ladders are fantastic for getting high and accessing hard to reach places. They are great for trimming trees and ​​painting large rooms with high ceilings​​​.

Step ladders are great for general work around the house. You can usually reach heights of 4-8ft above the ground, which works for a lot of repairs and projects. They are highly portable and easy to store.

Extension ladders are necessary for professional contractors, and they might be necessary for your specific situation. They allow you to reach heights of 10-15ft with ease, which might come in handy for two story homes.

However, extension ladders aren’t nearly as convenient or portable. They are heavy, and more difficult to store. Unless you have a felt need for a tall ladder, opt for a rugged, sturdy step ladder. 

​Projects to Use a Ladder For

An expert at home repair, remodel, and DIY projects for nearly 40 years. His first experience came in completely restoring an antique home. Completely redone from the inside out, and restored to its original form, the home is a featured design by renowned Southern California Architect Cliff May, considered to be the father of the California Ranch Home. Now Dennis spends his time on fine woodworking projects and tool comparisons.