difference between buying aluminum ladders or buying fiberglass ladders

Fiberglass Ladder vs. Aluminum Ladder: Choosing the Right One

If you were alive many years ago, you’d be looking for a wood or bamboo ladder. However, in the modern days, it’s all about the fiberglass ladder and the aluminum ladder.

These are two of the most common types of ladders and they both provide advantages and disadvantages. Choosing one over the other may depend on what you plan to use the ladder for. Here’s a look at the differences between fiberglass ladders and aluminum ladders.

Advantages of Fiberglass Ladders

examples of fiberglass ladders from sunset ladder co.

One of the major differences between fiberglass ladders and aluminum ladders is the strength. Fiberglass tends to be much stronger than aluminum. This doesn’t mean aluminum ladders are not strong. However, aluminum ladders come with a lower grade than fiberglass ladders because they could bend easily if the grade has been exceeded.

Another difference between the two is how they handle weather. An aluminum ladder is fairly resistant to weather, but a fiberglass ladder is even more resistant. In addition, fiberglass ladders are resistant to electricity, which means they are safer around power lines.

Fiberglass ladders won’t lose strength when they get hot, either. They are actually very heat resistant, while aluminum ladders become weaker due to heat.

Advantages of Aluminum Ladders

examples of aluminum ladders available at sunset ladder co.While fiberglass ladders certainly have plenty of advantages, there are advantages for aluminum ladders, too.

An aluminum ladder will be lighter than a fiberglass ladder, which makes it easier to carry. It can be a far more portable option for those moving from one job to another.

Another big advantage of aluminum ladders is the price. Most aluminum ladders will be much more affordable than fiberglass ladders.

While there are advantages to both a fiberglass ladder and an aluminum ladder, the fiberglass ladder tends to be the better choice. However, if you need a lighter, more affordable ladder, the aluminum ladder is still a very good choice.


About Sunset Ladder & Scaffold
Sunset Ladder and Scaffold rents and sells the safest and highest quality ladders, scaffolding and related products available since 1929. We rent and sell ALL types of ladders and scaffolding that the industry offers including our own American-made Sunset Ladder Co and EZ Lift™ brands.

5 thoughts on “Fiberglass Ladder vs. Aluminum Ladder: Choosing the Right One

  1. Thank you for helping me make my decision of fiberglass vs aluminum ladder easy!
    I was thinking aluminum but now 100% fiberglass

    Allen

  2. This is an excellent review of aluminum vs fiberglass ladders. I live in south Texas which is very hot 5 months out of the year. I have had several extension aluminum ladders which have bent to the extent that it is no longer safe. Give me a fiberglass ladder everyday, despite the weight and cost. I feel much safer on a fiberglass ladder, especially when I am 30 feet in the air. Thanks.

  3. I was considering renting a hydraulic man lift for 600$. Then I reconsidered and decided to purchase a 32/30 ft ladder for my 2 story house projects. Fiberglass is stronger and durable but… not as durable as aluminum when exposed outdoors for years. I have noticed this with my surfing masts that the sun and weather eroded thru the years. Yet my 20 ft aluminum ladder from my Dad has weathered 45 years and still looks the same… Good for generations. My choice is clear cause I too would like for tools to last and be passed on. Where do you store your ladder? Me I hang it on the back wall of my garage outside. It could also spend weeks on my truck rack exposed to the elements all the time. I just would like a thicker grade aluminum ladder than what I have seen so far in stores.

  4. It’s great that you mentioned that fiberglass ladders are much stronger than aluminum ones and that they’re resistant to electricity. My husband is doing some repairs to our roof this weekend, so we’re planning to rent a ladder. I’ll suggest that he rents a fiberglass ladder from a reputable construction equipment rental service nearby since it’s safer. Thanks!

  5. I had an aluminum 6′ painting latter and had to give it back. Time to buy my own now. Looks like I’ll be getting the fiberglass one. Appreciate the breakdown. Leaving this evening to pickup from Harbor Freight.

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