10Best.Guide

Folding Step Stool

Top Picks

Last Updated: May, 2023
Pros
  • Sturdy and secure
  • Wide steps for comfort and security
  • Lightweight and easy to store
  • Good for limited mobility
  • Can reach high places
Cons
  • Some design and fabrication mistakes
  • Difficult assembly
Bottom Line
This ladder is a good choice for those who need to reach high places and have limited mobility. It is sturdy and secure, with wide steps for comfort and security. However, there are some design and fabrication mistakes and assembly can be difficult.
Pros
  • Great quality for the price
  • Sturdy and feels safe to use
  • Perfect for reaching high places
  • Rock solid with no wobble
  • Legs are all the same length
Cons
  • Steps almost overlap each other
  • Hard to get a good footing
Bottom Line
The Rubbermaid 3-step ladder is a great quality product that is sturdy, safe, and perfect for reaching high places. It is rock solid with no wobble and folds fairly easily for compact storage. However, it may be a little heavy and difficult to lift, and the steps almost overlap each other, making it hard to get a good footing.
Pros
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Easy to use
  • Can support up to 300lbs weight limit
  • Folds neatly away and stands in a spot at the end of the cupboard
Cons
  • Bottom step is thin
  • Rubber feet make it hard to quickly push out of the way on carpet
Bottom Line
The Rubbermaid Folding 2-Step Stool is a lightweight, sturdy, and durable product that is easy to use and can support up to 300lbs weight limit. However, it may not be suitable for use on carpet or linoleum and the bottom step is thin.
Pros
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Portable and lightweight
  • Folds away neatly
  • Easy to use and move around
  • Good height for reaching high places
Cons
  • Not as sturdy as other step stools
  • Top flexes and squeaks disconcertingly
Bottom Line
This step stool is a portable and lightweight option that is sturdy and durable. It is easy to use and move around, and folds away neatly for easy storage. However, it may not be as sturdy as other step stools and the handle may break off after extended use.
Pros
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Easy to fold and store
  • Can hold up to 200lbs
  • Better than expected
  • Comfortable to use with high rail on third step
Cons
  • Cheap plastic feet that slide on tile
  • Legs don't lock in place
Bottom Line
This step ladder is a good choice for home use, providing a sturdy and durable option for reaching high places. However, buyers should be aware of the cheap plastic feet and faulty parts, and should consider the weight of the ladder before purchasing.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Folding Step Stools: Types, Features, Prices, Tips and FAQs

Overview

Folding step stools are versatile and useful tools that can be used in many different situations. Whether you need to reach high shelves, change a light bulb, or clean hard-to-reach areas, a folding step stool can come in handy. In this buying guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about folding step stools, including different types, key considerations, features, prices, tips, and FAQs.

Types

1. Portable step stool: These step stools are lightweight and easy to carry around, making them ideal for on-the-go use.

2. Compact step stool: These step stools are designed to take up minimal space when folded, making them perfect for small apartments or homes.

3. Multi-purpose step stool: These step stools can be used for a variety of tasks, such as reaching high shelves, changing light bulbs, or cleaning hard-to-reach areas.

4. Folding ladder: These step stools can be converted into ladders, making them ideal for tasks that require more height.

5. Plastic step stool: These step stools are lightweight, durable, and easy to clean.

6. Metal step stool: These step stools are sturdy and can support more weight than plastic step stools.

7. Wooden step stool: These step stools are stylish and can blend in with your home decor.

Key Considerations

1. Weight capacity: Consider how much weight the step stool can support to ensure it can safely support your weight.

2. Height: Consider the height of the step stool when it is fully extended to ensure it can reach the height you need.

3. Stability: Look for step stools with non-slip feet or treads to ensure stability and prevent slipping.

4. Folding mechanism: Look for step stools that are easy to fold and unfold to ensure convenience and ease of use.

Features

1. Non-slip surface: Look for step stools with non-slip surfaces to ensure safety and prevent slipping.

2. Handrail: Some step stools come with a handrail for added stability and safety.

3. Adjustable height: Some step stools come with adjustable height settings to accommodate different tasks and needs.

4. Storage compartment: Some step stools come with a storage compartment for storing tools or other items.

Prices

Folding step stools can range in price from under $20 to over $100, depending on the type, features, and quality. Portable and compact step stools are typically less expensive, while folding ladders and multi-purpose step stools are usually more expensive.

Tips

1. Always ensure the step stool is fully open and locked into place before use.

2. Never stand on the top step or platform of the step stool.

3. Store the step stool in a dry and secure location when not in use.

4. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and maintenance.

FAQs

Q: How much weight can a folding step stool support?

A: The weight capacity of a folding step stool varies depending on the type and model. Most step stools can support between 200 to 300 pounds.

Q: Can folding step stools be used outdoors?

A: Yes, some folding step stools are designed for outdoor use and are made of weather-resistant materials.

Q: Can folding step stools be used as ladders?

A: Yes, some folding step stools can be converted into ladders for tasks that require more height.

Q: Are folding step stools easy to store?

A: Yes, most folding step stools are designed to be compact and easy to store in small spaces.

Q: Can folding step stools be adjusted to different heights?

A: Yes, some folding step stools come with adjustable height settings to accommodate different tasks and needs.

Conclusion:

Folding step stools are versatile and useful tools that can be used in many different situations. When choosing a folding step stool, consider the weight capacity, height, stability, and folding mechanism. Look for step stools with non-slip surfaces, adjustable height settings, and storage compartments. Prices can vary depending on the type, features, and quality. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and maintenance to ensure safety and longevity.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Lightweight and easy to store
  • Handy for reaching high places
  • Tall enough for various uses
  • Easy to fold and unfold
Cons
  • Can be dangerous to close
  • May be too small for some people
Bottom Line
This folding step stool is a great option for those who need a little extra height to reach high places. It is sturdy, lightweight, and easy to store, making it perfect for use in the kitchen, garage, or anywhere else you need it. However, it may not be suitable for heavy-duty work, and buyers should be careful when closing it to avoid injury.
Pros
  • Easy to fold up and down
  • Perfect size for climbing onto a tractor
  • Easy to store
  • Sturdy for heavy people
  • Toddler can fold and unfold it
Cons
  • Pinches fingers easily
  • Not safe for adults to stand on
Bottom Line
This step stool is a good choice for children, reaching high places, and as a footrest, but it may not be safe for adults to stand on and could collapse easily.
Pros
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Convenient and easy to store
  • Textured steps for added safety
  • Provides added height for reaching high places
  • Wide steps for comfortable standing
Cons
  • May break easily
  • Heavy and difficult to open
Bottom Line
This step ladder is a great choice for those who need a sturdy and convenient option for reaching high places. However, some users have reported issues with durability and weight.
Pros
  • Comes in many colors to choose from.
  • Lightweight and easy to move.
  • Folds easily and compactly.
  • Holds the weight of everyone in the family.
  • Durable and sturdy.
Cons
  • Can pinch hands if not unfolded properly.
  • Not tall enough for some users.
Bottom Line
This step stool is a durable and lightweight option that folds easily for storage. However, it may not be tall enough for some users and has a few design flaws.
Pros
  • Lightweight and easy to carry.
  • Folds easily and takes up minimal space.
  • Provides necessary height boost for reaching high places.
  • Good for children to use.
  • Comes in different sizes and heights.
Cons
  • Not sturdy for people over weight limit.
  • Can be difficult to open and close.
Bottom Line
This step stool is a great option for those looking for a lightweight, easy-to-store stool that provides a necessary height boost. However, it may not be sturdy enough for those over the weight limit and can be difficult to open and close.
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