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Ladders & Access Equipment

From step ladders and extension ladders to podium steps and scaffold towers, Mays Direct supplies reliable access equipment for builders, contractors, tradespeople and serious DIYers.

In Stock Now • Bulk Discounts Available • Fast Delivery • Trade & DIY
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Browse our full range below, from step ladders and extension ladders to podium steps and scaffold towers, whatever the job, there’s a ladder or platform built for it.

Extension Ladders — Reach upper storeys, gutters and rooflines with confidence, in aluminium or fibreglass.

Step Ladders — Swingback, platform and wide-step designs for everyday jobs around the house or site.

Combination Ladders — One ladder, several configurations — step, extension or stairwell, depending on the job.

Loft Ladders — Sliding, folding and telescopic options for easy, space-saving loft access.

Roof Ladders — Purpose-built for safe access across pitched roofs, with a secure ridge hook and wheels for positioning.

Podium Steps & Platforms — A stable, guarded working platform for jobs where a standard ladder isn’t practical.

Scaffold Towers — Mobile access towers, from single-width DIY use to double-width trade systems.

Ladder Accessories — Stabilisers, levellers and standoffs that improve safety on uneven or awkward ground.

Work at height shouldn’t be a gamble. Whether you’re a tradesperson on site every day or tackling a one-off job at home, we stock ladders and access equipment built to get you up safely, do the job properly, and come back down again without any drama.

Every product on this page meets current safety standards, and our range covers everything from lightweight step ladders for quick indoor jobs to heavy-duty extension ladders and scaffold towers for serious trade use. Order single items or trade quantities; there’s no minimum order, and most items are available for fast delivery across England and Wales.

Ladders & Access Equipment You Can Rely On

We supply ladders and access equipment to contractors, tradespeople and DIY customers who need products that hold up to repeated use, not just a single job. That means choosing ranges from established manufacturers, keeping stock levels up so you’re not waiting weeks for delivery, and being straightforward about what each product is (and isn’t) designed for.

Buying the right access equipment isn’t just about price. It’s about matching the ladder or platform to the job, the height you need to reach, how often you’ll be using it, the surface you’ll be working on, and whether it needs to meet specific trade or industrial standards. Get that right and you’ll work faster, safer, and won’t be back here in six months buying a replacement

Choosing the Right Ladder for the Job

Aluminium or fibreglass? Aluminium ladders are lighter and easier to move around, making them a good fit for general trade and DIY use. Fibreglass is non-conductive, so it’s the safer choice for any work near electrics or where there’s a risk of contact with live wiring.

How high do you need to reach? Check the maximum working height, not just the closed length. Extension ladders should always overlap sufficiently between sections, and there should be enough ladder above your intended standing point for a secure handhold.

Trade or occasional use? Trade and industrial ladders are built for daily use and higher weight ratings, with reinforced stiles and fittings designed to withstand rougher handling. If you’re using a ladder a few times a year around the house, a domestic or general-trade-rated ladder will usually do the job at a lower price point.

What surface will it stand on? Uneven ground, soft grass or sloping driveways all affect stability. Ladder levellers and stabiliser bars are inexpensive additions that make a real difference here, and some ranges include them as standard.

Check the standard, not just the label. Look for ladders tested to EN 131, which covers strength, stability and durability requirements for professional and domestic ladders sold in the UK. It’s a better indicator of quality than price or appearance alone.

If you’re not sure which ladder suits your job, give our team a call, we’d rather point you toward the right product than sell you the wrong one.

Why Buy Your Access Equipment From Us

  • Trade and DIY prices — competitive pricing with no hidden costs at checkout
  • No minimum order — buy a single step ladder or a full trade order
  • Trusted brands — access equipment from established UK and European manufacturers
  • Fast delivery — across mainland England and Wales, including bulk and palletised orders
  • Real advice — our team has hands-on experience in construction and access equipment, not just a script

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Class 1 is an older British Standard for industrial ladders, largely superseded by EN 131, which now covers both professional and domestic ladders sold in the UK. Most new ladders on the market, including trade-rated ranges, are tested and marked to EN 131.

As a rule of thumb, you should have around one metre of ladder above your highest safe standing point, and for extension ladders, there should be a safe overlap between each section. If you’re working out for a specific job, tell us the height you need to work at, and we can point you to a suitable option.

Neither is universally “better”; they suit different jobs. Fibreglass is non-conductive and the correct choice for electrical work, while aluminium is lighter, generally cheaper, and perfectly suitable for most general trade and DIY tasks away from electrics.

Yes. Our range includes industrial and professional trade-rated ladders built for frequent, heavy-duty use, alongside lighter domestic options for occasional jobs.

Both. There’s no minimum order, so you can buy one ladder for a home job or place a larger trade order, whichever suits your project.

Delivery times vary by product and location, with most orders arriving within 2-5 working days.

Need Help Choosing?

If you’re still not sure which ladder, platform or tower is right for your job, get in touch