Number of steps
The total number of steps provided in the design of the stairs. This parameter is indicated rather for reference — the primary characteristic is still the height of the stairs. Note that when calculating the number of steps, the footboard is also taken into account (see below).
Max. height
The maximum working height of the ladder. In models that do not have a footboard (see above), this parameter is usually indicated in the specifications for the total length of the stairs. It is worth noting here that the height of the upper step in such cases rarely corresponds to the working height to the nearest centimeter - firstly, the stairs are almost never strictly vertical, and secondly, the outermost steps are usually not on the very edge. However, in most cases this difference can be neglected. If the design provides for a footboard, then the height is measured along it.
When choosing a ladder by height, it should be taken into account that the longer the structure, the greater its weight and, usually, the higher the price. Therefore, buying a model with a long length makes sense only when there is a real need for it.
Dimensions (folded) (LxW)
Ladder dimensions in fully folded position. The smaller they are, the more convenient the ladder will be in storage and transportation. Usually, only the length and width are indicated in the characteristics, because. the thickness of modern stairs is very small and in most cases it can be neglected; and in some models, only the length may be indicated at all — for the same reasons.
Max working height
The maximum working height can be described as the highest height that can be reached using a given ladder. This parameter is determined as follows: the maximum height of the stairs is taken and the height of the person standing on it is added to it (or rather, the highest height that he can comfortably reach with his hands). Of course, this parameter is rather approximate, because taken into account for some average height; and in general the rules for counting will be different. So, for some manufacturers, to determine the maximum working height, they add 2 m to the height of the ladder, others — 2 m 10 cm, and if we are talking about a ladder (see "Design"), this increase can be even less — about 150 – 160 cm (in such models, the user rarely stands on the topmost crossbar). Nevertheless, this indicator makes it possible to estimate the height that you can reach, with an accuracy of a couple of tens of centimeters, which is most often quite enough.
