If you’ve ever tackled a decorating or restoration job, whether it's repainting your living room ceiling or restoring brickwork, you’ll know that one of the biggest challenges is simply reaching the area you need to work on.
At Tool Chest Hire, we hire out access equipment to professionals and homeowners across the UK every day. We've seen the difference the right access solution can make and understand what can go wrong without one.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through why access solutions matter and how to choose the right one for your next job.
What Do We Mean by Access Solutions?
Access solutions refer to the equipment that helps you work safely at height or in hard-to-reach areas. Whether you're painting, sanding, repairing, or restoring, they provide the stability and support needed to get the job done without compromising safety.
The most suitable access option will depend on factors like working height, available space, surface conditions and the complexity of the task. That’s why it’s essential to choose equipment that matches the specific demands of your decorating or restoration project so you can work efficiently and safely.
Choosing the Right Access Equipment
Different decorating and restoration projects require different types of access equipment to work safely and effectively. Many solutions can help you reach the areas you need to work on, depending on your specific task and environment:
- Step ladders are suitable for indoor, lower-height tasks such as painting ceilings or fitting light fixtures, offering stability and convenience.
- Extension ladders are designed to reach higher exterior areas, including walls, windows, and gutters, making them ideal for outdoor maintenance.
- Combination ladders provide versatility as they can be configured for multiple uses, including safe operation on stairs and uneven surfaces.
- Roof ladders are equipped to provide safe access on pitched roofs and are essential for roofing and chimney work.
- Trestles and stagings create a wider, stable platform that is ideal for interior decorating and restoration projects requiring more movement than ladders allow.
- Aluminium towers offer a secure elevated platform for extended or higher-level work, making them suitable for larger exterior jobs.
- Supports and accessories enhance safety and stability, especially when working on uneven ground or in more complex setups, helping to improve the overall functionality of the access equipment.
You can browse our full range of access equipment here or contact one of our expert team members, who will be happy to help you.
Applications in Decorating and Restoration
Understanding how different types of access equipment are typically applied can help you choose the most suitable solution for your decorating or restoration work.
- Interior Decorating: Step ladders and trestles provide safe and stable platforms for painting ceilings, fitting light fixtures, or working above stairwells, especially when using combination ladders.
- Exterior Work: Extension ladders and aluminium towers are ideal for preparing and repainting external surfaces, working around windows or gutters, and carrying out repairs to brickwork or render.
- Roofline Maintenance: Roof ladders allow safe access to sloped areas for chimney work, tile repair, or cleaning moss and debris from guttering.
- Heritage and Restoration Projects: Trestles and towers provide steady access for more sensitive work on heritage properties, where careful positioning and safe, stable footing are essential.
Safety and Suitability
All of the access equipment we supply is regularly inspected and maintained to meet UK safety standards. Whether you're hiring for a day or a longer-term project, we ensure each item is ready to use, properly serviced, and appropriate for the task.
Before selecting equipment, it’s always worth considering:
- The working height required
- The type of surface you're working on
- The amount of movement you'll need while working
- How much space is available for setup
If you're unsure, we’re happy to talk you through the options and help you find a practical, safe solution based on your project and site conditions.
Need Access Equipment for Your Next Project?
Access solutions are a key part of planning any decorating or restoration job. By choosing the right equipment, you not only improve safety on-site but also make the work itself easier and more efficient.
At Tool Chest Hire, we offer a wide range of access equipment for hire to suit everything from small domestic decorating jobs to larger restoration projects. If you’d like to know more about what's available or need advice on choosing the right solution, our team is here to help. Contact us today for more information.