Step Stools: Check These 4 Things Before You Buy
A step stool is a small folding or fixed step for reaching high cupboards and shelves. It only works if the top step gets you high enough, it stands fully open on the floor space you have, it folds away where you plan to keep it, and it takes your weight. Use these checks before choosing one. This guide is a planning aid, not a compatibility guarantee.
Jump to the products to check against this list (affiliate links)
Download the original checklist image
1. Reach
Measure the height of the shelf or cupboard you need to reach, then compare it with the top step, not the overall height. IKEA's BÄSINGEN step stool with handrail is 90 cm high. The 3-step ladder we checked is 81.3 cm high, with its top step at 67 cm in its size image. The 2-step stool with a handgrip is 80 cm high in its image, which gives no step heights.
2. Floor space
Measure the floor in front of the cupboard where the stool will stand fully open. IKEA's BÄSINGEN is 48 cm wide and 48 cm deep. The 3-step ladder lists "Expanded dimensions:81.3*68.5*43cm"; the 2-step stool's image gives 46 x 53 cm. Its images show it on ceramic tile, wood, cement and marble floors.
3. Folded size
Measure the gap where it will be stored, such as beside the fridge or behind a door. The 3-step ladder's text gives both "a collapsed thickness of only 16 cm" and "Folded Thickness:5 cm"; its image shows 5 cm and 87.8 cm tall folded, so ask the seller. The 2-step stool is 89 cm tall folded in its image; to fold it, "release the safety lock which is hidden on the bottom of the top pedal".
4. Load and grip
IKEA lists "Max. load: 100 kg." for BÄSINGEN and says "Only for domestic use." and "For indoor use." Both AliExpress stools list 150 kg, and the 2-step stool has a handgrip. IKEA's HADDARP page adds: "A warning label is placed on the side of the step stool to ensure safe use. Please keep it attached." Check that the load covers you plus anything you carry.
Before you order
Keep the shelf height you need, the open floor space, the storage gap and your weight next to the stool's top step height, footprint, folded size and max. load. Open it fully and check that it is locked before you step up. If a figure is missing, ask the seller.
Products to check against this list
The links below are affiliate links. If you buy through one, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Specifications are as listed by the seller on the date shown; we have not measured, tested or approved these products for your space.
- Folding 3-step ladder, 150 kg, top step at 67 cm. Seller-listed: Text: 'Expanded dimensions:81.3*68.5*43cm'; 'Max Load Capacity:150 kg'; folded thickness given as both 'only 16 cm' and 'Folded Thickness:5 cm'. Size image: top step 67 cm, steps 30 x 20 cm, 87.8 cm tall and 5 cm thick folded. (checked 2026-09-29). View on AliExpress (affiliate link)
- Folding 2-step stool with handgrip, 150 kg, 80 cm high. Seller-listed: Text: 'supports up to 150kg'; 'comes fully assembled'; to fold, 'release the safety lock which is hidden on the bottom of the top pedal'. Images: 80 cm high, 46 x 53 cm footprint, 30 x 20 cm steps, 89 cm tall folded. Step heights not listed. (checked 2026-09-29). View on AliExpress (affiliate link)
Your fit worksheet
Use centimetres or inches consistently. These cells are intentionally unfilled: we have not measured your space or approved a product for it.
| Check | Your space or equipment | Product requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
| Floor space | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
| Folded size | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
| Load and grip | Record your measurement or observation | Confirm with the maker | Not checked |
Reference and evidence limits
Retailer example: IKEA BÄSINGEN step stool with handrail, Ireland listing.
The linked retailer page and its public customer feedback supplied research leads, not independent performance evidence. Comments can reflect individual experiences. We have not independently reproduced them or verified compatibility, stock, price, load limits or current numerical specifications. Check the product page and instructions for your market before buying. Source reviewed on 2026-09-29.