What do you stand on?!

[abstractzebra]

When you are decorating, what do you stand on to paint ceilings etc?
I've got a rickety step ladder which needs to go in the bin really and I thought I'd replace it with a platform maybe? Then I realised that there's a safe working height of 0.5 metres so that's the height of the platform and I'm only 5'1", so I still can't reach!!!!
I'm not very good with ladders and just feel so wobbly but I really want to get on and do some jobs!

Have you tried a roller on an extension pole? You can stay on the floor then. I used one last time I was decorating, it's fairly easy to control and effective.

I did buy a long handled paint brush today but I am worried about doing the edges!
I feel like I won't have the same control of it as a short handle.

I use a step up platform.

Yeah, you'll have to get up there somehow for edging. Can you buy a sturdier set of ladders?
I've had a few wobbles but no catastrophes (yet) with my fairly cheapo ones.
I've never used a platform so I can't comment on their effectiveness.

Decent step ladder is what I use, you want one with a bit of tension on the top plate. The one I use kind of snaps into place and makes the whole thing pretty rigid.

The problem with a platform is you’re forever bending right down to top up the brush- not good for high up stuff.

A dining chair

The problem with a platform is you’re forever bending right down to top up the brush- not good for high up stuff.

I paint the lower bits of walls first and then hold the half full paint can in one hand and brush in the other hand.

That's part of the problem! I want something safe with space on it to have my paint and brushes right by me and high enough to reach but not sure if it exists.
I feel the platform might be the best for feeling stable but it is going to have to be higher than the one I looked at today as I would have still been about a foot short of the ceiling

Something like this
www.toolstation.com/high-handrail-step-ladder/p30254

Holding the pot is ok if it’s a small pot. Try doing that with a 5l tin for any amount of time, half full or not. And forget about it if you’ve got a full size roller and full tray- it’s impossible.