Aluminium ladders are perhaps the most popular, because they're light in weight, yet strong, durable and resistant to corrosion. Aluminium Ladders: A Brief History of the Metal Aluminium is a relative newcomer to our array of modern metals and building materials.A ladder is a vertical or inclined set of rungs or steps used for climbing or descending. There are two types: rigid ladders that are self-supporting or that may be leaned against a vertical surface such as a wall, and rollable ladders, such as those made of rope or aluminium, that may be hung from the top.