A ladder is useful when changing light bulbs, giving the house a fresh coat of paint, fixing and clearing gutters, or to reach objects and structures on raised shelves, among several others where extra height is required. Different ladders are suited to different uses, and when choosing the right one, you will need to pay attention to a wide range of factors. In the next sections, we will walk you through the criteria to use in selecting a ladder that meets your needs, our top ten best picks and lastly a FAQ section.
The Louisville Ladder L-3016 made almost entirely from fiberglass and with a maximum height of six feet. The ladder has a load capacity rating of 300 pounds. The Louisville is considered among the strongest ladders today due to the use of wide back braces. Their U-shape and vertical mounting of the braces together with the fact that their spacing is done after specific intervals of 1 foot gives them incredible strength to easily carry 300 pounds of weight.
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Stability of the Louisville Ladder L-3016 is ensured by the fact that the feet come with slip-resistant capabilities. Each of the four legs of the ladder has thick rubber treading that impressively increases stability, eliminating the need for an extra pair of hands to hold the ladder. It furthermore comes with a molded top with adequate slots for storing tools. The placement of a non-conductive and rugged recessed tray at the top of the ladder provides the user with an ideal place for temporarily placing smaller tools you have on your person. As a result, all the tools you need to complete your project while on the ladder are always easily accessible and there is, as a result, no need to climb down every so often to fetch additional tools.
To further secure your safety while performing your tasks, every step on the ladder features rivets with a semi-tubular shape that effectively secures your feet in place. Moreover, they are super strong and capable of withstanding the load capacity of the ladder without giving in. The possibility of the rivets wobbling or being unstable is non-existent since they are made from durable steel. For additional stability and firmness, you have the option of replacing the rubber treads on the feet of the Louisville Ladder L-3016. Additionally, it has unique rails that effectively prevent the occurrence of pinched fingers. The ergonomic design aims at making the ladder not only easy to use but also at increasing your comfort while using it. To this end, the design of the knee rest makes it easy for you to take a break from working and comfortably rest your legs.
Pros
Solid fiberglass construction to support the carrying capacity of 300 pounds
A molded top with adequate slots for storing apparatuses
Cons
Quality control lapse
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2. Little Giant Model 12022 Revolution
The Little Giant model 12022 ladder, 22-Foot is primarily made out of aerospace-grade aluminium making it not only a long-lasting and lightweight ladder but also ensuring it can be effortless support around 300 pounds. It should be noted that the manufacturers did not sacrifice the strength of the ladder by using military-grade aerospace-grade aluminium that is 20 percent lighter and more compact. The versatility of this ladder is also demonstrated by the fact that it fully meets the safety and product quality standards set by the American National Standards Institute {ANSI) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) bodies.
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The 12022 joins a long list of multiple use models coming from the Little Giant brand. The brand took several measures in making sure the ladder is both safe and comfortable to use. To accomplish these, the ladders features rungs that effectively increase the ease of use by ensuring both foot ache and fatigue are kept to a bare minimum. There is no match for the 12022 when it comes to stability considering the wide-flaring of the legs and the inclusion of MAG4, which significantly lessen the likelihood of suffering a personal injury while working. The MAG4 feature creates a perfect balance between functionality and productivity in a way that has never been done by any other manufacturer. The 12022 features a Quad-Lock hinge system enabling the user to lock the ladder into place using four pins rather than the standard two so as to ensure additional steadiness and general safety.
As was the case with the 22-Foot Velocity, this 12022 features 5 ways of using it, giving the user the ability to use it as an A-frame, staircase, extension, 90-degree, and lastly a trestle-and-plank scaffolding system. As a result of this feature, the user has the ability to reach spots he or she could not reach previously either because of obstacle restrictions and height. With its 33 configurations, the user can use the ladder to access hard-to-reach spaces such as those located on top of staircases and vaulted ceilings. Such capabilities are unique to the ladder and have seen it surpass both product quality and stability expectations of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and American National Standards Institute {ANSI).
Pros
Increased versatility
Lightweight because of use of aerospace-grade aluminum
Adequately wide rungs for increased stability
Long lasting
Comes with wheels for easy portability
Cons
Considerably more expensive
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3. Little Giant 22-Foot Velocity
The Little Giant 22-Foot Velocity Multi-Use Ladder is a perfect demonstration of Little Giant’s expertise and extensive experience in making high-quality products both for domestic and industrial use. The Little Giant ladder has a total of thirty-three configurations, thanks to its professional-grade convertible construction. The manufacturers use industrial-grade aluminium to construct the Little Giant ladder, thereby making it both stable and durable. Put together with the Velocity ladder's wide-flared legs, and you have a tool that feels safe and stable to use, irrespective of the configurations you choose. Its dual-pin hinge construction gives it unprecedented flexibility and stability that is lacking in even the most expensive ladder models.
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The flexibility of this ladder is demonstrated by the fact that the ladder can be put to five different uses. The configurations allow the user to use the Velocity ladder as an A-frame, staircase, extension, as well as a 90-degree ladder, and lastly in conjunction with Velocity Trestle Brackets so as to create a trestle-and-plank scaffolding system. Such a wide range of functionality gives you your money's worth by eliminating the need to purchase additional ladders to serve these different functions. The ability to configure the Little Giant 22-Foot Velocity ladder five different ways in accordance with the tasks you want to perform makes the ladder among the most versatile ladders on this list.
An additional feature that make the ladder stand out in a crowded field is the rock lock system. The rock lock system makes it possible to effortlessly and smoothly adjust the height of the ladder to match your requirements. All you need to do is to simply push the lock to turn off the lock and set it to a preferred length. Subsequently, simply tapping the lock relocks the ladder again.
The construction of the it is done using a special alloy, which has the benefit of making the ladder approximately 20 percent lighter in comparison to all ladders within its price range and similar specs.
Pros
Versatility allowing for making 33 configurations
Ease of use
Robust construction capable of supporting 300 pounds
Stress-free portability due to addition of wheels
Cons
Considerably less comfortable due to constricted rungs
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4. Select Step 5-8 Feet Flexible
The Select Step 5-8 Feet Adjustable ladder combines several features that make it stand out from the crowd. While reinventing this step ladder, the Little Giant brand took into consideration the difficulties people experience when using standard ladders. In their attempt to adequately address those shortcomings, the company has designed the Select Step 5-8 Feet Adjustable Step Ladder to include a bunch of new features.
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The ladder has an adjustable height of between five and eight feet with increments of just a foot. Consequently, the user can access spaces they previously could not with more standard ladders without worrying about stability and their safety irrespective of the height they choose. The ladder is quite easy to adjust and does not require any previous ladder knowledge. Simply releasing levers positioned on the front and back of the tool enables the sliding of the leg rails making it possible for the user to telescope them to a height of their preference. Consequently, it is possible to use the ladder to access hard-to-reach spots. It will be quite easy to paint the area on top of the windows or settle crown molding on a porch remodel, all with just a single ladder.
To make your work even easier, the design of the ladder gives you the freedom to individually adjust the rear and front legs. Setting the front legs to a lower height than the rear legs enables the user to lean the ladder flush on a vertical surface thereby bringing the user and their tools a lot closer to their project. The user will similarly have an easy time working on a slope. Moreover, the adjustable height feature is even more important when you want to access the stairwell. We attempted to use the Select Step 5-8 Feet Adjustable Step Ladder to re-paint the stairwell by independently adjusting the height of the rear legs, and the ladder held up quite firmly.
The Select Step ladder is quite convenient to use. The top features a sufficiently large Air Dock for housing your tools while working. The numerous holes and slots are enough to hold screwdrivers pliers when installing a fan, for instance. The Air Deck's center features a round recess that comes handy when you do not have a place to house the paint can. It also has magnetic properties to keep smaller metal tools from rolling about when moving the ladder. The solid construction of the ladder's legs gives it a Type 1A rating of 300 pounds, which is adequate to allow you carry a variety of tools with you when working.
Pros
Stable and solid construction
Comfortable and easy to use
Adjustable height and positions
Cons
Costly
5. Flip-N-Lite 300-Pound Duty Rating
The engineering of the Flip-N-Lite 300 stepladder, another quality product from the Little Giant brand, is aimed at making the product both safe to use and pocket-friendly. Most manufacturers sacrifice on safety just to make their product cheap. The ladder has a lightweight construction making it easy to open with just a single hand as it is constructed out of robust aluminium materials capable of various working conditions. The lightweight design brings the weight weight of the ladder to just 14 pounds.
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The rungs of the Flip-N-Lite ladder are deep come with a large and firmly secured platform to stand on while working thereby offering you a sense of comfortability. There is no possibility of experiencing fatigue as a result of standing in one location for extended periods of time since the Flip-N-Lite ladder has a standing platform measuring approximately 14 x 12 inches. That is enough room to shift the position of your legs every so often whenever your feet feel tired.
The Flip-N-Lite ladder features a lightweight and slim construction with a Type IA, 300 pounds carrying capacity rating and having exceeded quality and product quality expectations is certified by the American National Standards Institute {ANSI) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Consequently, it is among the easiest tools to use both for veteran construction professionals and Do-It-Yourselfers. Like a majority of ladders manufactured by the Little Giant Company, the Flip-N-Lite features a convenient tool tray at the top with several slots and spaces to help store your other tools and standard cans while working.
Moving the Flip-N-Lite ladder within the workstation or house or any other workstation is made easy with the inclusion of tipping and gliding wheels. Using the ladder within the house or on delicate surfaces will not lead to any scratches as the stands on the legs are made from rubber and vinyl composite. With a height of six feet, the Flip-N-Lite is designed to meet all your expectations. The design allows for easy storage as the ladder can easily be folded to occupy smaller storage spaces. The flexibility of the legs together with their non-marring abilities mean the Flip-N-Lite will not leave a single scratch on your floors.
In all, the Flip-N-Lite ladder weighs about 14 pounds and is six feet tall. It is a versatile and safe tool to use for industrial-grade and domestic projects. The ladder comes with a 12-month warranty.
Pros
Ideal for use in hard-to-reach spots and heights
Compact and lightweight design
Cons
Becomes somewhat wobbly at top heights
6. Little Giant 14016-001 Alta One
The Little Giant 14016-001 is yet another magnificent ladder from the Little Giant organization. The ladder has a maximum carrying capacity of 250 pounds on either side and is maximized for performing medium-duty operations. The Alta-One ladder is constructed out of aerospace-grade aluminium thereby industry-grade strength but remaining light and very portable. Therefore, you are sure the ladder will continue providing you with a top-notch performance for several years to come. Due to its aluminium composition, the Alta-One ladder comes with a longevity assurance and the capability of withstanding the negative and cumulative repercussions of drops and falls.
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The wide-flaring of the legs together with the inclusion of thick rubber treads on the feet of the Alta-One ladder makes it comfortable to use while preventing it from accidentally slipping. There are two main advantages to owning a ladder with legs that are widely flared; other than the obvious stability, they also give you a great deal of confidence when working on your projects. Furthermore, the lightweight design of the ladder ensures it is considerably easy to move within the workstation or around your area of work without causing any damages to other tool or structures on the way. Additionally, considerably less effort is needed in moving it about since the ladder features a set of wheels. It is easily foldable to save a lot of storage space.
The Alta-One ladder has an unrivalled lock mechanism in the ladder industry as it considerably eases the process of adjusting the ladder and locking the preferred configuration. The five-way design of the Alta One provides you with additional functionality, making it possible to use the ladder as an A-frame, staircase, extension, 90-degree, and lastly a trestle-and-plank scaffolding system. These uses are only possible because of the inclusion of hinge locks and the ability of the sides of the ladder to telescope. Nevertheless, the design of the Alta One aims at securing the safety, security, and stability of the user as much as possible. The fact that the ladder can be adjusted means it is perfect to use stairs, docks, ramps and several other places whose surfaces are irregular.
The Alta-One produces a sufficiently audible click sound to notify the user on successful locking.
Pros
Lightweight and compact construction
Comfortable and easy to use
Comes with wheels to ease transporting
Cons
Lack of wide, comfortable steps
A lot of effort is required in changing from one configuration to another, unlike ordinary ladders
7. Vulcan USA ES-17T11G1
Multi-task ladders are an ideal choice for professional contractors and homeowners as they are renowned for their versatility, durability, as well as lightweight and compact design. The Vulcan Ladder USA ES-17T11G1 17-Feet Multi-Task Ladder is, by all standards, the most versatile ladder. The ladder comes with a total of twenty-three possible configurations, with the most important and commonly used positions being as a step, scaffold, extension, stairway, and wall ladder. When you choose the full extension mode, you will have a ladder that is sufficiently long to allow you to work on the gutters a single story building.
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As is the case with other multipurpose ladders today, the user will be able to readjust the Vulcan ladder to numerous positions in accordance to their needs. Adjusting the height of the ladder is also possible in increments of one foot. The wide-flaring of the legs together with the inclusion of thick rubber treads on the feet of the Alta-One ladder makes it comfortable to use while preventing it from accidentally slipping. However, there are only twenty-three possible positions in which the ladder can be reconfigured. With these possible configurations, the Vulcan ladder can be used as a perfect replacement for several other standard ladders such as the step-stool, extension, and Step ladder, as well as your saw horses. The single design of the Vulcan ladder, therefore, saves on storage space.
Apart from its outstanding performance as a ladder, we were also interested in understanding how safe the user can be while using it, given that it is a multitask ladder. The Vulcan ladder features patented No-Pinch Hinge that is sufficiently large to hold thereby increasing ease of use and safety. However, it is relatively difficult using the pinch hinge in adjusting between the several configurations of the ladder, which slightly makes using the Vulcan ladder a little inconveniencing. Adjusting and altering configurations and positions is, therefore, a laborious and time-consuming endeavour and only becomes easier after familiarizing oneself with the ladder.
The Vulcan ladder is constructed of aerospace-grade aluminium making it ideal for domestic and industrial applications. With its rating of 300 pounds, you need to exercise caution when using it for industrial projects such as construction. It should, however, be able to give you exceptional performance for Do-It-Yourself applications around the house.
Pros
Ability to be reconfigured to a total of twenty-three positions
Sufficiently large pinch hinges for holding
Lightweight and compact design
Rating of 300 pounds
Cons
Difficulty adjusting positions and configurations
8. VonHaus Steel Folding Portable Four-Step
Are you looking for a safe ladder that is ideal for light to medium-duty projects? Then look no further than the VonHaus Steel Folding Portable Four-Step Ladder. The VonHaus Steel Folding Portable Four-Step Ladder comes with four extra-wide steps featuring a slip-resistant surface reinforced with gripped treads with a measurement of 7.9 x 11.9 inches and 50.4 inches high. Consequently, you have a sufficiently large standing platform enough to shift you're the position of your feet now and then thereby delaying the onset of fatigue.
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Using the ladder is just as safe with the inclusion of non-slip treads at the feet of the ladder. Other than featuring non-slip treads, the feet are similarly wide flaring so as to be stable and non-damaging to a wide array of flooring types. As a result, you have a ladder that is not only safe and easy to use but also protective of the floor with its non-marring features that will not leave behind any scratches, whether you are using it on asphalt or wood floors.
The ladder provides the user with additional height needed to adequately handle a variety of tasks such as Do-It-Yourself, house repair, and maintenance, or to just reach raised cabinets and shelves. The use of foam to cushion the hand rail is aimed at making the VonHaus Ladder increasingly comfortable to use and reduce fatigue. The engineering of the ladder yields a lightweight and compact tool that is both safe and practical to use.
The ladder has a Type IA rating, meaning that it can effortlessly support a maximum carrying capacity of 300 pounds on both feet. Such an impressive carrying capacity is made possible because the construction uses steel development thereby enhancing its strength and quality, evidenced by the fact that the ladder meets and even exceeds all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and American National Standards Institute {ANSI) quality and safety standards.
Additionally, the VonHaus ladder features a useful fold away design that reduces it to compact size for easy and convenient storage and transportation, saving the user loads of space.
Pros
Features a convenient fold away design for easy storage and transportation
Considerably wide steps
Steps feature a slip-resistant surface reinforced with gripped treads
Cons
Wobbly when standing on highest step
9. Little Giant 14016 Alta-One M-22
The Little Giant 14016-000l Alta-One M-22 is specifically targeted to users with a keen eye for quality, performance, stability, and convenience. The ladder ideal for medium-duty applications requiring a ladder with a maximum carrying capacity of 250 pounds on the two sides of the ladder. The Little Giant 14016-001 is made from aerospace-grade aluminium, making it ultra-strong and very durable. Owing to its sturdiness, the ladder is capable of enduring the devastating consequences of occasional drops and falls without doing any significant damage to its structural integrity.
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The Little Giant brand goes out of its way to make the Little Giant 14016-001 a safe and stable product for both industrial-level applications and medium-duty domestic projects. The wide flaring of the legs together with the incorporation of thick rubber treads on the feet ensures the 14016-001 ladder is suitable for use both on even and uneven surfaces as the likelihood of slipping is significantly reduced. The rubber treads have non-marring qualities and will not leave any scratches on even the most delicate floors and surfaces. The ladder is portable as it features the fold away design making it quite easy to work indoors and outdoors. Furthermore, the design guarantees easy storage and even transportation to different locations.
An admirable feature is the lock system which makes adjusting the height of the ladder and locking a specific configuration quite simple. Switching from wall ladder to an extension ladder and then to a step ladder takes a matter of seconds. Nevertheless, we highly recommend that while switching between the numerous configurations, you make it a point of laying the ladder on the ground so as to ensure the configurations hold. Whichever you settle on, the Little Giant 14016-001 will hold because of its industrial-grade engineering makes it a strong and versatile tool. With a carrying capacity of 250 pounds, the Little Giant 14016-001 ladder will hold your weight and that of your tools, screwdrivers and mid-sized cans.
Pros
Impressive flexibility
Pocket friendly
Industrial-grade construction for exceptional strength and versatility
Cons
Lack of comfortable rungs
Difficulty adjusting the configurations
10. Werner MT-13
The title of the most versatile and portable ladder today, without a doubt, goes to the Werner MT-13 Telescoping Multi-Ladder. The design of the ladder makes it possible for the user to use it in four different positions: as a stairway ladder, an extension ladder, a twin stepladder and lastly as scaffold system. Stairway stepladder is useful when one wants to fix, install or replace objects far from reach such as smoke detectors. Scaffold system, conversely, gives you unprecedented flexibility and stability when moving.
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The curving of the rails on the Werner MT-13 greatly reduces the amount of effort one uses in climbing, thereby preserving your energy for more important tasks. Adjusting the height is a stress-free endeavour thanks to the inclusion of the Werner patented spring-loaded J-locks. Making an adjustment simply requires that you remove the J-locks on either side, set the ladder to your preferred height and before finally reinstalling the J-locks.
The flaring of the bottom of the Werner MT ladder increases its stability by providing extra wide support making it possible for the ladder to effortlessly heavy-duty load capacities of up to 300 pounds on either side. Safety is reinforced through the incorporation of rubberized, non-slip treads at the feet aimed at making the Werner MT-13 ladder usable in practically all types of surfaces, whether even or uneven.
To make the ladder completely flexible, you can extend it within the design allowed range of between seven and eleven feet. Such a range makes the Werner MT-13 ladder ideal for a multitude of Do-It-Yourself projects such as painting, fixing or repairing gutters on single story buildings, cleaning hard-to-reach windows, as well as several other different projects. Its suitability for industrial projects is informed by its ability to easily convert into a two-person tool, which is quite handy when doing constructions works.
The Werner MT-13 ladder saves a tremendous amount of space with its fold away design, which also makes it easy to move around the work area without breaking any structures.
Pros
Can accommodate two users simultaneously
Ability to use four different positions for added versatility
Curving of the rails reduces climbing effort
Convenient fold away design for easy transportation and storage
Cons
A little heavy
Narrow and uneven steps
Criteria for Evaluation
EarlyExperts
Performance
Ladders differ significantly in the amount of weight they can support. Standard ladders have a much lower carrying capacity compared to more expensive models. Governing bodies such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are responsible for rating ladders on the basis of safety, quality, and carrying capacity. Familiarizing yourself with these standards in an important first step towards purchasing a ladder that specifically meets your needs. The height of a ladder is equally important, and in most cases, the ability to adjust the height to match your needs is considered an admirable feature. A good ladder should have an additional height to prevent overreaching, which could put your life at risk.
ConvenienceEarlyExperts
It is common for professional contractors and Do-It-Yourselfers to carry with them additional tools when climbing ladders to prevent a situation where they have to climb down every time they need a different tool. To eliminate this, a majority of ladders have tool trays, and paint can tray to hold their tools and paint trays, making it convenient to work without disruption. Therefore, you need to consider whether you will need these additional features to make your work more efficient and safer. Additionally, extra wide steps provide users with a comfortable platform from which to work in addition to increasing their safety. Ease of storage is another factor to consider. Ladders with a fold away design are easy to fold so they occupy limited storage space and ease transportation from one place to another.
Safety
While the performance of a ladder regarding its carrying capacity is an important factor, you should prioritize safety over performance. Ladders come with a wide range of additional features aiming at keeping you as safe as possible as you work. Some ladders have thick, rubberized slip-resistant treads on their feet to keep the ladder from slipping away as you reach different spots. Others have non-marring abilities ensuring they do not cause any damage to the most delicate of floor types. Consequently, you can use them on virtually any type of surface without having to worry about leaving scratches.
Construction MaterialEarlyExperts
Ladders are made of either fiberglass, steel or aluminum. The implication here is that the construction materials differ in durability and strength. Your choice should rest on your financial strength, the prevailing weather conditions of your environment, your preferences and most importantly, the nature of projects you intend to carry out.
FAQs
EarlyExperts
Q: How do I stay safe while using a ladder?
A: Pay particular attention to weather conditions before using a ladder, especially outdoors. It is highly advised to never use a ladder when it is raining when there are strong winds or lightning. Whether you are climbing or down, face the ladder and use two hands to hold onto side rails of the ladder. Use both feet to step on the ladder. To prevent overreaching, which can jeopardize your life, ensure the belt buckled is cantered in a way that prevents you from exceeding twelve inches in either direction.
Q: Why are weight ratings important?
A: It is typical for ladders to have a label clearly indicating the maximum carrying capacities they can comfortably handle. The ratings are done on the basis of standards of quality and safety published by American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and they include Type 1A, which denotes a maximum carrying capacity of 300 pounds, Type 1 denotes a max carrying capacity of 250 pounds, Type II denotes 225 pounds and lastly Type III denotes a carrying capacity of 200 pounds. Ladders that adhere to the standards have legs capable of withstanding a weight four times its rating and their sides should be resistant to twisting tests.
Conclusion
Ladders are a vital tool when there is a need to perform tasks requiring that you reach uppermost spots that would otherwise not be possible in the absence of extra height. Currently, the market is flooded with ladders featuring very varied designs and styles, providing with endless alternatives from which you can choose. Our list features ladders with top ratings and should provide you with perfect alternatives if you intend to purchase a performing and versatile ladder either for domestic or professional use.
All ten exceed the quality and safety standards of such governing bodies as American National Standards Institute {ANSI) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and any would be a perfect addition to your collection of tools. They have safety measures aimed at keeping you from harm and injuries even as you access hard-to-reach spots. Additionally, they have numerous configurations and can be set to different positions in a way that combines the different functions of a stairway ladder, an extension ladder, a twin stepladder and a scaffold system.
