Step Up Your Sturdiness: The Best Ladder on the Market
Ladders are a staple around most homes and workplaces. These versatile pieces of equipment can be used for projects around the home, such as hanging pictures and paintings or changing light bulbs. Ladders are also used for maintenance-type situations around homes, like roof repairs and window work. They can also help you maximize your storage space by helping you get to hard-to-reach places. On the job site, this piece of equipment can be priceless. They must be made of quality material to ensure safety when in use. Below, we discuss the top ladders in 2023 available on the market based on their durability and efficiency.
Our Pick for the Top Ladders
Louisville 6-Foot Step Ladder
– Best OverallWith a 300-pound load capacity, this ladder has an elegant design, a smooth finish, and a molded top with a recessed tray. The inside spreader braces protect it as it’s transported. Its classic look and sturdy design make it the best overall ladder on our list.
- This Louisville Ladder is well constructed with aluminum steps and fiberglass materials, which prevent it from feeling flimsy or shaking while a user is climbing up or down
- The tool top design is convenient to use and makes it easier to spend more time on the ladder
- The ladder’s heavyweight can make it challenging for some people to carry it around
WolfWise Aluminum Step Ladder
– Easiest to TransportThis ladder is made of an aerospace-engineered aluminum alloy with a Clean-Touch anodized finish. It measures 8.5 feet at full length and retracts to a quarter of its height to fit in a car.
- The WolfWise telescopic ladder collapses in seconds without the risk of pinching your fingers
- Its lightweight design makes it comfortable and convenient to transport without compromising its stability
- It should be noted that the plastic catch that locks the ladder into place is thin and low-quality, which means it can break easily
Little Giant Multi-Use Step Ladder
– Most StableThis ladder provides a feeling of stability when in use. The quality and construction of this ladder exceed OSHA and ANSI standards, making it a trusted piece of equipment and industrial rated.
- The Little Giant ladder offers multiple sizes and can be used as an A-frame, extension, 90-degree ladder, or scaffolding system
- It reaches 13 feet to allow easy access for most jobs
- It folds down for easy storage and for simple transport
- The ladder does not have a safety stop
- Rungs are close together and require careful attention when using
Ohuhu Aluminum Step Ladder
– Best Aluminum LadderThis 12.5-foot ladder offers the whole package at a great price. It is versatile enough for use on any job around the house. Whether you plan on painting, changing fixtures and bulbs, or anything in between, this ladder is perfect for all projects.
- The Ohuhu ladder is made from a sturdy premium aluminum alloy
- Its lightweight design great is for easy carrying and extended use
- It features a one-button retraction for quick storage after the job
- Non-slip end caps allow for up to 330lbs of weight and the retraction is slow to avoid finger injuries
- Reports of broken pins are reported after several uses
- This ladder’s retraction system has been known to have issues
Rubbermaid Steel Step Ladder
– Most Compact
Considered more of a step stool than a ladder, this product is a handy piece of equipment for smaller jobs and taking care of issues around the home. Featuring three traction molded steps, this compact step stool offers safety and convenience.
- This Rubbermaid step stool includes a built-in project tray to hold items while working
- Rubber padded feet allow for safety and slip resistance
- Lightweight and slender design for easy storage, holds up to 225 lbs
- Opening and closing can be difficult
- The ladder tends to be on the heavy side
Werner Telescoping Step Ladder
– Most Multipurpose Ladder
This 22-foot telescoping ladder offers the versatility to tackle any and all projects. With the ability to be used as a two-person stepladder, extension ladder, or scaffold this piece of equipment has 28 adjustable heights and positions for perfect use.
- The Werner ladder has a 300 lb. weight rating and features push knobs for easy adjustments to get projects done quickly
- Double riveted steps for additional safety
- Heavy-duty, non-marring feet provide slip resistance
- This ladder can be considered quite heavy
- The size of the steps are a bit small
Delxo Folding 4 Step Ladder
– Safest Steps
This is a ladder with a non-slip rubber pattern, and the extra-wide steps give you better foot support in case you’re on it for a while.
- The Delxo Ladder not only comes fully assembled. but the flexible design also makes it easy to store
- The non-marring legs make it less susceptible to getting scuff marks on your floor, and the handgrip is easy to hold onto when you’re climbing or carrying the ladder
- It has a back cross brace structure for more comfort and sturdiness
- It may not do so well on a hardwood floor
Luisladders Folding Step Ladder
– Most Flexible Design
Aircraft-grade aluminum and supporting tubes makes this ladder more stable to use.
- LUISLADDERS is good to use as a scaffold and stepladder for different jobs
- The click and lock system allows you to change the shape of the ladder to suit your needs, allowing for more stability and comfort
- Sometimes the ladder may lock in weird positions
Buying Guide to the Highest-Rated Ladders
How Did We Pick the Best Ladders?
We have done in-depth research to figure out which factors are the most important when choosing a ladder. With a lot of products on offer, it can be pretty challenging to know which one you should choose. We’ll take you through the different kinds of ladders so you can select the one that’s best for you.
What Should You Know Before You Purchase a Ladder?
- What type of ladder will you need?
- How tall does it need to be?
- What will you be using it for?
- What material is the best?
- How long will you using ladder at one time?
- Will you be able to store and transport it?
We’ve made this guide to provide you with a bit of information about the various types of ladders, what they’re commonly used for, and why they’re different from others.
What Are the Different Ladder Types?
1. Step ladders
You can use step ladders everywhere, because they don’t need a supporting wall to lean on. This makes them ideal for a variety of jobs, including painting, cleaning, and construction work. They come with a specific mechanism that secures them in an ‘A’ shape; it’s essential that you engage this mechanism before using the ladder. There are various step ladders, and each serves its own purpose, but here are the most common ones:
- Small Step Stools
- Platform Step Ladders
- Fibreglass Step Ladders
- Swingback Step Ladders
2. Extension ladders
If a step leader can’t help you reach higher places, then an extension ladder will help you. It can be made out of two or more sliding parts that can be extended to a total height of over 10 meters. A lot of users find an extension ladder very helpful because of its versatility and compact storage size. So if you mainly do your work at tall heights, then a simple extension ladder is the solution.
3. Telescopic ladders
When we’re talking about compact ladders, you can’t find a better option than the telescopic one. It works in a pretty identical way to binoculars or a telescope. You can pack a telescopic ladder to a pretty small size whenever you’re not using it. This style of ladder is ideal for people with limited storage or for people who are required to reach tall heights on the move. They can easily fit inside most car boots and vans.
4. Combination ladders
If you use a ladder regularly and for various jobs, then a combination ladder is perfect for you. By combining the functionality of a step ladder and an extension ladder, you’re buying a product that will be worth every penny.
What Is the Best Material for a Ladder?
Step ladders and extension ladders are mainly manufactured out of wood, aluminum, or fiberglass. On the other side, telescopic and combination ladders are made out only of aluminum.
Many decades ago, wood was the most common ladder material. But now, except for permanent attic ladders, wood is rarely used because of its massive weight.
Ladders made out of aluminum are strong, lightweight, durable, and resistant to corrosion. Aluminum can quickly transfer electricity, so picking a fiberglass ladder is a better choice if you’re working near electrical lines.
What Is the Price Range for Ladders?
The price of a ladder can vary depending on the type, size, and brand.
- Step stool leaders range from $20 up to $60;
- Telescopic ladders can vary from $70 to $250;
- Extension ladders can differ from $100 to $700;
- Combination ladders can range from $110 to $750.
How Much Weight Can a Ladder Handle?
The maximum weight that a ladder can hold is identified as its maximum load capacity. On some ladders, you may see this called the performance rating. Look for the following ladder ranks:
- IAA Type ladders can handle up to 375 pounds.
- IA Type ladders can handle up to 300 pounds.
- I Type ladders can handle up to 250 pounds.
- II Type ladders can handle up to 225 pounds.
- III Type ladders can handle up to 200 pounds.
When discovering the ladder load capacity required for your project, factor in your weight, the weight of anything you’ll bring with you on the ladder, and any tools you’ll put on the ladder.
Choosing the Right Ladder Height
Another critical factor is picking the correct height for the ladder. Be sure to think about the types of tasks you will be doing on the ladder, and what height you will need to reach. Many ladder accidents happen because of overbalancing, which is mainly due to users trying to stand too high up on the ladder. It’s essential to know the platform height (the height at which it’s safe to stand) for every single ladder. Ladder heights range from 3- or 4-foot stepladders up to 40-foot extension ladders. You will be able to find this information in the specifications for a ladder.
For example: if you know how high you want to reach – let’s say 12 feet – you would likely purchase an 8-foot step ladder allowing you to stand almost 4 feet over the ground securely.
| Ladder height | Maximum reach |
| 16’ | 15’ |
| 20’ | 19’ |
| 24’ | 23’ |
| 28’ | 27’ |
| 32’ | 31’ |
| 36’ | 34’ |
| 40’ | 37’ |
Safety Tips for Using a Ladder
- Before each use, visually inspect the ladder for any wear and tear indications, defects, or loose parts.
- Never use steel or aluminum ladders when operating with power tools or any other electricity as they transfer electricity pretty quickly, leading to an electric shock.
- Place a ladder on sturdy and firm terrain where it will not move from side to side and possibly fall over because of the movement of your weight.
- For ladders that need to be placed on something for support, such as an extension ladder, choose the support precisely becuase it will need to sustain your weight safely. If it seems unstable or thin, do not place your ladder on it; you would be risking property damage and injury to yourself.
- Verify that the maximum weight your ladder can handle (the load capacity) is larger than the weight of you and the equipment you will be using while on the ladder. You should be able to find this information on the label.
- Always face the ladder and use both feet and at least one hand on the ladder while mounting and dismounting it.
- Extension ladders should be set at an angle of 75 degrees.
Before you get started on your next project that requires the use of a ladder, take a look at the Five Steps to Ladder Safety from Montana State Fund:
