The 10 Best Ladders of 2022

What to Look for In A Ladder

Regardless if you need to do your usual cleaning chores or handle major renovation jobs, you need to have a good quality ladder on hand. This will help you ensure your comfort and safety while completing your chores. When you shop for a ladder, there are a few things you should consider. Some of these factors include the material used, size and load capacity rating.

You also need to consider what type of ladder to get, the available accessories you can use,  and how you intend to use it. Today, there are plenty of ladders sold both in physical and online stores. Learning more about your ideal type of ladder will allow you to narrow down your choices to the best option.

The Material

The first thing to consider when looking for a ladder is the material. Traditionally, ladders are made from wood, but over the years manufacturers have experimented on using other materials such as steel, aluminum, fiberglass, and plastic.

Wood

Wood is perhaps the most affordable material used to make ladders. As such these are the cheapest options sold in the market today. This type of ladder is an excellent choice for indoor. You can use them for all sorts of chores. It is, however, not a good option for outdoor use. When exposed to high levels of moisture, the material may rot or warp. Under extreme heat, wooden ladders can also crack.

Aluminum

When it comes to durability and reliability, aluminum is the best option in the market. This is why most of the ladders manufactured nowadays are made from aluminum. It is best suited for a residential setup, but it can also be used for minor commercial projects. Thanks to the chemical properties of aluminum, it does not corrode or rust. Also, it is an excellent choice if you want to have a ladder that can last for years.

Fiberglass

The fiberglass ladder is comparatively stronger and more durable than aluminum. Also, it does not conduct electricity. As such, it is a great choice if you need to work on wires.  Lastly, even when exposed to extreme weather conditions or pressure levels, the material can maintain its shape and structural integrity.

Steel

Aside from wood ladders, steel ladders are also quite cheap. Steel is also quite a sturdy material. However, unlike the aluminum variant, steel ladders tend to suffer from rusting or corrosion when exposed to water and moisture.  Also, pure steel ladders tend to be a bit heavy.

Plastic

Most ladder manufacturing companies pair steel ladder frames with plastic rungs. This way, they can offset the heaviness of steel. It is a great choice especially if you are looking for a short-term solution. Most plastic ladders available are designed for simple residential tasks such as dusting the shelves and decorating the walls in a one-story home.

Size (Height of the ladder)

Another key factor you must consider when shopping for a ladder is its size or height. When you browse online catalogs or visit physical shops, ask for the ladder’s maximum reach.

Some ladders can only give a maximum reach of 8 ft while others can help you reach more than 28 ft above the ground. If you need ladders for roof maintenance, gutter repair, ceiling cleaning or other similar tasks, you should choose a model that has a high reach. It should be able to provide you with enough room when you work on your tasks.

Load Capacity Rating

Load capacity refers to the total weight a ladder can accommodate. Some manufacturers refer to it as performance or duty rating. To determine whether the duty rating of a ladder suits your needs, compute for your weight as well as the tools and materials you will use. The load capacity is denoted in pounds.

The American National Standard Institute (ANSI) provides the duty ratings. Below are the standard classifications:

• Type 1 ladders are a strong class of ladder. They are used for construction and service utilities. This category can be divided into three smaller subcategories:
  • Type IAA (375 lbs)
  • Type IA (300 lbs)
  • Type I (250 lbs)
• Type II ladders have a load capacity of 225 pounds, perfect for simple chores at home or in your shop.
• Type III ladders can accommodate up to 200 pounds, so they are enough for small projects.

You can find the duty rating on the sidewall of a ladder’s frame. Do take note that the maximum height of a ladder has nothing to do with its load capacity rating. Hence, you should refer to the label or the product description to know the duty rating.

What Are the Different Types of Ladders?

Besides checking the material, duty rating and size, you also need to consider the type of ladder you will purchase. There is a wide range of ladders you can choose from. They primarily differ in style, reach, and design. There are also ladders that can be reconfigured in various ways to serve a specific purpose. Some of the types of ladders you can find in shops today are as follows:

Step ladder

This type of ladder comes with an A-frame design. It is probably the most common ladder-type you can find used in a residential setup. The front side of the step ladder is where you will find the rungs. The other side is used to support the entire structure as well as your weight when you climb up the steps.

Twin Step Ladder

As the name suggests, this kind of ladder has rungs on both sides. That means you can use it on both sides. It is an ideal option if two people need to work simultaneously on a task. They can be used both for residential and commercial projects.

Podium/Platform ladder

The podium ladder offers a lot of functionality and stability. Unlike the ordinary type of ladder, a podium ladder comes with a larger platform. As such, it can comfortably support the weight of the user and give them a safe area to work on.

Trestle ladder

Most people often refer to it as the double front ladder. It is a self-supporting and highly portable ladder that joins at the top. Like a twin ladder, the trestle ladder can also allow two people to work side by side. To use a trestle ladder, you must ensure that the base is spread evenly and the spreaders are tightly locked.

Tripod ladder

Tripod ladders are usually referred to as garden step ladders. Gardeners, landscapers, topiary specialists, and orchard owners use them a lot. They can be used on uneven workspaces such as the yard. Also, they are made from lightweight materials such as aluminum, so you can easily carry them around.

Telescoping ladder

Telescoping ladders are basically ladders that can slide outwards or inwards. They are a popular choice especially among folks who want to store their ladders in tight storage spaces. However, compared to other ladders, this type tends to come with a few safety risks especially if you go beyond its load capacity rating.

Extension Ladder

It is a non-self supporting partition ladder known for its adjustable length. It has two or more sections that slide to extend the length of the frame. It is designed to accommodate the weight of a single person. Once you are done using it, you can collapse the frame to fold the structure.

Multi-position ladder

Another name for this ladder type is a combination or articulating ladder. They give you extra versatility, and they can be used to meet various needs. Multi-purpose ladders can be turned to either a single or a twin-ladder depending on the model.

Attic ladder

This is a retractable staircase that pulls from the ceiling to provide you access to the attic. You can fold it up and tuck away the frames when not in use. Most of these ladders come in pre-assembled kits. You can install them in an existing ceiling frame. Sometimes the ladder fits seamlessly. But in some cases, you may need to make slight modifications to fit the frame of the attic door.

Step stools

These are standard ladders used at home to reach the top of the shelf, kitchen cabinet, or the counter. They are so small that your kids can use them too. A typical step stool ladder only has a single rung to give you a slight boost when reaching for an object. Others have two or three steps. A step stool folds easily so you won’t have a problem storing them. Additionally, they are sold at a very affordable price.

Ladder Accessories

Oftentimes, a ladder is already enough to help you accomplish your cleaning, repair or maintenance tasks. However, there are some instances when you might need a bit of help from a few ladder accessories. These items come in all shapes, sizes, and functionalities.

Planks

Have a job that requires the use of a scaffolding ladder? You will need a plank so you can work back and forth and minimize shaking or warping of the ladder. These are available in various types:

• Wood planks – These are a super light and durable type of plank that can provide the utmost comfort when you work on your project.
• Aluminum planks – Nothing comes close to the safety offered by an aluminum plank. These do not split even when subjected to intense pressure. These are also equipped with slip-resistant coating.
• Telescoping planks – A telescoping plank is a great accessory to use if you want to save storage space. When not in use, you can collapse the extended part to reduce its size.
• Scaffolding planks – They are used for scaffolding purposes only. The majority of them are made from wood, aluminum, or steel. Ideally, you should purchase one from the same manufacturer of your scaffolding ladder.

Ladder Platform

Anyone who has used a ladder before will tell you how uncomfortable it can be to stand on the ladder rung for a long time. A scenario like this makes it a bit nightmarish to use ladders, especially if you have to work on long projects such as painting the walls.

Thankfully, you can solve this problem with a ladder platform. It is a great accessory that allows you to stand on the ladder comfortably even after very long hours. When you purchase a ladder, we recommend considering a ladder platform as well. This type of accessory is a must especially if you need to use your ladder frequently.

Ladder platforms are easy to use. You only need to secure the platform on the rungs. Besides accommodating your weight, a good quality ladder platform also comes extra handy in carrying tools, paint buckets, and other equipment you need to use.

Do take note that you won’t need to buy ladder platforms if you use a podium ladder or a multi-position ladder. Make sure to double-check the features of your existing ladder to know if you still need to install an add-on.

Ladder Levelers

A leveler ensures the ladder stays upright even when you use them on an uneven space such as the garden or a construction site. With a reliable ladder leveler, you can ensure your safety, especially while working on straining tasks.

Some ladders are already equipped with this security feature so you may have to skip buying one. However, if yours doesn’t have this add-on, you should consider grabbing one from your favorite shop. There are plenty of ladder levelers sold so you may need to ask for a model that best suits your ladder.

To avoid compatibility issues, we recommend buying levelers from the same ladder manufacturer. Typically, they have specific models sold for specific ladder material or style.

Ladder Standoff

They are also referred to as stabilizers. They are used on either an extensive ladder or multi-purpose ladder to provide extended and stable positioning. It works by connecting the top of the ladder to your work area. Its role is to position the ladder around 10 to 19 inches away from the structure where it is leaning on to prevent damage. A standard standoff ladder has wide tubular-shaped arms and non-skid rubber feet to prevent you from slipping.

Ladder Jacks

Scaffolding is an essential supporting structure used in various types of projects. They come extra handy in ensuring the safety of a worker. However, assembling scaffolding can take up a worker’s time. Additionally, it can cost a lot of money to rent scaffolding. According to CostHelper.com, scaffolding rentals can cost around $15 to $50 a day. If you are eyeing on a more practical option, a ladder jack is the perfect equipment to use.

Ladder jacks offer the versatility of scaffolding sans the expensive rental fee and lengthy setup time. Once you have a ladder jack in place, you can walk back and forth without having to adjust the ladder. When you shop for a ladder jack, you need to choose between two types:

• Over the rail and rung – It is a robust type of rack designed to give you strong support when you carry a heavy load on the ladder. The only downside to using this type of jack is the slightly complicated installation process because of its weight. Additionally, you need to pay attention to where you slide the jack to prevent it from slipping while you are working.
• Over the rungs only – It is made up of aluminum and provides a more seamless positioning compared to the over the rail and rung type. Since it is relatively lighter, you can easily install it anywhere you want. However, it has a low limit capacity, especially when paired with a ladder that has a low duty rating.

Ladder Rack

Ladder racks are available in different designs and styles. Their primary purpose is to support the weight of ladders when placed against vehicles or walls. They are useful for contractors because they make it easier to transport the ladder to the project site. Ladder racks work on all types of ladders including extension ladders, step ladders, and multi-purpose ladders.

Aluminum ladder racks are the most popular choice today followed by steel ladder racks. Both types of materials are ideal for heavy outdoor work because of their strength and non-corrosive nature.

What Type of Ladders do Contractors Need to Use?

If you are a contractor, you will need a reliable and sturdy ladder. As much as possible, you should opt for multi-purpose ladders. In the earlier years, contractors used to own all kinds of ladders because of the variety of tasks they need to handle.

They use extension ladders to work on the roof, a stepladder to install cabinets, scaffolding ladders to fix walls, and more. Thankfully, today, you can have a single piece of equipment for all your tasks.

A typical multi-purpose ladder can be reconfigured up to five distinct ways such as the A-frame, step ladder and twin ladder. Multi-position ladders are not only cost-effective but also works great for those who need a space-saving equipment.

How to Use an Extension Ladder

Ladders are dangerous if not used correctly. If you fail to position the ladder properly, it might cause you to fall and suffer from severe injuries. The American National Standard Institute reported that around 130,000 accidents and 300 deaths were caused by ladder-related incident back in 2018 alone. Without implementing the right techniques, you might end up facing the same nightmarish fate. Check out the proper steps in using an extension ladder.

Step 1: Set up the extension ladder the right way

Lean the ladder on the structure. The distance from the wall or the structure to the legs of the ladder should have a 4:1 ratio. This ratio ensures that the ladder doesn’t tip sideways or backward while you ascend. Aside from the ratio, you should also consider the smoothness or roughness of the ground.

If you are standing on a rough area, you need to adjust the levelers found on the bottom portion of the ladder. If the ground feels soft, you must lift up the levelers in order to secure the ladder’s feet.

Once you have the ladder position, you can test it. Call in someone to help check the angle of the ladder. Alternatively, you can install OSHA or ANSI compliant support accessories such as stabilizers to secure everything in place.

Step 2: Know the weight limit

Never go beyond the stated load carrying capacity of the ladder. Doing so might cause the rungs to warp or break. Check the maximum weight it can support on the side of the ladder frame.

Step 3: Position your body correctly

See to it that your body is oriented properly against the ladder. Grab the frames tightly and ascend the ladder one rung at a time. We recommend making sure that you have three points of contact with the rungs and frames of the ladder. Take your time when you climb up to avoid slipping or getting your foot stuck in one of the ladder rungs.

Also, as much as possible, you should avoid carrying stuff with you. Use a tool belt bag or vest to keep your hands free at all times.

Step 4: Call in an assistant

Ask someone to watch you closely while you climb the steps. This way he/she can tell you if the angle looks a bit off. Your assistant can also help you with the tools and equipment you need while working.

Step 7: Tie off the top portion of the ladder

If you are going to make several trips up and down, you have to secure the top so that it won’t slide. Tying the top is especially crucial if you need to work on the roof. This will help prevent accidents as well as roof and gutter damage. You can tie the ladder on a solid anchor or use a stabilizer.

The steps above can be used not only for extension ladders but also for other types and models as well. Be extra cautious when you ascend to avoid unwanted issues.