A ladder is always likely to be a fantastic investment if you are a keen DIY enthusiast, or if you are likely to be doing plenty of construction and repair work at height. However, they can be rather an expensive investment, truth be told, unless you really know what you’re looking for. How much does a ladder cost right now?
Ladders can cost anywhere up to $300 at a basic rate. However, there are many different factors that can increase this price, as well as those which can lower the cost, too. The materials the ladder is made out of – for example – can make the price you may pay that bit more expensive.
Here at Renovation Dojo, you can be sure that we know our way around a ladder or two. Whether you’re looking for the best ladders for painting, or want something more rigid and reliable to use outside, here’s our rundown on what you can expect to pay for a new ladder.
Ladder Types and How Much They Cost
Your ladder’s overall cost is likely to depend on what you actually need it for. Some ladders are more robust than others, and some are simply longer, taller, or better for specific jobs! Therefore, it pays to have a rough idea of what you’re likely to pay for the type of ladder you need.
How Much Do Step Ladders Cost?
Step ladders can cost anywhere between $50 and $200. That’s mainly because step ladders can arrive in all shapes, sizes, materials and forms. Some come with added safety features, and others are better built to withstand the elements.
The size of your step ladder is likely to be a big factor in how much you pay. For example, it’s easy to assume that you will pay more for a 12 ft step ladder over one that is half the size. The more you pay, the better quality you can expect – however, you will need to look a little more closely at the specifics to make sure you’re getting a good deal.
How Much Do Extension Ladders Cost?
Extension ladders can cost anywhere from $400 up to $600. Again, this is largely due to the size, however, it can also be as a result of what a ladder is made of, and if it has any particular safety features.
Extension ladders tend to be much longer than step ladders, hence the name, and are ideal for roofing repairs and working at height. They are generally double the length and height of step ladders, if not more so, and therefore it is understandable to pay double the price.
That said, it is worth looking for a good quality extension ladder first over a cheap one. After all, this is a piece of equipment you are going to entrust your life to, if only for a few minutes!
How Much Do Longer Ladders Cost?
If you are looking for a ladder that is longer than 20 ft, again, you can expect prices to increase. You’re likely to pay at least $700 – $800 for a 40 ft ladder, for example. That, however, is purely on the basis of a store-bought option.
We’d advise you to take special care looking for very long or tall ladders, and that you try to secure a purchase from a specialist construction firm. It’s here where you’ll get the best quality in manufacturing, safety elements, and assurance that your ladder is at least built for purpose, and certainly not cheaply.
Should I Rent a Ladder?
Renting a ladder is a great idea if you know that you are not likely to use it beyond one or two projects. It’s only ever worth buying a ladder outright if you need one for your job, or if you know you are going to be doing a lot of height repair over a long period of time.
If it’s just a weekend job, then you can expect to pay $50 as a ballpark figure for a longer ladder – though, as always, prices will vary depending on the type of ladder you rent, and where you rent it from. It’s a superb idea to do some research!
What Can Affect the Price of a Ladder?
All kinds of factors can impact the price you pay for a ladder on the wider market. Here are just a few points to consider.
Materials
Whether it’s an aluminum or fiberglass ladder, there’s always likely to be a price difference based on materials used to actually build it. Fiberglass takes more labor, on the whole, and the cost of this raw material is much higher than aluminum.
The cheapest ladder materials are always likely to be wood and steel – that’s because they are more common materials and are easier to work with. However, fiberglass ladders are among the most resilient and are therefore considered some of the best value on the market today.
Portability
In some cases, a ladder’s portability may impact how much you pay. If a ladder is articulated, for example, or can fold down, it’s considered a major plus point. This means that, by and large, a manufacturer can charge you more for the convenience. This applies to the general flexibility and versatility of your ladder, too. Multi-purpose ladders are in high demand, and can therefore be more expensive – but they are much better value, on the whole.
Safety
We expect all our ladders to offer some form of safety – otherwise, we simply wouldn’t use them! However, some ladders arrive with larger platforms, have sturdier feet, or are built to hold heavier weights at height. Measuring your ladder for safety is one thing, but there is also a degree of expectation from the supplier.
Unfortunately, in some cases, you may find that you pay more for these added features. Again, it is an element to ladder purchasing you need to be aware of – the more you pay, generally, the safer you can expect your ladder to be.
What Makes a Ladder Great Value?
All in all, a great value ladder is one that you can expect to use for years to come. It should suit your purpose, offer you safety at all heights, and shouldn’t fail you within a few months of purchase. We highly recommend actively saving money for a top quality ladder if you know you are going to need one regularly.
Otherwise, there’s certainly no harm in renting a ladder for quick jobs or weekend DIYing. Just don’t be too tempted to look for a cheap or bargain option – it’s your health and safety, as well as others’, at stake if you do!