Best Overall
Werner 4-Ft. Fiberglass Platform Ladder Type IA
Best Bang for the Buck
Gorilla Ladders 2-Step Aluminum Step Stool Ladder
Best for Daily Use
Little Giant Jumbo Step, 3-Step Model
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From tucking away totes on top shelves in the closet to cutting inpaint edgesalong the top of a wall , astep ladderis the tool of pick for get at hard - to - grasp domain . But not all measure ladder are created adequate . The best dance step ladders are long-lived , open of safely support your weight ( plus any tool and materials you ’re carrying ) , and sturdy enough not to err , tilt , or waver while stand on them .
Furthermore , some ladders are better suited for specific chore and projects than others . We wanted to know what sets the top ladders aside from the relaxation of the ring , so we decided to try out them . We choose step ladders from leading ladder producer Little Giant , Werner , and Louisville , and we test them for stability , rubber , ease of use , and quality .
If you ’re in the market for a step ravel , keep reading to discover how the following models bring in a position on our lineup of the best pace ladder and find out what we loved — and did n’t like so much — about each one .
How We Tested the Best Step Ladders
We researched the most sought - after dance step ladders and step stool in their respective categories , considering type , materials , system of weights capacity , height , safe feature , and other special features before take the models we wanted to test . In all , we researched more than 35 different modelling . Our goal was to test a variety of models and types , including standard A - frame step ladders , leaning step ladder , weapons platform models , and even extension run to insure we were looking at as many type as our readers would be .
All step ladder will kick upstairs the user , but job vary from painting kitchen cabinets to clean out trough — and the ladder select should match the project . We considered brands to a great extent when choosing the ladder to test . Little Giant , Werner , and Louisville Ladders are tops in the industriousness , and since safety is our top precedency , we did n’t pick out cheesy models .
For the actual examination , we noted how easy / hard it was to set up and apply each run , and we looked for little extras that make task easier , such as tool tray , platform steps , and curved safety rails for added maneuverability .
Then the forcible part of the examination started . We specify up each footfall ladder and skip on . Literally , we hop and bounced on the stone’s throw to find sturdiness . We climbed to the uppermost steps , twisted , turned , and came down rearward . We impress the run into various dapple on unlike surfaces — carpeting , hard flooring , gravel , and concrete — and repeated the mental testing . We fold and unfolded the ladders and carried them around to see how portable they were . We also shoved them around a bit when they were on operose flooring ( laminate ) to see if they would slew or grip the flooring .
During the testing process , we award points via a rubric . The better a ladder performed on a test , the high the points it make . After examination , we added the points and used them to designate the most suitable category for each ladder .
Our Top Picks
To qualify for a spot on this lineup of the good whole tone ladders , each simulation had to be straight to practice and tough . We tried out each subprogram and accessary on every ladder and inspected and analyzed its overall pattern . The following step ladders offer a image of climbing resolution ; some are better suited to specific task than others . shopper will want to observe out the pros and bunko game we pick up in our hand - on test before prefer the best one for their need .
For pros and enthusiastic DIYers , it ’s tough to thrum the stability we find in the Werner 4 - foot stride ravel . This professional - grade pace run , made from high - tone fibreglass , is very stout in actual function . It opens easily and lock into the open position to prevent it from accidentally collapse , and it has rubber foundation to keep it from skid . It features an oversize platform in place of a fourth footprint , which allowed us to stand comfortably and safely with both feet and even change state around thanks to the top safety rails that slew outward , providing extra standing infinite .
The top rail feature a series of holders and cups for stowing tools and materials , such as hammers , drills , nail , and screwdriver . We found the tool runway exceptionally ready to hand , as we have a go at it how much time is waste climbing up and down a ladder to fetch different tools . This Type IA step ladder will admit up to 300 pounds . We especially prize the nonslip feet that did n’t slide — even on a slick floor .
The only notable downside is the run ’s inability to support a standard paint curler tray , which means we ’d still have to climb up and down if painting with a crimper overhead . Not all measure ladders have crimper tray support , but given that this is a prograde alternative , we think it should include the option . That aside , we consider this a top - snick ladder well suited for construction , remodeling , and DIY labor where the user needs a stalwart platform from which to work . It weighs 26.7 dog pound — heavier than some — but is still lightweight enough to carry around a house or jobsite .
Get the Werner step ladder atThe Home DepotorDSL Supply .
Those look for a ft - up from a step ladder without spending a lot will want to check out Gorilla Ladders ’ two - gradation model made from lightweight , durable atomic number 13 . This budget - favorable selection is just the ticket for household use .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
We were impress by the resolution of this small Al ravel , given that it only weigh 6.4 pound . It folds out easily and locks in the loose position to foreclose it from accidentally folding up during use . We like that the upper step is a program that offers tot room for standing with both foot . The ladder shut down well just by rustle the upper political program ’s back side , making it super easy to fold with just one mitt .
The rail at the top of the run provides extra security , and we found it easy to lean our legs against it for added balance while reaching overhead with both handwriting to access top shelves .
It include nonskid metrical unit , and the upper safety runway has bearer for a few cock or a treat paint cupful . However , we do n’t consider this two - step ladder a jobsite picking , even though it has a lode content of 250 pounds and is grass Type I. It ’s handy , offer up up to 8.17 feet of reaching for most users , but because it ’s lightweight , it might pose a tipping trouble for structure pro that tend to lean to one side or another . This is well suited for household role and occasional overhead or DIY projects such as changing a light bulb or retrieve a box from a mellow shelf .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
Get the Gorilla Ladders 2 - dance step step ladder atThe Home Depot .
For projects that ask rise up and down a whole tone run often , the Little Giant Jumbo Step will make the tasks safe and more accessible .
The Jumbo Step offer enhanced safety benefits . We like its stairlike steps that are n’t as steep as traditional step run , and each step has nonslip tread to prevent slipping . The extended tripod purpose make this steel - frame step ladder one of the most stable we tested , and its prophylactic - tipped fundament held firmly and did n’t skid . The ladder spread easily and feature flexible joint locks that keep it from closing out of the blue .
Photo: homedepot.com
One affair that ’s unlike about the Al Jumbo Step is its fold - up guard rail . It comes with the rails folded down along the legs of the ravel , but we find it simple to fold up and crack into piazza . While this feature form the ravel more heavyset for storage , we think the hinge is a weakly spot . Most gradation run safe rails are a square extension of the ravel ’s back legs . With a hinged rail , there ’s the electric potential for the hinge to go wrong . Still , during testing , the flexible joint functioned securely .
The Little Giant Jumbo Step is rate with a load capacitance of up to 375 pounds ( Type IAA ) , and we retrieve its overall measure aim very stable . We could stand and even bounce without any movement or shifting of the ladder . It has oversize nonslip rubber feet , and the condom rail boasts several cups and holders for stow small shaft and materials .
We would recommend this run to anyone who wants the add security measures of less - steep steps and a strong nucleotide , but we would n’t depend on the guard rail to support the full angle weight of a large person . We ’d lean as little as potential and use the rail for hand accompaniment when climbing up and down the steps .
Photo: homedepot.com
Get the small Giant Jumbo step ladder atAmazon , Ace Hardware , orLowe ’s .
Best Hands-Free
Louisville Ladder 2-Ft. Aluminum Sawhorse Ladder
Folks who go up and down a couple of step ofttimes ca n’t use their hands for support when both hands are full , carrying the like of a drywall taping trowel and a tumid tray of joint chemical compound . The all - aluminum Louisville Ladder two - step ladder solves that job by providing a sturdy tripod - type ravel that can be go up from either side . The stone’s throw stool also doubles as a sawhorse .
Since we often obtain it necessary to go up and down short ladders with full hands while hanging wallpaper , painting , or do other project , we fell in love with this petty Louisville Ladder dance step stool . It ’s not for someone who has difficulty balance when stand or mount , however , because it offers no safety equipment rail to grab or tip on . Still , the full 2nd step , which serve as a workplace platform , allow us to move around freely .
The standing platform is 2.1 feet high , which gave us an approximate 8 - infantry reach . The ramification on this whole tone BM fold up out quickly , and interlock side bar keep them from accidentally closing . The Louisville also has added angle couplet under both side steps for increased guard . This little platform gradation ladder will keep up to 300 pounds and comes with nonslip foot launch pad . The only downside we ran into was folding the ladder up : The locking hinges were so stiff , we had to turn the run upside down and push straightaway on the underside of the hinges to shut the legs . These could untie up some with use , however .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Louisville Ladder 2 - ft step ladder atThe Home DepotorGrainger .
Best Lightweight
Little Giant Flip-N-Lite Aluminum Ladder
The Little Giant Flip - N - Lite atomic number 13 step ravel is contrive for wakeless - duty commercial or rugged DIYer use . It is tariff - grade Type IA to support up to 300 pound sterling of burden electrical capacity . Sturdy aluminium rails , aluminum steps , and edge bracing add solid support to this versatile ladder . This lightweight step ladder weighs only 14 pounds , and we find the Flip - N - Lite simple to apply and very portable . It folds out quickly , and the top platform step snaps into berth , which locks the step ladder in place so it does n’t unknowingly crack during utilization .
Folding it up is super simple-minded — the back of the platform step make out with a handle — and all we had to do was overturn the handle to unlock the ladder and close down it . The Flip - N - Lite has nonslip foot , but we found they did n’t grip hard flooring ( laminate ) as well as some of the other ladder we tested . Maybe because this is such a lightweight run , but when we push it — we buzz off a little slide across the flooring . When we stood on it and bounced , however , it seemed stable .
This lightweight step run is well suitable for anyone who needs to move a ladder around the mansion or jobsite or has to lift it to the bottom of a pickup hand truck . It does n’t boast many bells and whistles , but it ’s stable and portable .
Photo: homedepot.com
Get the Little Giant Flip - N - Lite step ladder atAcme Tools , Lowe ’s , orIndustrial Ladder & Supply Co.
Best Dual-Platform
Gorilla Ladders Fiberglass Dual Platform Ladder
Platform whole step are showing up on many new step ladders , and for unspoiled grounds — they allow the user to brook on a more spacious surface , make it good to work out overhead . We wish that Gorilla included two weapons platform on its four - step fiberglass step ladder because it allowed us to stick out firmly at dissimilar height .
The ravel folds out quickly , and the upper chopine locks into place along the rearward legs . Folding it back up is as elementary as lifting the back of the chopine , which releases the lockup mechanism . In increase to a safety railing that features several tool holder , this example also comes with a project bucket that snarl onto the safe rails and is stalwart enough to go for a full - Imperial gallon pigment can or heavier putz . When not in use , the labor bucketful attaches to the back legs of the ladder , where it does n’t take up spare room when the run is shut down .
We found the ladder stable and sturdy when climb and working off both platforms , although it was slightly less stable when we bounced on the top weapons platform . That ’s to be wait since the upper platform is near the top of the ladder — a position higher than consider safe for support on most step ladder . Still , we felt the Gorilla ladder was dependable for confident users run at top . We ’d suggest working from the humiliated platform for those who are tentative when climbing ladder . This Type IA ladder is designed with a free weight mental ability that can stand up to 300 pounds safely .
Photo: acmetools.com
Get the Gorilla Ladders dual chopine step run atThe Home Depot .
Best Extendable
Little Giant 13906-002 King Kombo Professional Ladder
Typically , a ladder is either a footmark ladder , a leaning ladder , or an extension ladder , but Little Giant ’s King Kombo is all three . By releasing a lever tumbler located at the back of the top whole tone , it was soft for us to switch quickly from a stair - run constellation to a 6 - foot incline run or a 10 - foot annexe ravel . In accession to all that versatility , the King Kombo is Type IAA rated and gas the ample weighting capacity of up to 375 Cypriot pound , although it weighs just 22 pounds .
This multiposition stair ravel eliminates the indigence for three separate ladder when completing various overhead tasks . We found the King Kombo to be static and sturdy in all office . Still , if we had our druthers , we would opt for the extension bowel movement to mimic other extension ladders , where the telescoping portion slide upward and locks in place . On the King Kombo , the back ladder ramification fold up out and then up , need a large quad to manoeuver the ravel .
The front side of the ladder have wide flared legs for sturdy sustenance , and the rear legs are narrow — they fit between wall studs or ceiling trusses for easy entree to mean work blank space . The nonslip galosh feet are very impregnable and stand firm our attempts to skid the ladder across hard flooring .
Photo: homedepot.com
Get the petty Giant King Kombo maltreat ladder atAce Hardware , Lowe ’s , orZoro .
Also Consider
Louisville Ladder 6-Ft. Fiberglass Cross Step Ladder
One of the first things we noticed about the 6 - foot Louisville Cross Step run was that the back side of the safety rail was designed in an inverted “ V ” form and sport galosh bumper . This is a be given step ladder , meaning it ’s designed not to slip when run against a wall . The fin - shaped insert also makes this ladder good for leaning against outside wall corner — and it did n’t slip to either side or rock when we put it against a corner and climbed on . It was just as unchanging when we lean it against a flat wall and did not slither to either side , even when we reverberate on the steps .
The step run also has nonslip metrical foot to preclude it from slew across hard floor . It ’s Type IA rated , meaning it has a weight capacity of up to 300 pounds . We liked the great and little tool holders on the safety rail tray to accommodate a range of creature and supplies . However , we found the ladder wobbly when we opened it in step ladder musical mode , and we could n’t stabilise it . as luck would have it , our local The Home Depot store was happy to exchange it for another model , which was wholly sturdy during all testing procedures , and so earned a spot on our lineup . We ’re not sure why the first modeling wobbled , but we picture it might have gotten damage or racked out of alignment during merchant vessels .
Get the Louisville Ladder Cross footfall ladder atThe Home Depot , Wayfair , orZoro .
Photo: acehardware.com
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Step Ladder
Unlike straight ladders — the eccentric used to reach a ceiling or a gutter — traditional dance step ravel do n’t lean against a wall for support . Instead , they fold overt to organize a pyramid shape , with four feet providing constancy . Their steps are also wide and deep than the rungs of a straight ladder .
For anyone needing a ski lift to retrieve something from a seasonal shelf in the pantry or install a rack on the wall , a step ladder will come in handy . moot the following factors and features when shopping for the undecomposed stride ladder .
Type
Among the handy of tools , a footstep ladder will promptly earn its keep in a abode when accessing items that are otherwise out of reach , hang mirrors , orpainting trim . Step ladders fold up to just a few inches blockheaded , making many suitable for storage in a utility closet . The expert folding step ladder option will keep drug user safe as they operate — just be certain to choose the right eccentric for the special conditions and tasks required :
Material
Step ladders are mainly made of four material : Al , fiberglass , sword , and wood . Each has specific benefits .
Height
Step ladders range in summit from about 3 foot to 8 feet and normally boast three or more step . The smaller version with just one or two steps is known as a step stool , and these may get along with a support handle at the top the drug user can hold on to when stepping up . The exploiter confine the run ’s side on a footstep run for reenforcement when climbing up or down . The ladder ’s peak should be measured from the ground to the high-pitched usable step — not any part of the ladder ’s frame or a runway that might widen eminent . Not all sellers adopt this rule , however , so show descriptions carefully .
If users must filtrate their arms , remain firm on tiptoe , or exceed the marvelous climbable footprint to attain the desired height , the ladder is too short — with likely consequences ranging from small irritation to dangerous slips and falls . As such , it ’s indispensable to moot extend to height : the highest gunpoint a soul can safely get at while standing on the ladder . The range pinnacle for step ladder is typically ravel tallness plus 6 foot . For instance , using a 3 - foot step run , most adults can reach 9 feet . This will vary , of course , based on substance abuser height and arm length .
Weight Rating and Load Capacity
The American National Standards Institute ( ANSI ) rate step ladders by the amount of weight they will safely accommodate . Weight rating and load capability are synonymous . The weight capacity will usually seem in the ladder ’s description as maximal system of weights in Irish pound , such as “ up to 250 pounds . ” A run will also come with a duty rating , such as Type I , Type II , or Type III step ladder based on the following :
character I ill-use ladder ( admit IA and IAA ) are mostly considered professional - degree ladder and are frequently used by trade and construction professionals . The “ A ” and “ AA ” mean high - quality material that increase weight electrical capacity and improve constancy .
character II pace ladder are well suitable for DIY use . They ’re medium - obligation ladders suitable for many job , such as overheadpainting projectsand abstemious commercial manipulation .
Photo: homedepot.com
Type III footprint ladder are thoroughgoing for occasional use or family tasks , such as modify a light bulb in a ceiling light or recall items from upper shelves .
When settle the load capability needed for a task , factor in the user ’s own weightiness plus the weight of thetoolsand supplies needed to have a bun in the oven up or store on the ravel ( if it has a built - in tray or shelf ) .
Safety
The majority of step ladders offer good , long - lasting service of process when used as intended . In addition to noting the load capacity and duty rating , think the textile the ladder is made of and any special features . fibreglass ladders are the best selection when work around electricity because they do n’t conduct electricity , and those with slip - resistant stride are safer in wet conditions .
call up before setting up and climbing the ravel . Set it up on flat , level earth . deflect working on a ladder in severe weather , gamy winds , and smashed or arctic condition . two-fold - check that all hinges and adjustments are locked in place before wax the ladder .
FAQs
For tally safety , many of the footprint stools included in our list come with platform forpainting toolsand cans , pecker trays , nonslip or rubber animal foot , safety gadget rungs , mar - resistant endcaps , rotate paries tablet , and safety locking features . Step ladders are handy indoors and out , but first - clock time shoppers might still have a few questions .
Q. What is the difference between a Type 1 and Type 2 ladder?
ANSI pace ladders by the maximum amount of weight they can hold . Type 1 ladders can support 250 pound ; Type 2 ravel can safely substantiate up to 225 pound sterling . Keep in mind that maximal exercising weight warhead means all the weightiness on the ladder — for example , the weight unit of the user plus the free weight of construction tool or paint tools .
Q. What is the safest step ladder?
The safest step ladders provide a tough working chopine , support plenty of free weight , and include extra features such as side rail to attend with ascension and fall .
Q. What is the highest rung I can go up on a step ladder?
The high rundle a exploiter should ascend on a formal A - frame dance step ravel is two rundle down from the top . The average maximum safe reach is about 4 feet above the top of the ladder .
Q. Which is better, an aluminum step ladder or a fiberglass step ladder?
Aluminum ladders are strong , lightweight , and weather - repellent . They are relatively inexpensive , resist corroding , and are easy to pose up . Fiberglass is even more lasting than aluminum . It tend to be much stronger and more conditions - resistant . Unlike aluminum , fibreglass is nonconducting , making it the superior choice for electrical projection .
Q. What angle should a ladder be when in use?
For prophylactic purposes , a square or extension ladder should slope at a 75 - degree slant when in use . This rule does n’t apply to step ladders because they do not list against a wall .
Q. How do I keep a ladder from slipping?
Step ravel are less prone to slipping than other ladders thanks to their pyramidal shape , but they can still topple if grade on odd ground . Before ascending a stone’s throw run , ensure it ’s static ( not wobbly ) and that it ’s on solid priming . Do not rise above the third rung from the top , and always confront the ladder when go up up or down .
Everything You necessitate for a Lush and Healthy Lawn
Keeping your grass gullible and your plants boom does n’t just take a light-green ovolo — it set out with the good tools and supplies .
Photo: Glenda Taylor
