Ladders are an essential part of every home and job site. Although there are many products available, you should invest in one of the best ladders if you want to acquire a superior product. Generally, ladders share similar features and functions, but in fact, no two ladders are identical. That’s why you should first consider a few important factors before making a purchase.
A lot of tasks require a good ladder that’s tall enough to complete them. Because of this, you need to choose a ladder with an appropriate height so you can perform all the tasks you need to. However, this isn’t the only factor for you to consider. You can think of a ladder as an investment and not just a tool that comes cheap.
In this article, we’ll go through some of the best ladders in the market along with a buying guide to help make your choice much easier. From the features to look out for to some of the best products available, there’s a lot to learn if you want to choose the best product to suit your needs.
- Features to consider in Good Ladders
- Top 10 Best Ladders 2023
- 1. Little Giant 22-Foot Velocity Multi-Use Ladder
- 2. Louisville Ladder 8-Feet Fiberglass Step Ladder
- 3. Vulcan Ladder USA ES-17T11G1
- 4. Louisville Ladder L-3016-06 300-Pound Duty Rating Fiberglass Stepladder
- 5. Louisville Ladder FE3216 Fiberglass Extension Ladder
- 6. Rubbermaid RM-2W Folding 2-Step Ladder
- 7. Werner MT-13 300-Pound Duty Rating Telescoping Multi-Ladder
- 8. Cosco World's Greatest Multi-Position 21-Foot Ladder
- 9. Werner D6228-2 300-Pound Extension Ladder
- 10. Lifewit 12.5ft Folding Ladder
- Guide to Buying the Best Ladders
- The Verdict
Features to consider in Good Ladders
Height
This is the very first feature for you to lookout for. There are a few types of ladders for you to choose from including articulated ladders, stepladders, extension ladders, and more. Some ladders have a low height, and they’re meant for simpler projects while other have a taller height so you can use them to reach higher areas such as ceilings, roofs, trees, and others.
Before you choose a ladder, you have to determine the height you need. This would depend on the tasks you plan to perform using the ladder. If you just need the ladder to reach for items in your home or office, then you may go for a stepladder. But if you do a lot of repairs and outdoor tasks, then an extension or multi-purpose ladder may be the best for you.
Again, think about the height you need to reach so you can determine the ladder height to choose. When using the ladder, you shouldn’t have to stand on your tiptoes or strain your arms just to reach for the objects you need. You have to feel comfortable while working on your ladder, and you can only achieve this with the appropriate ladder height.
Material
The next thing to think about is the ladder’s material. The most common materials include aluminum, fiberglass, and wood. A lot of people prefer aluminum ladders because they’re lightweight, and they resist corrosion. But this material conducts electricity which means that it’s not suitable for those who perform electrical tasks.
Fiberglass ladders are heavier than aluminum. This material is more versatile, it’s stronger, and it’s non-conductive making it safe for non-electrical and electrical applications. Both aluminum and fiberglass are very popular and are better choices than wood. Of course, people prefer wooden ladders too mainly because they’re the most economical. However, they’re also weaker and become electrically-conductive when they get wet.
Accessories
Ladders have come a long way since the past when they were simple tools made of wood. Nowadays, modern ladders come with accessories already built into them for various purposes. These include the reduction of strain, boosting the storage capacity, and protecting the ladder’s nearby surfaces. Some of the best ladders come with handy accessories you can choose from.
Some of the more popular ladder accessories include a pail shelf which extends from the back rail for holding buckets or other utensils. Some ladders have ladder caps which can slide over the rail ends preventing damage to the surface you prop the ladder against. There are also podiums or big platforms which replace one or more of the ladder’s steps to allow for extra foot room for intensive or long projects.
Price
Just like any other tools and equipment, ladders come in varying price ranges. Stepladders are the cheapest, but they’re also the shortest in height. Next on the price spectrum are the A-frame ladders, the extension ladders, and finally, the articulated ladders which you can configure to multiple positions and heights.
If you have a budget, then it’s important to stick to it. However, it’s not a good idea to choose the cheaper products if that means you’re sacrificing the quality. Consider all the other factors and select a ladder which you can afford, will last longer, and will keep you safe while you work.
Top 10 Best Ladders 2023
1. Little Giant 22-Foot Velocity Multi-Use Ladder
Editor’s Rating:
Safe
With this ladder, you can have the appropriate ladder for your tasks or projects all the time. This is a multi-use product from a well-known and trusted brand in the industry. It’s a professional-grade product which provides safety and stability. It’s made of aluminum construction, and its dual-pin hinge makes it sturdy. It’s easy to adjust the length of the ladder thanks to the Rock Locks. It’s also lightweight, but it has a weight capacity of up to 300 pounds.
Versatile
This ladder has a convertible design that’s patented which means that you can use it for various purposes. It can serve as a staircase ladder, extension ladder, A-frame ladder, and even to form a plank-and-trestle scaffolding system if you purchase the compatible Velocity Trestle Brackets. This product comes with wider rungs compared to other multi-use ladders. These help reduce foot pain and fatigue while increasing the balance and stability.
Easy to use
As aforementioned, the ladder has a Rock Lock system which allows for easy adjustments of the configuration and the length of the ladder. It’s faster and easier to use than other ladder systems. All you need to do is push the lock, make the adjustments, and tap to lock it again. This product comes with special wheels making it easy to transport from one place to another.
Pros
- A versatile ladder which provides stability and high-quality construction.
- It's a safe ladder which can prevent more than 90% of safety issues which are ladder-related.
- You can use the ladder around and over obstacles.
- It's high enough to reach areas such as vaulted ceilings, the spaces above staircases.
Cons
- The locking mechanism needs improvement.
2. Louisville Ladder 8-Feet Fiberglass Step Ladder
Editor’s Rating:
Construction
The ladder comes with a PROTOP which is of a molded copolymer and a hardware tray that’s recessed. It also has a holder for paint buckets, tool and drill slots, a magnet tray, and more. All these features make it more comfortable to use and add to its convenience. The ladder has angle feet which are slip-resistant and made of thick aluminum. The legs have rubber treads to add to its stability. The surface of the rail is of fiberglass providing durability, strength, and protection.
Heavy-duty
This ladder is perfect for tasks which require low or medium height. The steps can hold a weight capacity of up to 300 pounds. The steps on the ladder have grooves providing them with maximum traction, and they have double rivet construction too. It’s a perfect ladder for DIYers and professionals as well. Also, this ladder meets the safety standards of OSHA and ANSI which means that it’s safe for everyone in your home.
Construction
This ladder comes with a SHOX System which provides it with added strength and resistance to accidental mishandling or abuse. The PROTOP system has a lot of features to help improve your performance as you work on different tasks. This makes it highly versatile and ideal for home use and for professional use too. It’s also very safe thanks to the wide angle of the legs which make the ladder more stable.
Pros
- The ladder is of high-quality fiberglass that's non-conductive.
- It's a strong and sturdy lapper with a capacity of up to 300 pounds.
- The fiberglass rails have spreader braces inside them to keep them protected.
- The rubber tread on the legs allows for sure-footing while the angle feet provide stability.
Cons
- Some customers had issues with the ladder's condition when it arrived.
3. Vulcan Ladder USA ES-17T11G1
Editor’s Rating:
Construction
The ladder has flared rails providing more stability to the ladder. It has non-marring rubber feet making it safe on bare ground, wood, asphalt, and concrete. It has a design of welded aircraft aluminum making the ladder sturdy and lightweight. You can use this ladder as a step-stool, an extension ladder, a step ladder, and more. It uses an exclusive no-pinch hinge system that’s unique to this product only.
Versatile
Since the ladder has a lot of different configurations, this provides it with extreme versatility. You can set up the ladder in 4 various positions and more than 20 possible configurations. It’s a compact ladder which has 1-foot increments for easy height adjustments. The convenient ladder has a patented no-pinch hinge making the ladder easy to use and safe.
Durable
This durable ladder is of aircraft-grade aluminum construction which ensures its longevity. It’s a handy ladder with a wide base and flared rails for improved stability. The feet of the ladder have rubber treads which means that it’s safe for different types of flooring and ground. This is a lightweight ladder that’s perfect for homes, offices, workshops, and more.
Pros
- It's a versatile ladder which has height adjustments in 1-feet increments.
- Even with the compact design, it works as different types of ladders.
- Has a no-pinch hinge that's patented, safe, and easy to use.
- Made for aircraft-grade aluminum and has a wide base for enhanced stability.
Cons
- The hinge points of the ladder aren't very durable.
4. Louisville Ladder L-3016-06 300-Pound Duty Rating Fiberglass Stepladder
Editor’s Rating:
Durable
This is another strong ladder as it can handle weights up to 300 pounds. It has gusset bracing that’s heavy-duty and made of steel on each of the steps to provide you with maximum durability and strength. The ladder had rubber feet which are slip-resistant to provide better traction on the ground. The molded top of the ladder comes with tool slots for added convenience. It has a pinch-resistant spreader within the ladder to give you the stability you require while working.
Construction
This is a 6-foot step-ladder made of fiberglass and comes with a molded top which has a parts tray providing exceptional rigidity and stiffness. Also, the top comes with tool slots and a recessed parts tray. It has spreader braces which are pinch-resistant and made of plated steel. The angle feet are from aluminum, and they have rubber treads making the ladder safer and more stable.
Convenient
The molded top comes with slots for your tools and a recessed tray that’s non-conductive and has a rugged design. This feature is perfect for any tools or parts which you need to have on-hand while you work on your tasks. The ladder has a bright red finish and bright yellow accents giving it high visibility. Each of the steps has rivets which are super-strong making the ladder a lot more secure.
Pros
- The ladder has wide and U-shaped, vertically mounted faces for superior stiffness.
- It also has inside spreader braces and the steps have steel rivets for enhanced strength.
- The feet are of rubber and slip-resistant for stability.
- It has a molded top which has slots for handyman's tools.
Cons
- It's quite difficult to open for some people.
5. Louisville Ladder FE3216 Fiberglass Extension Ladder
Editor’s Rating:
Construction
This extension ladder can handle up to 300 pounds in weight. It’s perfect for different tasks such as working on light construction, utility, residential, or electrical jobs, and more. It has fully-serrated D-shaped rungs for a surface that’s slip-resistant. The mar-resistant feature of the rail end caps protect the landing surfaces and also provide a longer life. The ladder comes with durable slide guides to prevent the ladder from over-extending.
Heavy-duty
The steel shoes of the ladder are heavy-duty, plated, and have rubber treads making it easy to use and safe. The D-rung extension is of fiberglass providing you with stability even for heavy-duty tasks. It’s suitable for residential and commercial use as it’s able to handle up to 300 pounds in weight. Since the rails of the ladder are of fiberglass, you can use it safely around electricity.
Safe
The safety of this ladder extends even in wet weather since the serrated rungs prevent any slippage. It’s a stable, heavy-duty latter that locks with a quick-latch system to ensure that the ladder maintains its extension. The swivel safety shoes are steel-plated to allow for a stable set up and user safety.
Pros
- Has a weight capacity of 300 pounds which includes the weight of the user and the tools.
- It exceeds safety standards thanks to all the features.
- Has end caps which are mar-resistant and safety shoes which are steel-plated.
- The rung lock has a quick latch that's patented.
Cons
- Some customers feel that the ladder is too heavy.
6. Rubbermaid RM-2W Folding 2-Step Ladder
Editor’s Rating:
Compact
This stepladder is an excellent tool to use whenever you need a bit of extra height to reach for items around your office, garage or home. Despite its compact size, it’s able to handle a person with up to 200 pounds in weight. With it, you can feel comfortable and safe without having to deal with a heavy ladder that takes up too much space. The durable ladder is of steel and has a sleek silver finish.
Construction
The frame of this step ladder is of sturdy steel while the steps are of plastic. It has a hand grip as well to make you feel comfortable and safe while you try to reach various items in your home, garage or office. The ladder has a huge standing platform which locks in place automatically and non-marring feet. The convenient handgrip makes the stool easy to carry and easy to climb. It has a duty rating for type III, and it folds up easily for storage and portability.
Unique
No matter what type of task is in front of you, this ladder will help you out. It will provide you with the extra height you need for painting, cleaning or just to reach for items on shelves, and more. It’s a convenient tool with a unique design making it very popular among DIYers and professionals alike.
Pros
- The ladder has a steel frame, 2 steps, a comfort grip, and a silver finish.
- The steps of the ladder are large and made of sturdy plastic.
- Folds up easily for portability and storage.
- Although compact, this ladder can handle up to 200 pounds in weight.
Cons
- Some customers claim that the steps are too narrow.
7. Werner MT-13 300-Pound Duty Rating Telescoping Multi-Ladder
Editor’s Rating:
Versatile
The ladder offers amazing versatility, and it may be the only one you’ll ever need. You can easily transform this into different types of ladders making it perfect for projects indoors or outdoors. It’s a professional-grade ladder with an ergonomic design, hinges with push-knobs, and steps which are double-riveted. As a twin stepladder, the ladder can support up to 300 pounds on each side including the person and all his tools.
Easy to use
Each inner section of the ladder allows you to fold it easily into various positions including an extension ladder, twin stepladder, and storage. You can come up with all these configurations using the locking hinges on both sides of the ladder. It’s easy to make height adjustments too, thanks to the J-locks with spring-loaded features.
Safe
This multi-ladder has various positions or working heights which you can easily configure. It’s a durable product which is of high-quality materials. The steps are double-riveted providing you with durability that’s long-lasting. It also has a flared bottom that’s extra wide for better support and stability. The ladder has smooth side rails with a curved design for your comfort and safety while working.
Pros
- Comes with 13 different positions or heights for various tasks.
- The push knobs have a soft-touch feature making it easier to use.
- It's a professional-grade ladder with non-marring feet and double-riveted steps.
- The ladder has an extra-wide bottom that's flared for stability and support.
Cons
- It's quite heavy and difficult to move around.
8. Cosco World's Greatest Multi-Position 21-Foot Ladder
Editor’s Rating:
Construction
This is a stable ladder thanks to its slip-resistant feet and flared legs. It can handle loads up to 300 pounds in weight, and you don’t need to assemble it first before using it. With this product, you have five different ladder types in a single tool. Each of these ladder types has various height settings. It has positive locking hinges for added security, and the frame is of aluminum for added strength.
Versatility
The ladder provides safety on various surfaces whether indoors or outdoors. You can climb on both sides of the ladder, and it comes with 10 height options just for the extension ladder. It’s a multi-position ladder made of heavy-duty, high-quality construction. It’s also easy to fold for better portability and storage. It’s a secure and sturdy ladder which comes at a reasonable price for its excellent versatility.
Value for money
DIYers and apartment dwellers who perform a lot of jobs around their home will appreciate this ladder. With its price, you’ll get good value for your money because it comes with a lot of handy features. It’s a multi-position ladder that’s easy to use, safe, flexible, and high-grade.
Pros
- The ladder has flared legs, and the feet have a slip-resistant feature for stability.
- You can use this ladder both indoors and outdoors.
- The "I" beam box is of aluminum for enhanced strength.
- It comes with hinges that have positive locks, and you can climb both sides of the ladder.
Cons
- The parts made of plastic tend to crack.
9. Werner D6228-2 300-Pound Extension Ladder
Editor’s Rating:
Heavy-duty
This is a heavy-duty extension ladder made of sturdy, fiberglass. It can hold up to 300 pounds in weight, and it has fiberglass rails which are non-conductive for enhanced safety when you work on electrical tasks. The rungs are of aluminum and they’re slip-resistant. These rungs are also connected to the rails for a performance that’s twist-proof. It has gravity spring locks with a rugged design to help the ladder work smoothly.
Safe
This ladder has a duty rating of Type IA which means that it can carry up to 300 pounds in weight. It’s a dependable ladder with slip-resistant D-rungs to provide a comfortable and level surface for standing. They have non-conductive fiberglass rails which you can use even with electrical tasks. The ladder also comes with some safety features such as the spur plate, molded rung braces, and more.
Easy to use
The ladder has the ALFLO rung-to-rail connections that’s patented which help keep the ladder stable while you work. The Shu-Lok pad is slip-resistant and the spur plate can either rest in a flat or a spur position for softer ground. When setting this ladder up, the Shu-Lok holds the feet in position to maintain stability. You can extend this ladder easily because of the external guides at the top portion of the base and the internal guides on the bottom part of the fly section.
Pros
- It has a durable shoe with a Shu-Lok feature and a bracket that's rail-shielded.
- The ladder had external guides which interlock the rails securely.
- The D-rungs are slip-resistant and come with a Traction Tred feature.
- Comes with special Alflo rung joints which provide a performance that's Twist-Proof.
Cons
- There are a lot of issues with the product's shipping.
10. Lifewit 12.5ft Folding Ladder
Editor’s Rating:
Construction
This is a multi-purpose ladder that measures 12.5-feet and is of aluminum. It’s a folding, heavy-duty ladder that’s rust-proof for superior durability. The lightweight ladder is highly portable, but it can still handle up to 330 lbs in weight. You can configure it to different positions including straight ladder, scaffold, stepladder, and stand-off ladder. All of these can help you perform different tasks all around the home or office.
Safe
The operating hinges of this ladder move smoothly in multiple positions. It has stabilizer bars, safety locks, and protective padding made of rubber. All these will ensure your safety while you work. It’s also easy to store this ladder as you can fold it into a compact size.
Versatile
The ladder has a height that’s suitable for indoor and outdoor tasks. Also, this height complements the multi-position features of the ladder. You can use it to change light bulbs, clean windows, paint the interior or exterior of your home, and more. Since the ladder has multi-position features, it serves as a very handy tool for DIYers and professionals too.
Pros
- Comes with an iron frame that's rust-proof which means that you can clean the ladder with water.
- Has a strong design and it of PP material that's odorless and environment-friendly.
- You can assemble the ladder in different ways and use it for different purposes.
- Has a tool-free assembly that's quick and easy.
Cons
- You might encounter structural issues after some time.
Guide to Buying the Best Ladders
There you have it, some of the best ladders available on the market now. No matter which one you choose, you’re guaranteed a great buy. Before you select though, it’s important to consider some key factors to be sure that you’ve chosen one which will suit your own needs and preferences, and can provide you safety.
What important factors should you consider when buying a ladder?
Construction
We’ve already discussed the common materials used for making ladders. By far, the best ones are fiberglass and aluminum as these are the most durable. Fiberglass ladders are perfect for outdoor use while aluminum ladders resist rust. Even though these materials are lightweight and easier to move from one place to another, they tend to feel a bit wobbly when you extend the ladder fully.
A ladder made of an anodized aluminum alloy is highly durable but very heavy. This means that you might find it challenging to move it around for different tasks. If you perform a lot of electrical work, then it’s best to choose a non-conductive ladder to ensure your safety while you work.
Weight rating
Ladders have different weight ratings, and this indicates the maximum weight they can carry or support. The weight rating depends on the type of ladder and the material it’s made of. Usually, the maximum weight includes the user and all the tools or accessories you’re working with. This is another important factor to consider especially if you’re planning to choose a ladder with extra height.
Types
Although there are many different kinds of ladders, they usually come in some common designs. Each of these serves their own purposes and they have their own features too. If you want to determine which is the best ladder for your needs, you should first need to know about the different types:
Low stepladders
These are the shortest ladders available and they’re perfect for those who want quick access to low and medium height wardrobes or cupboards. These are also great for those who need to trim low trees or bushes outside. Every home and office needs this type of ladder since it’s very handy and versatile.
Low stepladders have sturdy and wide steps along with a gripping handle so you can carry it around wherever you go. You can fold these ladders to a more compact size and store them in your home or in your vehicle while you travel.
A-frame ladders
This type of ladder has a simple design, but it’s also very useful. A-frame ladders have two legs attached to a spreader that’s positioned within the ladder to improve its stability. These ladders have good heights making them great for tasks like changing light bulbs, painting walls, pruning trees, and more.
Sometimes, A-frame ladders have extra features such as an accessory area or a tool slot on the ladder’s top shelf where you can store your paint tins or your tools. These ladders have a good weight rating too, but they’re more rigid than others which means they’re not as versatile as the other types.
Articulated ladders
Multi-use articulated ladders are very versatile. This is because they have a convertible design making them perfect for DIYers, professionals, and everyone in between. Having this type of ladder is just like having 5 or more different ladders in one convenient tool. Multi-use articulated ladders come with articulated hinges or joints which you can lock into different positions.
This means that you can use such ladders as a single ladder, an extension ladder, an A-frame ladder, a scaffolding system, and more. You can use this type of ladder around or over obstacles and even on uneven ground. The downside of this type is that they’re bulkier and heavier than other ladders and you may need more time to set them up.
Telescopic extension ladders
Rounding up our list of common ladder types, this one is also very versatile and provides high flexibility for various tasks. A telescopic extension ladder is great for washing windows, painting the interior and exterior of homes, building or home maintenance, and so much more.
This type of ladder will provide you with an extended reach making it perfect for anyone from homeowners to commercial contractors who need to access the areas which are hard-to-reach. Just like the multi-use articulated ladders, this type of ladder tends to bend or wobble when you extend it fully.
The Verdict
There’s a lot for you to consider if you want to purchase a ladder for your home or workplace. You need to think about your safety and the tasks that you need to perform with it, whether you plan to use the ladder frequently or not. Whether it’s for fixing an old fused bulb, or some DIY project, it will be a good addition to your garage equipment.
We’ve reviewed some of the best ladders in the market now, and you can choose any one from our list to make sure that you have a superior product.