Best Ladders

You undoubtedly need a ladder for everyday repairs and maintenance around your house. Whether you’re doing spring cleaning, painting, or repairs, a ladder is an indispensable piece of equipment. But, which type of ladder you choose will depend on the maintenance needs of your house. If you live in a home with high, cathedral-type ceilings, you’ll need an extension ladder. If you live in an apartment building, maybe you’ll get by with a short step ladder. And if you work as a professional painter, a scaffold or trestle ladder would be best, to paint or plaster an entire wall. We've put together this guide to help you select the best ladder that answers to your needs. It'll help you:

There is a wide range of ladders, with different functionality. We can group them as follows:

• Step ladder: You would use this type of folding ladder for ascending short heights. It has a hinge in the middle, and the two halves of the ladder are kept at a constant width and a fixed angle by means of two stays in between the two halves.

• A-Frame ladder: This ladder consists of two halves, but allows one person to ascend each half of the ladder. This is ideal in situations where the job requires two people to work at once.

• 90-degree ladder: This is a ladder where one half forms a right angle with the ground. This is convenient when working against a wall.

• Stair ladders: You would employ this type of ladder when the level where you wish to work is higher than where you are situated. One half of the ladder is longer than the other, so as to compensate for the extra step.

• Extension ladders: These are ladders which contain an extra set of rungs, so that you can extend the height to up to twice the original length. You can use this to get up to the roof of your house. But this model is especially sensitive to the weight limit--it will start to flex as you approach it, making it somewhat unsafe.

• Storage ladders: If you have a warehouse, you would employ a storage ladder. You lean it against the wall near the shelf of goods that you want to lower down.You will use trestle ladders where you wish to build a sort of scaffold. This consists of two step ladders at the same height. You lay a plank across the top, allowing you a space

• Trestle ladders: You will use trestle ladders where you wish to build a sort of scaffold. This consists of two step ladders at the same height. You lay a plank across the top, allowing you a space where you can work on a large horizontal area, when painting or plastering.

Based on all the consumers' reviews we've scanned, these are the top things they mentioned about their new stuff:

• Lightweight materials: Fiberglass and aluminum tend to make for a lighter ladder, which is still sturdy enough for most jobs. People were pleased with the Louisville Ladder L-3016-08 300-Pound Duty Rating Fiberglass Stepladder, since it was light enough to be carried by even a petite person.

• Utility shelf: Many step ladders have a shelf to accommodate a can of paint or power tools. The Werner 368 8-Foot, 250-Pound Duty Rating Aluminum Stepladder can hold a gallon can of paint, as well as a drill with the drill accessories.

• Weight capacity: Make sure that the ladder’s weight capacity is suitable for your needs--for safety’s sake, never exceed the weight limit. There are three weight classes of ladders:

  • Class I ladder, for industrial uses, with a maximum load of 175 kg.

  • Class II ladder, for commercial uses, with a maximum load of 150 kg.

  • Class III ladder, which is intended for light, domestic use, with a load capacity of 125 kg (= 275 lbs).

• Height of the ladder: Take note of the height of the ladder, especially in the case of extension ladders. That way, you can be sure that the ladder is long enough to reach your ceiling or roof, if you have to effect repairs or renovations.

• Versatile ladders: There are ladders that are multi-functional, serving the role of many ladders in one model. Little Giant Ladder Systems make the Alta One 22-Foot Ladder with Work Platform. This ladder is essentially a 24-in-1 type of ladder. It can be used as a step ladder, A-Frame ladder, 90-degree ladder, stair ladder, extension ladder and trestle ladder. However, these might be too heavy for some people, for moving the ladder around their house or yard.

Little Giant Ladder Systems--was founded in the 1970s by Harold Wing, after he engineered a strong, safe and versatile ladder, that can assume 24 different positions. They make A-frame, Extension, staircase, scaffolding, and 90 degree ladders, step ladders, and stepstools.

Cosco--was founded in 1939 as the Columbus Specialty Company, but are now under the brand name of Dorel Industries, which is located in Westmount, Quebec. Their first product was a specialized match dispenser, but then they expanded into kitchen stools and other folding furniture and outdoor furniture, including tables and chairs from wood, steel or a mixture, both for the office and home. They also make specialty ladders, hand trucks, and storage equipment.

Louisville Ladders--was founded in 1946 in Louisville, Kentucky. They were the first to make aluminum step and extension ladders, as well as the first rolling warehouse ladder, and the first fiberglass ladder. They introduce many different innovative materials to increase their products' strength and durability.

Vulcan Ladder USA-- is a designer and manufacturer of ladders since 1991, with offices in Boston, Chicago, and Shanghai. Their ladders have unique and patented features, always seeking to innovate. They make step ladders, stair ladders, extension ladders, storage ladders, and trestle ladders.