A ladder is a household staple, even if it doesn’t get used that often. From changing lightbulbs and reaching high shelves to cleaning out the gutters or painting the house, ladders are simply a necessity some of the time.
You don’t have to be afraid of heights to know that ladder safety is paramount. Finding the best ladders that are good-quality, stable, and safe is a big choice that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
With so many options on the market, it can be a difficult choice. We picked the top 8 ladders for you to consider to keep the choice as easy as possible.
Top 3 Recommendations
The Best Ladder List for 2022
GameGem Two-Step Ladder, Maximum Load 330 lb
Pros
- Stable and sturdy
- Anti-slip pedals with lines
- Non-slip feed
- Multi-purpose
- A three-year warranty
- A 90-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Potentially the price
- Too Lightweight
The most important thing you need in a ladder (apart from help to reach places) is stability. GameGem’s lightweight two-step ladder offers just that: a perfectly stable and sturdy aluminum construction frame, anti-slip pedals, and non-slip feet, with a maximum load of 330 pounds.
To add to the stability, the pedals of this step ladder are 7.9 inches wide and 12.9 inches long, thick, and boast prominent lines to better support your feet. As for the feet on a ladder, they all have non-marring layers so as not to ruin your floors.
Good news: no assembly is needed! The ladder comes assembled and folded. Your job is only to unfold and use it. Folding ladders are fantastic for cramped spaces as they require very little room for storage. When folded, it’s only 2.2in deep so it can fit under or behind furniture or in a corner.
This nifty little two-stepper is a multi-purpose ladder: it’s stylish and minimalistic so that it can serve as a decorative piece in your home, or you can use it as a flower stand, bookshelf, or any way you see fit.
As a bonus, it’s great for helping kids. You can even take it with you to help you climb into your truck or on a horse!
This step ladder is a bit pricey, but a three-year warranty backs it but, if you’re dissatisfied with the product, GameGem also gives you the opportunity of a 90-day refund on their best ladders.
Gorilla Ladders 22-Foot Multi-Position, Max Load Capacity 300 Lb
Pros
- Multi-position
- Five adjustable ladder positions
- A lifetime warranty against material/craft defects
Cons
- The speed lock is made of plastic instead of metal
Gorilla ladders are on top of the list of best ladder brands, time-tested, tried-and-true, and a favorite of many! This brand provides top-notch strength and performance without compromising security.
The chances are you already know their products’ qualities, but for those who don’t, we’ll gladly explain the benefits of using a Gorilla ladder.
The model we will talk about is a great ladder that you can use in five versatile and adjustable positions.
Not a single feature of this ladder is sub-par. It possesses heavy-duty beams, rungs, hinges, “armored” feet, ultra-strong rail locks, and a frame that can support up to 300 lb!
This ladder provides a 22-foot reach when fully extended. Since it’s a multi-position ladder, the height and reach will vary depending on the position you transform it into (the user manual explains in great detail how to adjust the ladder in various ways).
There are five options: extension ladder, stepladder, 90-degree ladder, staircase ladder, and a scaffold holder (scaffold beam is sold separately). Now, one by one, we can view the specs for each ladder “mode.”
The extension ladder has a max reach of 22 feet, but it’s a nine-position adjustable ladder, with the height ranging from 10 feet 10 inches to 18 feet 10 inches.
The stepladder can have five heights, from 5 ft 5 inches to 9 ft 5 inches, with a maximum reach of 13 ft 12 inches.
The 90-degree ladder position is excellent for working close to walls. The maximum reach here is 12 ft 9 in, and it’s possible to set it four different ways (6 ft 5 in–9 ft 5 in).
Scaffold mode consists of two scaffolding bases, four positions (11.25 in–2 ft 10 in), and a maximum reach of 9 ft 6 inches.
For a Home Depot ladder, Gorilla is the best you can purchase. They cover their products with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing or material defects under regular use.
Remember, all “modes” support one person, plus materials/tools (except in the two-person stepladder mode, where each side has the capacity of 300 lb).
Little Giant Ladders Flip-N-Lite 6-Foot Ladder, Max Load 300 Lb (15270-001)
Pros
- Lightweight
- Foldable with one hand
- Stable and durable
- One year limited warranty
Cons
- As with any ladder of this type, the chance of pinching your fingers exists
The best 6-foot ladder for your home is called a Flip-N-Lite and is made by Little Giant Ladders. This brand has a strong reputation and is undeniably famous for its ladder design.
From a distance, this ladder may not look special at all, but once you try it, it will become an irreplaceable piece of equipment in your garage.
It sports a lightweight aluminum frame, splendid standing platform, and wide rungs to provide comfort during long-term use, maximizing balance and minimizing foot fatigue.
A release handle helps you quickly, with one hand, turn this lightweight ladder into the flat folded position, perfect for storage. It weighs less than 15 lb, so you can carry it wherever you want with ease. It can hold a maximum weight of 300 pounds, but just be careful not to pinch your fingers when you’re closing the ladder.
On the top, there’s a tray for tools and parts you need to keep close when working to avoid constant climbing up and down.
The feet on this 6-foot ladder are durable rubber that won’t slip even on polished or slightly slanted surfaces, nor does it scratch them. We can’t stress enough how safe and stable this ladder is. It’s so sturdy it even minimizes the sense of vertigo usually associated with ladder climbing.
Flip-N-Lite also comes in 4- and 5-ft sizes, and Little Giant ladders back all of its Flip-N-Lite products with a one-year limited warranty.
Little Giant MegaLite 17 Ladder, Max Load 300 Lb
Pros
- Heavy-duty lightweight aluminum frame
- Five modes
- 300 lb OSHA rating for each mode, except for the stepladder
- Tremendous stability and safety
- Ports for ladder accessories (such as the AirDeck tool tray)
- A limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Scaffolding plank not included
The brand of Little Giant is one of our favorites. While they may be a little more expensive than other brands, their quality and innovation are unbeatable by other comparable products.
Little Giant has made the best multi-position ladder on the market. It’s lightweight but heavy-duty aluminum that possesses exceptional stability and safety properties, including a safety handrail and wide-flared legs to minimize the feeling of vertigo. In addition, it features ports for the AirDeck tool tray or other compatible ladder accessories.
Thanks to unique triple-locking hinges and telescoping slides, you can set up this versatile ladder in five different modes: extension ladder, stepladder, 90-degree ladder, staircase ladder, and a scaffold trestle mode.
Little Giant’s best ladders are OSHA rated. This one holds up to 300 lbs, except in the stepladder position, where each side holds the total capacity. When the ladder is in the extension position, it’s 15 ft long, and the minimum height is 9 ft.
Due to its versatility, this ladder can be positioned on uneven surfaces, too. Moreover, transporting it won’t be a problem as it features the patented Tip & Glide wheels.
The plank for the scaffold holder is sold separately, and if you’re wondering what’s the best ladder for stairs, this type of adjustable ladder is definitely your best bet.
Little Giant’s “One Ladder Does It All” carries a limited lifetime warranty.
Werner 32-Foot Extension Ladder D1532-2
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Every part is well-designed and heavy-duty
- Supports up to 300 lb
- It can be separated into two ladders
Cons
- Heavy to carry and set up on your own
Werner extension ladder is our choice for the best extension ladder on the market. It extends up to 32 feet and can handle the weight of 300 pounds. The construction is aluminum, and everything about it is incredibly heavy-duty, from Ibeam rails to spring-loaded locks.
Thick guide brackets connected to the top and the bottom hold together the beams, and brackets engage the fly section, raising and lowering it.
It comes with a 5/16 in continuous polypropylene rope held with a quick clip (preventing knots, tangles, or loose ends).
The main reason it’s on the list of best ladders for 2022, however, is that this ladder features heavy-duty slip-resistant Traction-Tred D rungs, which are also aluminum. These are connected to the rails with unique Alflo rung joints that Werner created to eliminate the possibility of rungs twisting.
On the bottom of the beams, there are sturdy mar-resistant feet caps. The feet rest flat or in spur position (owing to exclusive SHU-LOK feature). It isn’t wobbly, and it doesn’t flex even when fully extended, but you’ll probably need someone to assist you with moving and setting it up.
Werner is one of the best ladder brands. All of their ladders meet OSHA standards, and when you purchase this ladder, you basically get two ladders in one, as the base and fly sections can be separated and used on their own.
Telesteps Telescoping Ladder 12.5-Foot, Max Load 300 Lb 1600ET
Pros
- Stable and safe
- Durable aircraft-grade aluminum frame
- Compact
- Easy to extend and retract
- One-year warranty on parts and manufacturing
Cons
- The telescopic function sometimes jams
- Not US made
The best telescopic ladder (and the first and only of its kind) is, hands down, the Telesteps’ fully automatic telescoping ladder.
It’s been used by many police, military, and paramilitary troops (and not only by them) for the last decade, which explains how much trust you can put into the Telesteps brand and its product. Awarded for Most Outstanding and Innovative Product, Telesteps is the original creator of the automatic telescopic ladder, and it’s still the best in the industry.
This ladder is crafted from 100% aircraft-grade aluminum and sports 100% silicone anti-slip feet that are adjustable.
Telesteps’ best telescoping ladder sports a patented one-touch release extending from just 32 inches up to 12.5 feet, giving it a 16 ft reach (the rungs are placed precisely one foot apart). It extends and retracts very quickly and safely.
Having the possibility to “shrink” the ladder’s size this much means you don’t need a lot of space to store it, plus It fits virtually anywhere.
The weight of this ladder is only 23 lb, but its carrying capacity is much, much more at 300 lbs! The construction isn’t shaky at all, making you feel safe with every step.
Telesteps’ best ladder is OSHA compliant and carries a one-year warranty on parts and manufacturing. It’s well worth the price and is prized for its durable quality.
Rubbermaid Three-Step Ladder With Project Tray, Max Load 225 Lb RMS-3T
Pros
- Stable
- Convenient project tray
- A one-year limited warranty
Cons
- The steps are slightly narrow for adult use
This next ladder from Rubbermaid is a simple solution to your needs and the best step ladder for home use.
This three-step ladder boasts a heavy-duty but lightweight steel construction that can handle up to 225 pounds of weight. It has three steps plus a project tray on top, which comes in handy if you’re doing some repairs and need to put your tools or paint to reach them quickly without needing to climb down. The tray contains a smaller removable tray with compartments and a lid, where you can even keep some smaller tools between uses.
The best step ladder for your home has to be stable; we’ll all agree on that. The safety and stability of this model are excellent, the steps are over-molded with rubber for secure footing, and a locking mechanism keeps the ladder stable.
It includes rubber-padder feet that don’t slide and don’t scratch your floors either. It’s super safe for your fingers, too, with zero chances of pinching. The rungs are wide enough for your feet, so it will be comfortable and safe to stand on them for a prolonged time. There’s non-slip rubber on the top grip, too.
This best ladder for home is also slim and compact for convenient storing in narrow places.
For additional security, Rubbermaid covers this ladder with a one-year limited warranty.
First Alert Two-Story Fire Escape Ladder, Max Load 1,125 Lb
Pros
- Sturdy steel construction and nylon strappings
- Reusable
- Steel stabilizers
- Six-year warranty
Cons
- The instruction manual is a little confusing
A fire escape ladder can mean a difference between life and death in certain situations. That’s why it has to be extra reliable! Think about it—you wouldn’t entrust your family’s safety to any run-of-the-mill tool, would you?
The best fire escape ladder you can get is a 14-foot (two-story) ladder from First Alert, the most trusted home safety brand. It’s ready to use out of the box, and, most importantly, it’s reusable (unlike the majority of others). The rungs are anti-slip fire-resistant steel coated with epoxy, and the straps are made of DuPont Cordura nylon. This ladder holds up to 1,125 lbs (375 lbs at a time), weighing only 12 lbs.
The steel hooks are made for 6-10-inch window sills. A convenient emergency release strap quickly releases the rungs (or holds them in place when the ladder is folded). First Alert’s best folding ladder for emergencies also sports steel stabilizers on each rung to keep the ladder from swaying while holding it away from the wall.
We recommend that you keep one of these in every room, under the bed, in the closet, or wherever it fits. Remember to do fire drills and practice using the ladder (especially with kids), so you and your family will be ready.
This product comes with a six-year warranty. First Alert also offers a three-story fire escape ladder with wider steel hooks!
The Best Ladders – Safety Tips
There are many serious safety and maintenance tips that make using a ladder that much safer. Here’s our list of safety considerations to check before you climb up to the top rung:
- Don’t climb a damaged ladder! If you order the product online and it comes damaged, don’t try to use it—that’s what refunds and warranties are for.
- Don’t improvise if there’s a part damaged or missing! Even the best ladder needs maintenance or loses a part from time to time. Instead of getting out the duct tape, opt to spend the money and fix it properly to ensure your safety.
- Read the manual. The manual was made for a reason and often includes important safety features.
- Before using the ladder, lubricate the hinges. The manual should tell you what product to use and how often.
- Ensure you wear gripped shoes. Even the best ladder for home use can be slippery.
- Make sure you place the ladder on a level surface.
- Ensure the ladder doesn’t touch any live electrical wires.
- Don’t leave your ladders outside in the elements. Yes, it may be rust-resistant material, but prolonged exposure to the elements will certainly damage any ladder (some parts will get damaged by moisture, while some, like rubber, get damaged by the sun).
People Also Ask
Which ladder brand is the best?
Choosing the best ladder brand is difficult, considering the variety on the market. What works well for your neighbor might not work well for you, and vice versa.
Little Giant is our pick for the best brand in the ladder industry.
Nothing about their ladders lacks quality and sturdiness, from the heavy-duty construction to the non-slip, no-mar feet. To Little Giant, safety is paramount; that’s why they continuously improve on design and materials.
Which brand ladder is best for home use?
Rubbermaid has a nice selection of simple foldable ladders perfect for your home. Their ladders are lightweight steel or aluminum, sleek and stylish. Some even have project trays on the top, which is ideal for when you’re doing some repairs and need tools on hand.
Rubbermaid ladders are stable and have secure footing that won’t scratch your floors. Some have rubber over-molded steps, wide enough so you won’t slip.
Which is better: Little Giant vs. Gorilla Ladders?
Although it’s a difficult choice, we chose the Little Giant over Gorilla (although both are great brands).
When the materials are considered, both carry standard aluminum ladders in many forms, but Little Giant offers many more heavy-duty fiberglass options, which are better for commercial use. Also, their aluminum ladders are sturdier overall.
Little Giant also goes a step further when it comes to safety and stability. Their ladders don’t slip, even when on uneven surfaces, and have specialized features that minimize vertigo.
What is the best multi-purpose ladder?
The best multi-purpose ladder is the Gorilla Ladders 22-foot heavy-duty ladder that works as an extension, stepladder, 90-degree staircase ladder, and a scaffold holder (but it does not come with a scaffold beam). To further the versatility, each of the ladder modes is adjustable (following the user manual).
The maximum reach is 22 feet when the ladder is in the extension mode. The weight it holds is 300 lbs, but when it’s in a stepladder mode, it holds 300 lbs on each side.
What is the best ladder for cleaning gutters?
Go with a multi-position or extension ladder, depending on how high the gutters on your home are placed.
A great option is Little Giant’s MegaLite 17 multi-position ladder. It’s lightweight aluminum but highly stable and durable, with excellent safety features and a maximum load capacity of 300 pounds. When it’s fully extended, the reach is 15 ft, which is enough for a one-story home.
For higher homes, the best ladders for you might be Werner’s extension ladders that go up to 40 feet!