Ladders can be expensive, but we found that the HBTower 5-Foot Wide-Step Folding Step Ladder with Tool Platform performed as well as many more costly ladders, but without as much damage to your wallet. As for weight, we could easily tote the ladder with one hand and added that it was very easy to open and close. And tying the top of an extension ladder to the roof you are climbing is also a smart safety precaution. That’s high enough for many tasks around the home, including reaching most ceiling lights, painting walls, and accessing high cabinets. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Ladders, Tested and Reviewed - The Spruce The 11 Best Ladders, Tested and Reviewed - The Spruce

The platform is 45 inches above the ground, and the frame extends 24 inches higher, providing a secure grip should you need one. When it comes to using an extension ladder outside of your home, we recommend purchasing a ladder that has plenty of rungs that go above your roof (about 3 feet).This safety guideline states the maximum weight capacity of the ladder, which includes not just your own weight but also the weight of all tools and supplies you set on the ladder or hold in your hands while standing on the ladder. The MPXT 19-Foot Reach Multi-Position Ladder transforms from a double-sided stepladder to an extension ladder to a stairway ladder to a 90-degree ladder fairly easily, although we found that it’s helpful to read the user’s manual for an overall idea of how the ladder works before using it. However, we're still impressed by its versatility and think it's a great investment for homeowners who prefer to take a DIY approach to yearly home maintenance.

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One ladder for many projects is a big win for homeowners who are short on storage space but need access to various types of ladders. Werner D6216-3 16-Foot D-Rung Extension Ladder: Although this ladder felt sturdy during our testing, we found that it was difficult to climb at the sections where it overlapped.Our top choice, the Bauer Corporation 6-Foot Fiberglass Folding Step Ladder, scored high marks for its stability, sturdiness, and reasonable weight which makes it easy to carry the ladder to wherever it’s needed. He further cautions that when working with electrical wiring, it is safest to stick with a fiberglass ladder rather than an aluminum ladder, as aluminum is highly conductive to electricity. Each ladder was evaluated for stability, ease of setting up/folding down, portability, value, and extra features.