Falls from heights account for a significant number of workplace and home injuries.
That’s why when working on small jobs that require ladders at homes or in your workplace you need a strong, safe, and sturdy step ladder.
Step ladders allow you to complete tasks at home or your workplace like changing bulbs, painting, cleaning gutters, and more.
But step ladders come in varying styles and heights. And it is important that you choose the right ladder.
With that in mind, here are some of the best step ladders available based on the number of steps and budget.
- Aircraft-Grade Aluminum
- Non-Slip Steps
- Folding Safety Bar
- Weight Capacity 300 pounds
This choice is our top pick for a reason and with its many great features, it is easy to see why we chose this product. With all the things that this step ladder can do, the only thing that it can’t do is order itself for you.
Step Ladders Comparison Chart
| Photo | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material: Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds Weight: 27.5 pounds Certifications: OSHA & ANSI A14.2 | Check Price | |
| Material: Aircraft Aluminum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds Weight: 14 pounds Certifications: OSHA & ANSI A14.2 | Check Price | |
| Material: Fiberglass/Aluminum Weight Capacity: 250 pounds Weight: 18 pounds Certifications: OSHA & ANSI | Check Price | |
| Material: Aluminum Weight Capacity: 225 pounds Weight: 7.5 pounds | Check Price | |
| Material: Steel Weight Capacity: 200 pounds Weight: 14.3 pounds Certifications: ANSI | Check Price | |
| Material: Aircraft Aluminum Weight Capacity: 300 pounds Weight: 10 pounds Certifications: OSHA & ANSI A14.2 | Check Price |
6 Best Step Ladders (as of September, 2023):
1. Little Giant Ladders 10410BA – Best 4 Step Ladder Review
This step ladder by Little Giant Systems ladder features four wide non-slip treads for stability and safety.
And there is a fold-up bar, which is equipped with a tool tray that holds brushes, paints, and other tools.
The Little Giant Ladders 10410BA ladder is made of high-grade aluminum, which is durable and resistant to rust and corrosion.
You can fold the ladder for easy transport and portability. And it also has wheels to make it even easier for you to transport.
One setback is that it comes with a one year warranty.
Main Features
- Perfect For Working Over Grates
- Aircraft-Grade Aluminum Construction
- Wide, Non-Slip Steps
- Extra-Wide, Slip-Resistant Feet
- Folding Safety Bar
- Weight Capacity 300 pounds
- Tip & Glide Wheels
- Light Weight & Slim Profile
- Opens & Closes Easily With One Hand
- Easy Transport & Storage
- It is lightweight and portable
- It’s versatile and folds to 5.5 inches in depth for easy storage and transportation
- It’s flexible such that you can use it on almost any type of surface
- It has anti-slip rungs for safety and stability
- It is made of high-grade aluminum alloy for durability and strength
- Comes with a tray tool for your tools
- Tip-n-Pull wheels for easy mobility
- Not ideal to use near electrical wires or power line
- Some users find it heavy
- The handle locks are pretty hard and stiff
2. Little Giant Ladders 15270-001 – Best 6-Foot Step Ladder Review
The Little Giant Ladders 15270-001 Flip-N-Lite is a 6-foot step ladder is made of fiberglass.
So it is durable, strong, lightweight, and resistant to electricity.
It has extra-wide rungs for safety and a standing platform to help reduce foot discomfort and fatigue allowing you to stand for an extended period of time.
Although the ladder is light in weight, it has a rugged construction that can support weights that are not more than 300 pounds.
The one major setback about the ladder is the price tag. The Flip-N-Lite ladder compared to other similar products is expensive.
Main Features
- Ideal For Long-Term Usage
- Aircraft Aluminum Construction
- Huge, Comfortable Standing Platform
- Opens & Closes Easily With One Hand
- Extra-Wide Rungs
- Lightweight & Slim Profile
- Weight Capacity 300 pounds
- OSHA & ANSI A14.2 Standards
- Easy Transport & Storage
- Highest Standing Level: 3 ft 8 in
- Made of fiberglass strength and durability
- Lightweight and resistant to electricity
- Comes with a sturdy handrail for added safety, convenience, and stability
- Extra-wide rungs with a standing platform to prevent foot discomfort and fatigue
- Maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds
- Its height makes it hard to carry or move around easily
- It is expensive
3. Gorilla Ladders GLF-5X – Best 4 Step Fiberglass Ladder Review
The Gorilla Ladders GLF-5X 5.5-foot fiberglass hybrid is a ladder that is ideal for your indoor and outdoor tasks.
The fiberglass material makes it strong, durable, and stable to help you work comfortably while standing.
The hybrid comes with 250 pounds capacity, which is more than enough to support an average person along with their tools and materials.
Via: @gorilla_ladders
And the compact design of the ladder makes it very easy to fold, store and handle when carrying it.
Main Features
- Fiberglass & Aluminum Construction
- Innovative Linkage Design
- Dual Platforms
- Non-Marring Feet
- Weight Capacity 250 pounds
- Space Saving Design
- Easy Folding
- ANSI & OSHA Certifications
- The fiberglass has an aluminum non-conductive frame which makes it ideal when working around electricity
- It is 5.5 ft. and its compact design makes it easy to store and handle.
- It is sturdy and durable
- It has a weight capacity of 250 pounds
- The ladders design makes it easy to open and close
- The dual platform provides the 3 standing surface of a normal step ladder
- Fiberglass step ladders must always be moved and stored indoors for if exposed to sunlight fiberglass materials can break down, so the step ladder is not flexible when it comes to storing it.
- Due to its height, it can be hard to move around with it or transport
4. Polder LDR-3500RM – Best 3 Step Ladder Review
The Polder LDR-3500RM ladder is designed with security and safety in mind.
The 3-step ultra light ladder is built from strong aluminum for durability, strength, and stability.
It weighs 7.5 pounds which makes it easier for you to handle when carrying it around the house.
Its compact feature solves your storage issues as it folds flat to 5 inches thick and 71 inches tall, which makes it easier for you to store.
It has a maximum capacity of 225 pounds, so it is ideal for home use. The downside is the plastic feet, which do not provide a firm and steady grip.
Main Features
- Lightweight Aluminum Construction
- Safety Latch Registers & Handrail
- 5″ Step Design With Non-Skid Treads
- 24.5″ To Top Step
- Maximum Weight Capacity 225 pounds
- Folds Flat To 5″ Thick & 71″ Tall
- Weighs Only 7.5 pounds
- It is 52 inches when completely open
- The ladder has a tall looped top handgrip which allows you to hold it for additional stability and an extra wide top step for that extra stability.
- The lightweight feature makes it portable and easy to carry around the house
- The ladder design makes it easy when it comes to folding and unfolding it
- It is made of aluminum for durability and strength
- Comes with non-skid step treads for added safety and stability
- The plastic feet don’t hold steady on certain surfaces
5. AmazonBasics WK2030-3G – Best 3 Step Ladder On a Budget Review
If you are looking for a quality but affordable step stool ladder, consider getting the AmazonBasics WK2030-3G 3-step ladder.
It is convenient when it comes to saving you space, as it can be folded flat and stored in small spaces.
The 3-step stool helps you access high closets, shelves and more. And it has a locking mechanism that allows you to keep the stool secured when its open.
The construction is sturdy and durable as the step stool is made of steel. Despite being made of steel, the ladder is lightweight due to its compact design.
Main Features
- Space-Saving Design
- Locking Mechanism
- Anti-slip Rubber Feet & Step Surfaces
- Steel Construction
- Folds Flat For Easy Storage
- Weight Capacity 200 pounds
- ANSI Certification
- It has a fold up compact design for easy storage and portability
- It is light weight and easy to carry around
- It extends to an adequate height allowing to access high cabinets and shelves
- It has anti-slip rungs for safety and stability
- Made of steel for durability, strength, and stability
- Simple and easy setup
- Legs are covered with rubber for stability
- Safety lever latches to keep the ladder locked when its open
- Not ideal for people who weight more than 200 pounds
- Some users say that the stool is not very sturdy
6. Little Giant Ladders 15272-001 – Best 2 Step Ladder Review
The Little Giant Ladders 15272-001 4-step stool is easy to set up and use. It does not make any squeaky noises once it is set up.
It’s lightweight and compact, so you can carry it around easily.
The non-slip treads are wide for comfort, safety, and stability.
The platform is adequately wide and deep for safety and comfort. And the ladder does not wobble giving you the stability that you need.
And it comes with a comfortable standing platform to protect your feet from fatigue allowing you to use the ladder for an extended amount of time.
There is also a tool tray where you can place your tools and it is quite sturdy and stable.
Main Features
- Ideal For Long-Term Usage
- Aircraft Aluminum Construction
- Comfortable Standing Platform
- Opens & Closes Easily With One Hand
- Extra-Wide Rungs
- Lightweight & Slim Profile
- Weight Capacity 300 pounds
- OSHA & ANSI A14.2 Standards
- Easy Transport & Storage
- Highest standing level: 1 ft 10 in
- Large standing platform for added comfort and to prevent foot fatigue
- Weight capacity of 300 pounds
- Sturdy and durable build
- Slim design for easy storage and portability
- Easy to set up and use
- Deep, wide non-slip rungs for comfort, stability, and safety
- Opens up to 45 inches
- Rubber feet for stability
- Some users have complained that it is not very stable
- Does not lock when retracted
Buyer’s Guide
Ladders vary in style, design, height, and purpose. And when choosing a ladder, you need to buy one that is going to meet your needs.
In light of this, here are some key things that you need to consider when deciding on a step ladder.
Right Ladder
There is huge selection of ladders and knowing which one to buy depends on your needs. Different step ladders are designed for different purposes. And using the wrong type can cause serious injury.
Via: @tdsladders
So it is imperative that you buy the right step ladder for the right job. You can always consult an expert if you don’t know what ladder to buy for the type of you want to do.
Material
Some people don’t consider material when buying a ladder. And that is understandable because it seems inconsequential, but did you know that you cannot use an aluminum ladder near electrical wires or power lines?
But there are great for small and big jobs. And they are durable, stable, strong, and affordable.
Steel and fiberglass are much more expensive, but they are also extremely strong and durable. And you can use a fiberglass ladder near power lines since the material does not conduct electricity.
Other than the job, the other reason to consider material is how often you plan on using the ladder.
Via: @littlegiantladdersystemsau
If you are contractor, using a wooden step ladder make no sense. Wooden ladders are heavy and cumbersome. You need a lightweight ladder that is easily portable.
Another reason why material is of great importance is durability. You don’t want a ladder that is going to wear and tear after a few uses. You need one that can give you many years of service.
Ladder Height
To ensure that you get a ladder that meets your needs, make sure you get one with the proper height for effectiveness and safety. A 4-step ladders allows you to access higher heights than a 2 or 3 step ladders.
So make sure you get the height right before buying the ladder.
Features
Different step ladders come with different features, but there are certain features that are common like having a foldable design, locking mechanism, non-slip treads, and side rails. Some even come with tool trays for your tools.
Via: @anderton.maintenance.cheshire
But also keep in mind that step ladders that come with extra features are also expensive.
Safety
Step ladders and any other type of ladders come with safety specifications. If a ladder does not have these specifications, you should not buy it.
Price
Step ladders vary in price. And depending on the type of ladder you need, that is going to determine your budget. Some ladders come with extra features, so they are more expensive. So it depends on what you want and your budget.
Safety Ladder Tips
- Always check a ladder for damage before using it to avoid injury
- Do not use a ladder that has dents or cracks
- Use the appropriate ladder for the appropriate job
- Don’t set up a ladder on slippery surfaces
- Don’t place a ladder on an unstable base to get more reach
- Avoid exceeding the maximum capacity weight of a ladder
- Maintain three points of contact when climbing up and down a ladder
- Don’t use aluminum ladders near electrical wires or power lines
Conclusion
Step ladders are popular because they are durable, lightweight, and convenient. They easy to set up and use.
But the one key thing that you should always check with ladders is the safety specifications. Using a ladder that is poorly constructed can be extremely dangerous.
And so is using a ladder that is damaged or has damaged parts. So if a ladder has dents or damaged parts, avoid using it and just buy a new one.
