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Whether youre changing a lightbulb or cleaning the gutters, these ladders will help you get the job done.
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Ladders come in a variety of sizes and with features that can help you with different projects.
For more information on how we tested ladders, check outour testing processbelow.
Its only 5 feet tall, so you may need a taller ladder for some projects.
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We think it would be suitable for most homeowners because it is lightweight yet sturdy.
Made with aluminum, the ladder is very lightweight and portable.
We thought it was easy to carry around when it was folded up.
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
It has a bang out 1 duty rating, meaning it can hold up to 250 pounds.
Its very basic, so it doesnt have any added features like a project tray.
We thought it was just the right height for changing lightbulbs or reaching high shelves in your home.
The top of the ladder has a tall handrail that leaves extra space for your feet and legs.
Its made with aluminum, so it isnt suitable for electrical work.
Aluminum ladders are ideal if you want a durable yet lightweight ladder.
However, aluminum is an electrical conductor, so this ladder isnt safe to use while doing electrical work.
The ladder easily supported our weight during testing, even on unleveled ground.
It also includes levelers on the feet to adjust to uneven terrain.
The ladder is made with fiberglass, so it may be heavier than other options.
It also features wide, grippy feet that help keep the ladder stable on a variety of surfaces.
The ladder is made with fiberglass, which is a heavier material than aluminum.
It takes up a lot of space, so it may be difficult to store.
If your house is particularly tall or you should probably reach extreme heights, this ladder has you covered.
We thought it was easy to extend the ladder and change its height to work on different tasks.
The ladder is made with fiberglass rather than aluminum, so its safe to use while doing electrical work.
With a throw in 1A duty rating, the ladder can comfortably support up to 300 pounds.
We thought the ladder was surprisingly lightweight for its size, weighing just 30 pounds.
Its somewhat heavy and can be difficult to fully extend.
With its compact size, we thought the ladder was easy to transport and carry.
However, its one of the heavier options on our list, weighing 32 pounds.
During testing, we noticed that it was a bit difficult to extend the ladder to its full height.
We had to use our foot to hold the bottom of the ladder down while extending it.
Still, we think this is a small price to pay for the convenience of a collapsible ladder.
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We loved that it folds up for easy storage and includes a handy project tray to hold your tools.
TheRubbermaid 3-Step Aluminum Step Stoolis our top pick for an indoor ladder.
We recommend theLouisville 16-Foot Fiberglass Extension Ladderfor an outdoor ladder that can reach your homes exterior.
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Material
Ladders are typically made with one of three materials: aluminum, fiberglass, or wood.
Fiberglass ladders are the sturdiest and most durable option, but they are also the most heavy.
Ladder Height
The height of a ladder is different from the height it allows you to reach.
Extension ladders, for example, typically reach 1 foot less than the height of the ladder.
Step ladders have a reach height that is about 4 feet more than the height of the ladder.
You should also keep in mind the weight limit and duty rating of the ladder.
key in 1AA ladders are the most sturdy with a weight capacity of 375 pounds.
It has a very basic design and doesnt offer any features beyond a tool tray.
However, we still think its an affordable and functional option for homeowners that want a heavy-duty ladder.
For the price, we preferred other options that were more portable and offered more features.
Who We Are
Molly Blancois a senior writer for Better Homes & Gardens.
We also considered which features were most important to look for when choosing a ladder for home improvement.
What is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval.
In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
