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Find the right ladder for your next project

Practical ladder reviews, clear comparisons and buying advice to help you choose the right ladder for your home, workshop or job site.

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  • 74 published guides & reviews
  • Safety notes in every guide
  • No invented prices or star ratings
Roofer wearing a safety harness climbing an aluminium extension ladder set against a house
Rule of thumb Extension ladders: 1 ft out for every 4 ft up, and 3 ft above the roof edge.
Photo: Daniel & Hannah Snipes / Pexels

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Each type suits a different job. Pick the shape first, then the size and duty rating.

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Interactive guide

Find the right ladder

Answer five quick questions to see which ladder type to look at first and a sensible size to check against the manufacturer’s chart.

  • Ladder size — the labelled length of the ladder.
  • Standing height — the highest step or rung you may stand on.
  • Reach height — roughly how high an average adult can comfortably reach from there.
1. What is the main job?

Measure it — a standard ceiling is about 8 ft; a one-storey gutter is often 9–12 ft.

3. Storage space
4. Any electrical work or power lines nearby?
5. Is there a solid surface to lean the ladder against?

Estimates use typical US manufacturer reach charts for an average-height adult. They are not a safety assessment — always confirm height, duty rating and setup against the manufacturer’s instructions and labels for the exact ladder.

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Ladder comparisons that settle the decision

Ladder types at a glance (general characteristics — check each model’s label)
Type Stands on its own? Typical jobs Watch out for
StepYesCeilings, painting, light fixturesNever stand on the top cap or top step
ExtensionNo — leans on a supportGutters, siding, roof accessSet a 4-to-1 angle; extend 3 ft past a roof edge
Multi-positionIn A-frame modeStairwells, mixed indoor/outdoor jobsHeavier; confirm every hinge lock
TelescopingDepends on modelOccasional jobs where storage is tightCheck each section lock engages
PlatformYesLonger two-handed workBulkier to move and store

Not sure about height? Read “What size ladder do I need?”

Ladder safety

Safety & practical advice

Falls from ladders are a common cause of home injuries. These guides cover inspection, setup and the limits printed on every ladder label.

  • Inspect before every use
  • Keep three points of contact
  • Stay within the duty rating
  • Keep belt buckle between the rails

Our safety guides follow US practice (OSHA and ANSI/ALI ladder standards). UK and EU readers should check EN 131 and HSE guidance, which differ in places.

All safety guides
  1. How to Inspect a Ladder Before Every Use (2026): The Full Safety Checklist 13 min read
  2. How to Set the Right Ladder Angle (2026): The 4:1 Rule Made Simple 12 min read
  3. Ladder Duty Ratings Explained: Type IA, IAA, II & III (2026) 12 min read
  4. Fiberglass vs Aluminum Ladders (2026): Which Should You Buy? 13 min read
  5. Common Ladder Safety Mistakes (2026) — and How to Avoid Them 13 min read

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About our reviews

How we put our recommendations together

  • Manufacturer specifications

    Height, reach, duty rating, weight and material come from the maker’s published specs, and we say so when a figure needs checking.

  • Feature-by-feature comparison

    We compare documented features — locks, feet, platforms, storage size — against the job each ladder is meant for.

  • Safety standards first

    Our safety advice is based on OSHA and ANSI/ALI ladder guidance, and every guide flags the limits that matter.

  • Honest about money

    We earn a commission on some Amazon purchases. It never buys a place on a list, and we show no invented prices or ratings.