Your Ladder Buying Guide: From Types of Ladders to Ladder Safety

A sturdy ladder can speed up any home improvement project, and an old ladder can slow it down or even worse, lead to a fall. With the right ladder, you can take your DIY skills to new heights! Whether you’re painting a wall or trimming your trees, it’s important to use the proper ladder for your project. With so many types of ladders, how do you know which one to pick? Let’s look at everything you need to know about which ladder is right for your job and how to ensure you are safe too!

There are many different types of ladders to choose from. Most homeowners need multiple ladders as they all serve a different purpose. Here are some of the most popular types of ladders.

• Extension ladders do just that, extend and retract to different heights. They are most commonly used for outdoor projects. You can easily adjust the height, and because you can shorten them, they are convenient to store. Remember, an extension ladder gives you one less foot of reach under the height of the ladder. So, a 16-foot ladder will give you a 15-foot reach.
• Step ladders are the classic triangular shape ladder that are a great general purpose choice to have in your collection. They are perfect for indoor projects such as installing a ceiling fan or painting. There is also a telescoping step ladder that has a frame you can adjust. When calculating how high you can reach, remember you can reach four feet higher, so a 10-foot ladder gives you a 14-foot reach.
• Attic ladders are typically installed by home builders. If you need a new one, keep in mind the height of your ceiling and the weight you need it to support. (Remember, you’ll be carrying things up into the attic, so opt for a higher capacity.)
• Step stools are a must for every home. They have one to three steps and give you just enough height to do those little tasks that are just out of reach, such as cleaning the tops of cabinets or your fridge. They can fold, so they are easy to store in a closet or pantry.
• Fire escape ladders allow you to climb out a window and safely to the ground from a second story window.
• Scaffolding ladders provide you with an elevated, flat platform to work from on more time-consuming projects such as painting or electrical work. You can easily assemble them and they are also adjustable, which makes them even more convenient.

Ladders are made of three materials: aluminum, fiberglass and wood. Select whichever material best fits the job at hand.

• Aluminum ladders are made of lightweight aluminum alloy and are durable and versatile. They do not rust easily either. They can be transported throughout your home by one person indoors as you work on projects. They do conduct electricity, so don’t use one when working on electrical projects.
• Fiberglass ladders are made of glass and plastic and they are weather resistant. They do not conduct electricity, so they’re a safer choice if you’re working on anything electrical. They are heavier than aluminum ladders and sturdy, making them a great choice for heavy-duty tasks. They are great for indoor or outdoor projects.
• Wood ladders are made of wood, and therefore do deteriorate in the elements, so store them indoors. They do have metal fasteners, so they conduct electricity. They can be used indoors or outdoors, but be careful that they stay dry. They also tend to be heavier than metal or fiberglass.

Ladders have many different features and accessories. We have many ladder accessories to help you stay productive and safe while standing on a ladder. Here are a few popular features.

• Ladder hooks allow you to secure the top of your ladder to your roof for added stability while you work. These are great to use when you are painting the exterior of your home or cleaning or installing gutters.
• Ladder mitts are made of durable foam and they slip right over the feet of an extension ladder and protect the surfaces of your home from damage while you work.
• Ladder stabilizers provide additional support for your ladder when you’re working at greater heights. A stabilizer is perfect for those jobs where you can’t hold on to the ladder with at least one hand because you are fully engaged in an installation or painting project. They increase your safety by allowing you to let go of the ladder while you’re working.
• Paint cups and disposable liners can be attached to any ladder while you paint, so you don’t have to juggle a paint tray that could fall and spill. The disposable liners make for convenient clean up. You can even use these to hold tools or small screws and nails too!
• Utility hooks prevent all kinds of cords from extension cords to garden hoses from getting tangled while you work. They can also hold a bucket of liquid or tools for easy access.
• Ladder levelers stabilize your ladder on uneven surfaces, or softer surfaces, such as grass or dirt. You can adjust both legs of your ladder with a leveler to make your ladder sturdy.

It goes without saying, but as you ‘climb to the top’ in your DIY skills, safety is key! Use caution and follow our ladder safety tips at all times. If you’re in a rush, skip the work. It’s always better to take your time when you are up on a ladder.

1. Always follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines!
2. Regularly check that your ladders are in good working condition.
3. If you’re doing any electrical work, use a fiberglass ladder.
4. Wear shoes with good tread so you don’t slip.
5. Check the weather before you climb a ladder outdoors! Don’t work on a ladder in the wind or rain.
6. If you can, have someone hold the base of your ladder when you are working on particularly high projects.
7. Make sure your ladder is level and sturdy and that all locks or hinges are firmly set in place.
8. Maintain three points of contact at all times such as both feet and one hand on the ladder.
9. Hold onto the outside rails when climbing a ladder, and slowly climb one step at a time.
10. Always face the ladder and don’t carry anything when you’re climbing. If you need to bring things up with you they should be secured to your tool belt or pulled up by a rope.
11. Move the ladder if you can’t reach something. Don’t lean off a ladder!
12. Remember to leave two steps at the top of an a-frame ladder for stability and four for an extension ladder.
13. When working on or near a roofline, select a ladder that is three feet higher than the roofline.

14. Remember, on an extension ladder, for every four feet up you climb, the base of the ladder should be one foot away from the object. So, if you are climbing up 12 feet, the bas of your ladder should be places 3 feet out from where it’s resting to complete the triangle.
15. Remember to check the ladder rating system. Ladders have a set type which determines the weight they can hold. Check the label on your ladder for the type.
• Type 3: Maximum weight = 200 lbs. Best for lighter duty jobs.
• Type 2: Maximum weight = 225 lbs. Best for medium jobs, such as painting and doing house repairs.
• Type 1: Maximum weight = 250 lbs. Best for heavy duty jobs, such as major construction.
• Type 1A & 1AA: Maximum weights of 300 lbs. & 375 lbs. Best for professional use.

We have ladders for all kinds of projects. We’re ready to help you ‘climb to new heights’ in all your home improvement projects. Come see us at McCoy’s so we can help you find the right ladder for your project. It doesn’t hurt to have a few in your garage, so you can tackle any task!