Are you wondering what the best ladders are for painting?
You've come to the right place!
In this ProPaintCorner.com guide, you will learn:
- Which are the best ladders for painting
- Techniques for using ladders correctly
- Ladder safety tips
- And much more!
The best ladders for painting are the ones that stick around with you from job to job, and they always seem to come handy in every situation.
Great painters have multitudes of ladders.
That's why we've done our research to not only find the best ladders available on the web, but also the best price and best-combined quality and price.
Buy one, two, or even all five of these ladders if you want a good team of equipment for your next DIY or pro paint job.
Below is a quick list of all our top products. Keep scrolling to learn more about how to choose and use the best ladders for painting. Here we go!
| Image | Product | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our Top Pick
| Our Top Pick | Little Giant
|
| View on Amazon |
| Best Budget
| Best Budget | Louisville Ladder
|
| View on Amazon |
| Best High End
| Best High End | Werner
|
| View on Amazon |
|
| Cosco
|
| View on Amazon | |
|
| Delxo
|
| View on Amazon |
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
Updated On February 17, 2023
Our top pick is anything made by Little Giant because they produce the best quality and design, and they are manufactured in the USA.
Whether you want a super convenient step ladder or an even more useful multi-use telescoping model, the Little Giant won't let you down no matter which model you choose.
Demand is high for Little Giant ladders, so get your hands on your favorite model and have it shipped to your doorstep from Amazon today.
Top 5 Best Ladders For Painting
In a hurry? Check out our top 5 ladders! Keep reading to discover more about our top picks.
What Are The Different Types of Ladders For Painting?
There are various different ladder types and they function for anything from changing a light bulb to climbing 40 feet onto a 3-story house or commercial building.
Any of these ladders would be useful for painting ladders.
Here are the most basic ladder types broken down:
Aluminum multi-purpose ladders
Aluminum multi-purpose ladders are great for any paint project because they typically fold up small and extend to relatively higher heights.
Another great thing about multi-purpose ladders like the Little Giant and Werner is that they function as an A-frame and straight ladder.
Extension ladders
Extension ladders are a must for climbing up on 2 and 3-story roofs. We recommend Louisville
Step ladders
Step ladders are commonly found in a pro painter's equipment inventory because they make cutting in edges and masking ceilings easy.
Step ladders are sold with either 1 step or multiple steps, so it is convenient to have a smaller 2-3 step ladder and a taller 6-10 step ladder for portable reaching higher surfaces without the pain in the back of constantly moving a larger extension or multi-use ladder.
Wood ladders
Wood ladders are basically in the dark ages at this point because they are heavy and they rot.
We don't recommend any wood ladders on this list because they simply aren't the best tool for the job, although it doesn't hurt to bring an old family heirloom to the job site for the sentiment.
Read More >> What Are The Best Folding Ladders Out There?
How To Clean Your Ladder?
Cleaning the dirt off a ladder
Exterior and new construction projects will leave your ladder caked in dirt, and you can clean it with a hot bucket of water and a sponge or cleaning brush.
Cleaning the paint off a ladder
Unintentionally painting the ladder happens all the time with paint sprayers.
If you find that your ladder has been coated in unwanted paint, you'll have to use something like isopropyl alcohol (for latex/water-based paint), lacquer thinner(for lacquer), or mineral spirits(for oil-based paints) and a rag or brush to remove the paint from the ladder.
Use the hose
Locating a hose is easy on most job sites to quickly rinse off the ladder leaving it clean enough for transport.
A pressure washer or car wash is another good option for rinsing tough dirt off your ladder.
Fiberglass or Aluminum Paint Ladder, Which Is Better?
Fiberglass conducts less electricity and is more sturdy than aluminum.
In most cases, fiberglass is more sturdy than aluminum ladders plus fiberglass ladders are safer to use around live electricity because they won't electrocute you in the event your ladder touches up against a live wire.
Need a reliable ladder for exterior work that stays firmly where you set it up, a
Aluminum is lighter and more versatile in the workplace.
Need to move the ladder a million times in a day? Purchase an aluminum one.
We don't recommend steel ladders because they are heavy, and they rust.
Read More >> What Are The Best Lightweight Ladders?
What Should You Look For When Buying A Ladder?
Adjustable options
How does the ladder open? Do the legs adjust separately on both sides for setting on the staircase?
Is it a telescoping ladder? If so, does it even have two sides, or is it just a straight ladder?
Adjustable ladders remove the need to purchasing a full-time A-frame step ladder and extension ladder.
Instead, purchase a large adjustable multi-use ladder like a Werner or Little Giant that does both.
OSHA/ANSI approved
OSHA and ANSI are but organizations that hold products to a certain standard in the workplace.
It's good to use ladders that are OSHA and ANSI approved because they are rated for safety.
Size and Weight / Portability
The ladders on our list are a reasonable weight for their function.
It's always good to check specs like size and weight when purchasing off sites like Amazon to be sure if what you are buying.
Weight capacity
Most ladders have a weight limit and will include it in the product description.
Step width
Some ladders have different step widths than others.
Look for ladders that say 'wide steps' or 'large steps' for a more comfortable step.
Accessories
There are always accessories like hooks to suspend the ladder from the top of the roof, not to mention the classic jack and plank/platform ladder that allows you to stand in between the ladders at higher heights.
These ladder accessories are what make the job even easier in the long run.
A tool tray is one of the most convenient features that make walking around to different paint spots easier.
Fits the job
You need the right ladder for the job you are doing. If you are an exterior painting contractor, extension ladders may be more of a priority over adjustable ladders.
Use our list to find the best deals on the market.
Read More >> What Are The Best Paint Roller Extension Poles?
Our Reviews Of The Best 5 Ladders For Painting
Pick #1: Little Giant
Set the telescoping legs at different lengths and put it on the stairs evenly, you can even fold it all the way open for a big and sturdy straight ladder for reaching the highest of construction heights.
There is a reason why the Little Giant has thousands of 5-star reviews, and the stock is always limited on Amazon. That's because this ladder is a job maker.
Check out this Little Giant King Kombo ladder that is perfect for interior painting.
Pros
Cons
Pick #2: Louisville Ladder
You would be surprised at the number of pro painters that own this 6-foot Louisville step ladder.
This ladder is ideal for painting interior and exterior, whether you are doing touch up paint or moving around masking off exterior areas like windows, soffit, and fascia.
Move the Louisville fiberglass model comfortably around new construction sites where they could be live cables because it won't shock you as an aluminum ladder will.
Louisville also makes quality extension ladders like this one for reaching higher heights.
Pros
Cons
Pick #3: Werner
Looking for a good alternative to the Little Giant?
This 22-foot telescoping multi-ladder has a 300-pound duty rating and has 28 working positions to keep your workflow comfortable and capable.
Heavy-duty non-marring feet with double-riveted steps on the Werner ladder keep you on top of the ladder and in control.
This Werner ladder is our budget pick because it has the same telescoping function that the Little Giant has.
Pros
Cons
Pick #4: Cosco
You're going to want a high-quality step ladder for painting.
This Cosco 2-step ladder has non-marring legs that don't damage the floor, folds flat, and is lightweight for easy transport between jobs.
With secure continuous rear leg support, this isn't a step ladder you can easily fall from. Purchase the Cosco 2-step ladder for painting, construction, or around the house use.
We chose this Cosco because it has thousands of 5-star Amazon reviews.
Pros
Cons
Pick #5: Delxo
When painting, a step ladder is essential because interior painting requires the painter to be constantly moving about the room.
Delxo gives you a reliable and affordable option paired with quality.
With a GS certificate for quality and safety, choose between 2 and 3-step models if you are looking for a quality step ladder that makes you look like a pro when you show up on the job site.
Pros
Cons
Our Top Pick: Little Giant
Our top pick is the Little Giant Ladder not only because it's manufactured in the USA, but also because it is the perfect ladder for painting.
Think about it; most houses have a staircase on the inside, and you can't set a normal ladder on a staircase. That's when telescoping legs make masking and painting above the stairs easy and safe.
OSHA and ANSI approved means that you won't have problems from government safety inspectors, and it also means that the ladder
Invest in your safety and comfort with a Little Giant ladder because it functions as an A-frame ladder and a straight ladder.
Plus, it's such a great value for the money. Check out the lowest price on Amazon now!
Honorable Mention: Favorite Step Ladder
Our favorite step ladder is the Cosco 2-Step Household Folding Step Stool because it comes at a steal of a price, folds flat, and is loved by thousands of buyers in the past.
Honorable Mention: Favorite Extension Ladder
From experience, our favorite extension ladder is this Louisville extension ladder because it is very secure to stand on, doesn't conduct electricity (fiberglass is an insulator), and isn't ridiculously heavy like a steel extension ladder.
Read More >> What Are The Best Extension Ladders For Outdoor Work?
Final Thoughts On Choosing The Best Ladder For Painting
Make Ladder Safety A Priority
Remember, safety is first when climbing on ladders. Aside from taking ladder safety advice from sources like Penn State University, here are a few quick tips that will help you stay safe while climbing.
Place ladder on a level surface
One of the biggest mistakes that people make is setting the ladder on a surface that isn't level. If you must place a ladder on a surface that isn't level, there is the possibility of placing a shim under one side of the ladder to level it out.
And remember, when placing the ladder, always stand back to make sure the ladder is perpendicular to the ground.
Avoid concrete if possible
Placing ladders on concrete is dangerous because the ladder is more likely to fall when weight is placed on it.
When getting on the roof, choose to place the ladder on a surface that has grass or dirt over concrete, but be sure to slightly jump on the first rung to make the ladder falls into the grass or dirt evenly.
Don't stand on the top of a step ladder
The last step(or top) of a step ladder is not for standing on. Avoid the top step at all costs for your safety.
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