Top 10 Best Lightweight Ladders (2023 Review)

Top 10 Lightweight Ladders

In a hurry? Check out our top 10 lightweight ladders! Keep reading to discover more about our top picks.

1. Little Giant Ladders Velocity M22 Multi-Position Ladder
2. Werner MT-22 Telescoping 22-Foot Ladder
3. Cosco Smartclose Telescoping Aluminum Ladder
4. Little Giant Ladders Flip-N-Lite 6-Foot Stepladder
5. Ohuhu Aluminum Telescopic Extension Ladder
6. Louisville Ladder 8-foot Stepladder
7. WolfWise Aluminum Telescopic Extension Multi-Purpose Ladder
8. Kidde Two-Story Fire Escape Ladder
9. charaHOME Telescoping A-Frame Aluminum Extension Ladder
10. Delxo 2-in-1 Lightweight Aluminum 3-Step Ladder

What Are Lightweight Ladders For Home, Construction, And Painting?

The last thing you want to do is injure yourself carrying a ladder to where it's needed. 

But you also don't want to injure yourself climbing up something that isn't sturdy enough to support your weight.

That's why we've provided you with this list of mostly OSHA and ANSI approved ladder to help you purchase a modern-style ladder that is both lightweight and sturdy enough to keep you safe.

What Are The Different Types of Lightweight Ladders For Home, Construction, And Painting?

Break that wood ladder up into pieces, and throw it into the fire. Here are the types of ladders that will help you complete your project without knocking into the walls:

Telescoping ladder

The new popular style of the ladder has a telescoping design. 

This means that the legs slide down into each other(like a telescope) to compact into a smaller size than ever before.

Step ladder

Step ladders are great for consistently reaching heights that are just out of reach.

The best step ladders are typically brands like Louisville, Little Giant, and Werner, however, you will find some other good brands on Amazon if you search for the ones with high-reviews.

In fact, most painters and construction workers have a step ladder for those times when the extension ladder is too much to carry around. 

Step stool

Step stools are another important tool because sometimes you don't need to reach up very high to reach the desired location. 

For example, if you are cutting in the ceiling with a paintbrush, you might get exhausted by carrying a big ladder around the whole room. That's when step stools are ideal.

Fiberglass extension ladder

Fiberglass extension ladders come in handy when working around electrical work because they don't conduct electricity.

These ladders provide a sturdy design that won't break or bend as easily as aluminum, however, they are slightly heavier in weight, so take that into consideration when purchasing.

Hint: Werner makes some great 40-foot fiberglass extension ladders.

Fire escape ladders

We've also included some great ideas for fire escape solutions.

Some home building locations require that there is a lightweight fire escape ladder mounted on one of the upstairs windows for the event of a fire. 

These ladders are probably some of the lightest actual weight you will find, and you could include them in storage applications, playhouse designs, and more.

Multi-position/Multi-purpose ladder

Multi-position ladders (like the Little Giant) make projects so much easier. 

For example, say you need to touch up a paint spot above a staircase. You can't just set up any ladder. 

You need one that folds into an A-frame form and that has legs that adjust to different sizes, so you can set the ladder on the stairs evenly without putting you at risk of falling off. 

For this reason, multi-position ladders are a must-have when painting and performing other interior jobs like drywall mudding.

A-frame ladder/Folding ladder

Folding ladders differ from multi-position ladders because the legs typically don't adjust to different sizes.

A-frame ladders are still a great option for certain applications like touch up painting and exterior work like siding, soffit, fascia, etc.

The bottom line is that you purchase the right ladder for your project. 

Read More >> What Are The Best Telescoping Ladders?

How Does Lightweight Ladders For Home, Construction, And Painting Work?

There are many different ladder designs that will do the job when it comes to your DIY project.

In fact, professionals often rely on a quiver of ladders that assist them in accomplishing different tasks. 

An experienced painter, frame, drywall guy, or roofer, or any other construction master will always have a step ladder, extension ladder, and multi-position ladder ready for the job at hand. 

Lightweight Is Key

A lightweight ladder makes things a whole lot easier when transporting tools between job sites, especially for those workers who visit multiple jobs per day. 

Today's lightweight aluminum ladders save your back because they can extend up to heights comparable to heavy-duty steel or fiberglass extension ladders at a fraction of the weight.

Ladder accessories

There is a wide range of ladder accessories like this hook that easily attaches and lets you hang the ladder from the top of the roof. 

You will also find ladder brackets that attach to two different ladders allowing you to hang scaffolding that makes working large areas much safer and easier.

Read More >> What Are The Best Multi Position Ladders?

What To Look For In The Best Lightweight Ladders For Home, Construction, And Painting?

Aluminum frame

Hands down, the lightest ladders will be made from aluminum. 

Don't be mistaken, fiberglass and stainless steel ladders are still great options, and they are very sturdy to stand on, but they aren't lightweight and easy to move around like an aluminum ladder.

Rubber feet

Rubber grips to the ground better to help you stay safe on the ladder.

Telescoping

Telescoping ladders are a newer technology where the legs telescopically fold into each other for a compact and easy to transport ladder.

Duty Rating

Ladders have different ratings according to how much weight they can support. Look for ratings from OSHA and ANSI for the best quality ladder that won't cause problems in a professional work environment.

Here are the different ladder ratings according to a Hawaii University

Type III

These ladders are designed for light-duty use and not meant for withstanding heavyweights. You shouldn't try to carry heavy objects up a ladder that has this rating.

Type II

Type II ladders are designed for medium-duty use and have a duty rating of 200 pounds.

Type 1A 

Type 1A is typically the strongest ladder rating that has a duty rating of 300 pounds. 

For more help finding the perfect lightweight ladder for what you need, you might try checking out Youtube videos like this one:

Our Top Pick: Little Giant Ladders Velocity M22 Multi-Position Ladder 

Aluminum doesn't rust, so the Little Giant ladder is perfect for use in any condition. Plus, the slip-resistant legs that are individually adjustable will make touching up and reaching difficult areas a breeze.

In fact, if you are a painter, there are some spots that you literally can't reach without the help of an adjustable ladder like the Little Giant. 

Support a company that still manufactures its products in the USA! 

Little Giant provides jobs to over 200 American citizens.

Final Thoughts On Lightweight Ladders For Home, Construction, And Painting

Climb Safely

Take some tips from the National Safety Council for education in ladder safety. 

Here are some things to remember when climbing a ladder:

• Set the ladder on a sturdy and level surface

You are at a much higher risk of injury when setting your ladder on a surface that isn't level. 

If you are setting your ladder on a surface like dirt that isn't very sturdy, it's much more likely to slip out on you.

Climbing up on the roof? Roof climbing is possibly the most dangerous part of being on a ladder, so when you do climb up onto the roof, be extra careful. 

Placing the ladder into the grass at an angle of 75-degrees in relation to the ground is a good place to start.

You might also try fastening the ladder to the rain gutters using a bungee cord to help prevent the ladder from falling off to one side or the other. 

Tip: Sometimes it's necessary to place a ladder on a surface that isn't level. One tip you can try is to stick a board like a 2x4 piece of wood underneath the side that is sloped downward for an even sturdy ladder.

Every year thousands of people are injured and some are even killed from ladder accidents. 

Here is another educative link from Penn State University that gives you some good pointers on how to climb a ladder safely. 

The Options Are Limitless

After reading our list and checking sites like Amazon, you have probably learned that there are plenty of great options for a lightweight ladder that doesn't break the bank. 

Picking one shouldn't be too hard, just be sure your ladder of choice has a high number of mostly 5-star ratings, functions the way you want it and you'll be good to go! 

Questions?

Don't forget to hit our professionals with all of your paint questions on our Pro Paint Corner page!