Changing a light bulb?
You're probably going to need a foldable ladder.
Plus, owning a ladder is essential for knocking out home improvement tasks like painting, cleaning the gutters, etc.
That's why we've created this buying guide to help you pick a nice one.
In this ProPaintCorner.com guide, you will learn:
- Which are the best multi-position ladders
- The best deals on the best ladders
- Tips and tricks for hard to reach paint prep
And much more!
Below is a quick list of all our top products. Keep scrolling to learn more about how to choose and use the best multi-position ladders.
| Image | Product | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Our Top Pick
|
Our Top Pick
|
Little Giant Ladders Velocity M22 6-18ft. Multi-Position Ladder
|
|
View on Amazon |
|
Best Budget
|
Best Budget
|
LUISLADDERS Folding Ladder Multi-Purpose Aluminum Extension Ladder
|
|
View on Amazon |
|
Best High End
|
Best High End
|
Louisville Ladder 20 ft. Extension Ladder
|
|
View on Amazon |
|
|
TOPRUNG 12ft. Multi-Purpose Extension Ladder
|
|
View on Amazon | |
|
|
Werner Telescoping Ladders 22-foot Multi-Purpose Ladder
|
|
View on Amazon | |
|
|
Cosco Smartclose Telescoping Aluminum Ladder
|
|
View on Amazon | |
|
|
WolfWise Aluminum Telescopic Extension Multi-Purpose Ladder
|
|
View on Amazon |
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
Updated On September 22, 2023
Our top pick is the Little Giant because it makes reaching hard spots so much easier.
You will appreciate having a Little Giant. around the house when it's time to change lightbulbs, dust off cabinet tops, clean the gutters and more because it will easily stow away in your closet, and you can take it out when you need it without the worry of leaving it outside or in the garage where it might grow legs.
We can tell you from experience that the Little Giant is super easy to adjust, and it comes in four different sizes, so you can pick the right size for your home or project.
Top 7 Multi-Position Ladders For Painting
In a hurry? Check out our top 7 multi-position ladders! Keep reading to discover more about our top picks.
- Little Giant Ladders Velocity M22 6-18ft. Multi-Position Ladder
- LUISLADDERS Folding Ladder Multi-Purpose Aluminum Extension Ladder
- Louisville Ladder 20 ft. Extension Ladder
- TOPRUNG 12ft. Multi-Purpose Extension Ladder
- Werner Telescoping Ladders 22-foot Multi-Purpose Ladder
- Cosco Smartclose Telescoping Aluminum Ladder
- WolfWise Aluminum Telescopic Extension Multi-Purpose Ladder
What Are Multi-Position Ladders For Painting and Construction?
Multi-Position ladders have locking points that allow the ladder to fold and extend into different forms to help navigate around a workspace.
Generally made from aluminum alloys, a folding ladder is a must-have because they allow you to perform tasks like easily work above staircases and move between rooms without knocking the walls.
There are also heavier duty multi-position ladders(like the Louisville) that are made from either heavy-duty aluminum, steel, or fiberglass that just extend to a certain height and allow the user a more sturdy surface to work off of at higher heights.
Read More >> What Are The Top Telescoping Ladders Out There?
What Are The Different Types of Multi-Position Ladders For Painting and Construction?
The type of ladder you choose depends on the job you do or the function you will be using it for.
Classic A-frame
The classic A-frame ladder makes household jobs so much easier. There are plenty of different brands of A-frame ladders on the market, but the models listed in our top 5 are some of the best.
Adjustable A-frame ladders are great to have when you need to reach areas above stairs, and they are also great because two people can work off each side the ladder if necessary.
Multi-function
Some ladders have multiple lock points that can be folded into step stools, trestles to hold scaffolding, and some even have a tray that comes out to hold your paint can.
Telescopic
Telescopic ladders are great for on the go solutions.
These types of ladders typically aren't in A-frame style, so they are just a flat ladder that telescope folds down into a ridiculously economical space.
If you drive a sedan, for example, even the smallest adjustable ladders can be hard to fit inside.
That's when telescopic ladders come in handy because they break down into such a compact size.
Read More >> How Do You Paint A Wall Like A Pro?
How Do Multi-Position Ladders Work?
Save space
Multi-Position ladders are designed to economize space.
Back in the old days, if you wanted to reach a tall space on a work project you would have to whip out a big ladder that is hard to maneuver and even harder to transport.
Luckily nowadays we have amazing technology like sliding, folding, and even telescoping ladders that break down into small units that we can easily transport even in the smallest of cars.
Push tabs/locks
Most adjustable ladders have some sort of push tabs that lock and unlock the ladder, allowing it to change form.
For example, if you need to touch up a paint spot on a staircase, you could simply elongate one end of your ladder so that you can set one end on the lower part of the stairs and the other shorter end up higher.
That's what makes these new ladders so nice! If you have been using your grandfather's heavy old ladder this whole time, you are going to be pleasantly surprised at how lightweight and versatile a new ladder is on any type of home project.
What To Look For In The Best Multi-Position Ladders For Painting and Construction?
Height
How high will the ladder go? Maybe you are an interior painter, and you just need a small ladder to get you up to those difficult to reach spots.
Weight
A heavy ladder isn't always a bad thing. Think about it; the more weight the ladder has, the more stable it will be with you standing at the top of it.
But then again, a heavy ladder will be hard to carry around the house or from job site to job site.
Weight Capacity
How many pounds will the ladder hold? Most of these ladders on our list have a 300-pound weight capacity, which should be more than enough to hold most normal-sized people.
And this weight capacity generally refers to how much weight each rung can hold.
Even though it's not safe to have two people up on a ladder, it does sometimes happen, and when it does, the ladder isn't going to break as long as the two people aren't standing on the same step.
Folding Ability/Ease Of Use
Folding ability comes into play when efficiently storing your ladder, and also for functionality.
For example, a wall ladder that doesn't have any folding or sliding points is ten times harder to use when working off stairs when compared to an adjust A-frame.
And aside from all the bells and whistles, some ladders are just plain easier to adjust than other ladders.
Type 1A (Duty Rating)
A type of 1A ladder is a ladder that has a weight rating that is 300 pounds or higher. These types of ladders are most recommended for professional and industrial use.
Read More >> What Are The Top Paint Rollers For Painting Ceilings?
Our Reviews Of The Best Multi-Position Ladders For Painting and Construction
Little Giant ladder systems are without a doubt the most popular multi-position ladders on the market.
Some people might call a standard A-frame ladder a Little Giant, even when it's not!
That's because once you own a Little Giant multi-use ladder, it will be your best friend in any out of reach situation.
This OSHA and ANSI standards approved, affordable, lightweight, and portable ladder is super sturdy and makes jobs much easier.
This is a great stairway ladder because you can easily adjust the length of each side.
Pros
Cons
Want a multi-purpose ladder that has more folding points than other ladders?
Try this 12.5-foot LuisLadder, a well designed folding ladder that not only folds into more forms than other ladders, but it also folds into a more compact shape for storage and transport.
The zigzag slip-resistant foot straps on the LuisLadder prevent accidents, and the material used is aircraft-grade aluminum that is designed to last.
Pros
Cons
This Louisville 20-foot fiberglass ladder is a must-have for anyone who is constantly climbing up on the roof or any other type of outdoor use.
One of the best things about Louisville Ladders is that they are ridiculously sturdy.
Although this Louisville ladder isn't the lightest weight ladder on the market(it is a straight ladder) it serves its users will with its excellent safety standards and
We have personally used this ladder on countless occasions and can tell you it's a great investment.
Pros
Cons
Toprung is a great alternative to name-brand adjustable ladders because it is made from strong aircraft-grade aluminum and exceeds all international safety standards like ANS1.
The quality control is high on Toprun ladders, so you are guaranteed a lifetime product when you purchase one.
Try this 12-foot ladder out on construction sites, in offices, and around the house.
We recommend the Toprung as a great stairway stepladder, and it even has a longer stabilizer bar at the bottom that prevents slip outs and falling.
Pros
Cons
Werner makes a super versatile 22-foot folding ladder than folds into 28 different positions, including a scaffold, two-person step ladder, and extension ladder.
This is a great option if you are looking for a professional-grade ladder, as the Werner has double-riveted steps that are rated for weights of up to 200 pounds.
The soft-push button knobs make it easy to fold the Werner into the shape you need to make the job easier.
Pros
Cons
The Cosco Smart close Telescoping Ladder is famous for its portability.
This 12.5-foot ladder with up to 16 feet of reach is the perfect option if you are looking for something that stores in tight spaces.
This uniquely designed and easy to use ladder makes reaching high spaces easier than ever before. Pick one up off Amazon for the best price.
Pros
Cons
Wolfwise is another honorable mention telescoping multi-position ladder that is super affordable and great for storing in tight spaces.
And you might think that a telescoping ladder could pinch your hands when closing back up, right? Well, think again. This Wolfwise ladder comes down slowly so in 5-8 seconds so that you can keep your fingers injury-free.
Choose from three different sizes of the Wolfwise ladder including 8.5, 10.5, and 12.5 feet.
Pros
Cons
We chose the Little Giant because it is a versatile ladder with a maximum size of 26 feet.
Made from lightweight aluminum, this multi ladder is ideal for any business or homeowner who wants a lifetime product.
You have four different size options when choosing your Little Giant ladder:
- 13 foot
- 17 foot
- 22 foot
- 26 foot (maximum height)
You are covered on every front with a Little Giant ladder.
You can find the lowest price now on Amazon!
Final Thoughts On Multi-Position Ladders For Painting And Construction
Which ladder should you choose?
Like we stated earlier in this guide, it depends on what you need the ladder for.
If you are a home estimator or insurance inspector always moving from job to job in a small car, you will want something like the Cosco or the Wolfwise that telescopes down into a tiny size for storage.
If you are a painter or drywall expert working off of stairs, on two-story interiors, etc you need something like the Little Giant to give you access to reach those hard to grasp areas.
And of course, that heavy-duty work demands a strong ladder like the Louisville fiberglass model to support heavyweight and get the job done.
Questions? Don't forget to drop us a line on our Pro Paint Corner page! We'll be happy to quickly answer any doubts you have about your DIY project.
