Which one is the best ladder for painting a house?
It’s a common query for many people who’re set to tackle their interior or exterior house painting project on their own.
To be frank, it could be frustrating to choose the right one for the job from a variety of brands and models.
No Worry!
We’ve tested some common ladder types to evaluate how they help to accomplish the task of painting. And finally, we’ve shortlisted the 3 best paint ladders for getting done the job. Read on to find out more!
Best Ladder For Painting [Comparison Chart]
Little Giant 15422-001 Multi-use ladder
22 ft.
300
39
Little Giant 15109-001 Adjustable Step Ladder
6 to 10 ft.(adjustable)
300
45
Little Giant Flip-N-Lite Stepladder
6 ft.
300
12
Best Ladder For Painting 2 Story House
All of these ladders are best in terms of features, quality, usability, durability as well as price as compared to other ladders for painting.
Best Ladder For Interior Painting
#1. Little Giant 15422-001
“22-Foot, 300-Pound Duty Rating“
Little Giant has brought this 22-feet excellent ladder to help out with all your interior and exterior painting needs. It’s one of the best articulating ladders that combine many features into a single frame.
The best part of this true two-person ladder is you can use it five different ways. Thanks to its patented, convertible design that makes it perfect for most of the ladder-related tasks.
Its versatile design allows you to use it as a step ladder in an A-frame configuration. Again, you can open it out and use it as an extension ladder to reach a maximum of 19 feet of height. Not only that, the 90-degree position of this ladder helps you to stay close to your work at height.
Additionally, you can use it as 90- degree ladder or as a scaffold system. Overall, this versatile ladder will replace the necessity of multiple ladders for your everyday or seasonal task. For exterior painting tasks, it’s undoubtedly the best outdoor painting ladder.
No worry! In spite of its high versatility, it’s is safe to use. It is industrial rated up to 300 lbs. What’s more, it comes with a fast rock locking mechanism that allows you to adjust it to a new position quickly and lock it in place with minimal effort.
This little giant ladder is safe and comfortable to use. It features wide rungs that not only reduce foot pain and fatigue but also increase balance and stability while working on it. For added safety, there are deep treads that increase traction while ascending.
Little giant ladder 22 is somewhat heavy. But the wheels that come with it make it portable. So, don’t always need to lug it around. And you can roll it effortlessly from place to place whenever you need it.
Finally, this bad boy is easy to store. The lightweight and 9-inch slim profile let you store it conveniently when not in use.
To summarize, it’s the best ladder for painting high walls and exterior.
Positive
- Convertible design and versatile
- Multi-purpose, professional grade
- Aerospace-grade aluminum construction
- Comfortable and safe to use
- Maximum extension stability
- Easily adjustable length
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Exceeds all OSHA and ANSI standards
Negative
- A bit heavy to carry around
#2. Little Giant Flip-N-Lite Stepladder
“6-foot, 300-Pound Duty Rating“
If we had to pick the top-rated ladder for painting, this Flip-N-Lite Stepladder would be the clear winner.
First of all, it’s the right climb-in-comfort solution for anyone who is looking for a safe but inexpensive ladder for his/ her seasonal construction work or DIY project.
The 14. 25in. X 12in. the standing platform is perfect for full feet support. It’ll eliminate not only foot pain and fatigue but also offers a completely stable, comfortable place to stand while working.
Importantly, it features a tall handrail that adds extra support and stability. There is also a handy tool tray to keep your necessary small tools within your reach.
This lightweight step ladder is easy to handle, transport and storage. You can open it easily with just one hand. What’s more, its slim profile is perfect for almost anyone to maneuver.
Positive
- Industrial-rated construction
- Lightweight design
- Offers full foot support
- Comfortable to stand on
- Easy to set up
- Easy to transport and storage
- Complies with all applicable OSHA & ANSI A14.2 standards
Negative
- Narrow top tray
#3. Louisville FS1503 Fiberglass Step Ladder
“3-Feet, 300-Pound Duty Rating“
Here’s an exclusive and very affordable step ladder that promises to offer a range of useful features to make your ladder task more productive and efficient.
If your ceiling or walls are not very high and you don’t need to reach much height, then this 3-feet step ladder can be perfect for your everyday use.
The innovative features of this stepladder help to improve user’s performance when working utility, or any residential tasks. If you need to paint the area near electrical wires on your house, the non-conductive fiberglass construction of this ladder makes it safe for the jobs.
The safety-focused engineering of this ladder ensures maximum strength and safety. It has an ANSI Type IA duty rating capable of supporting 300 pounds.
This ladder is equipped with a strong and durable “Pro Top,” which promotes productivity and efficiency. This Pro Top features non-conductive molded-in slots to help keep tools close at hand. The pro-top has a paint-can holder, hardware tray, a pipe or 2 x 4 holder, handyman tool slots, and a convenient magnet to securely hold the small steel parts.
A curved ergonomic front provides additional leg comfort for working a long time. Wide, vertical-mounted, U-shaped back braces are spaced on a one-foot interval that provides maximum stiffness and discourages unsafe climbing.
The non-conductive, full-channel, fiberglass rails are sturdy and durable. Each step is secured with semi-tubular; six large-headed steel rivets for maximum strength. Additionally, the spreader braces are placed inside the fiberglass rails that help to protect the braces from getting hooked or abused during transit.
The heavy, huge feet, raptor boot, and “SHOX” system make this ladder stand out amongst others. The impact-resistant, non-marring shoes provide unparalleled stability. Moreover, the exclusive SHOX system adds extra resistance and durability to accidental misuse.
Importantly, the reinforced bottom back brace ensures maximum stability to the bottom of the ladder.
All in all, lightweight step ladders are the best ladder for interior painting available on the market today.
Positive
- Made of high-quality materials
- Easy to maneuver and move around
- Extremely well-made and sturdy
- Very functional
- Meets or exceeds the safety standards set by ANSI, CSA, and OSHA
Negative
- Not perfect for high-reach work
Best Ladder For Painting Stairs
#1. Little Giant 15109-001
“Adjustable 6-Feet to 10-Feet, 300-Pound Duty Rating“
If you feel nervous standing on a stepladder, then this Little Giant 15109-001 is a tool that’s well worth your consideration. With this ladder now you’ll feel as good as standing on solid ground. So, you can focus on your work and work faster without worrying about losing your balance.
This adjustable ladder features a built-in no-pinch Comfort Step that actually serves as a standing surface, so you’re a lot more comfortable up on the ladder. It’s a hundred-square-inch platform that provides a comfortable standing platform for heel-to-toe support even at the top-recommended step.
Additionally, the addition of the AirDeck is a cool feature of this ladder. It’s fully compatible with the top cap. You can snap it in two different positions up into the top cap.
This AirDeck workstation features a handrail for extra stability. So, no matter how you set it up, you’ll never feel vertigo again while standing at the top of the step. Furthermore, it acts as a convenient tray for small paint cans or drop-in screwdrivers, and other small tools.
Additionally, this particular ladder gives you the added benefit of using it safely on stairs and uneven surfaces. This will go a long way for hanging pictures or changing that impossible light bulb or painting the corner above the stairwell.
The high-quality aluminum material construction makes this ladder sturdy, durable, and lightweight. Of course, you’ll get enough stability that you need to work height. There is a wide flared bottom, so no need to worry about stability. What’s more, it features rubber feet that ensure its firm standing on any type of surface.
The transport and storage of this unit are also easy. There are rubber grip and glide wheels on it. So, you don’t have to carry it up on your shoulder or awkwardly. Just tip it back and you can wheel it anywhere you’ve got to go nice and easily.
Overall, it’s one of the best step ladders for painting.
Positive
- 6 to 10 feet adjustable step ladder
- Type 1A rated to hold up to 300 lbs
- Easier to stand on and keep balance
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Very lightweight yet extremely strong
- Complete with Tip & Glide wheels for easy transport
- Complies with all applicable ANSI A14.2 & OSHA standards
Negative
- The ladder itself is extremely heavy
- Plastic parts prone to damage
#2. Finether Folding 4 Step Ladder
“330 pounds duty rating“
This 4- step folding ladder from Finether is an excellent option that is best suited to household chores such as painting tasks, washing windows, or changing light bulbs. It’s also convenient to use in the office, garage, garden, retail store, and more.
The frame is high-quality aluminum made that offers an impressive weight capacity of 330 pounds. Certainly, it’s a high duty rating for such a lightweight ladder. The 14-inch thick step and steel tube frame makes it durable enough to withstand years of heavy use.
This ladder has a built-in multi-purpose tool project tray that offers a convenient location for your hardware and tools. Its recessed center section is handy to keep any size paint can and bucket when working on the ladder.
To ensure the highest level of ladder safety, this tool comes with many safety features. Its extra-wide, non-slip platform provides toe-to-heel support while standing on it. Additionally, the dotted grip on the step surface ensures a more secure footing.
Furthermore, the horizontal step braces and secure and snap joints add stability. The anti-skid rubber feet help the ladder to hold it in position securely and it keeps safe your floor from scratch.
The foldaway design allows you to easily open and fold it for storage in any tight place. Fortunately, it also features a handle that makes transporting the tool a breeze.
Positive
- Impressive weight capacity
- Solid & sturdy construction – no wobble
- Easy to transport and store
- Offers great stability
- Comfortable and secure
- Fairly priced
- Certified to the European safety standards-EN14183
Negative
- Plastic made upper storage tray
Ladder For Painting [Buying Guide]
Buying the best choice of painting ladder isn’t a difficult task. There are only a few factors that you should consider.
The first factor is your reaching height. Consider the maximum height that you’ll need to reach for your painting tasks. There are particular sizes of ladders for specific heights.
Based on the height of your house, choose the ladder. For painting 2 story house or 2 story living rooms, an extension ladder will work well. However, for the one-story house, any platform ladder or step ladder is a good option.
Secondly, consider what type of ladder you need- platform, step-, extension- or articulating ladder. Each type has some benefits and weaknesses over other types. Decide which type will best suit your needs. For exterior painting tasks, an extension or telescoping ladder is a right choice.
Note: the ladder materials have minimal impact when it comes to a painting project.
Don’t forget to take into consideration the weight limit of the ladder. For painting tasks, you may require to keep close some painting accessories such as paint can, paint brass, and much more. So, when assessing the duty rating of the painting ladder consider your weight and painting accessories weight that will be used while on the ladder.
Different Types Of Ladders For Painting Tasks
Different types of ladders are available for painting tasks. Before selecting one type, it’s essential to learn which kind of ladder will serve you best for home painting projects.
#Platform Ladders:
This type of ladder comes in an A-frame configuration. They feature a large platform at the top that provides a comfortable place for standing and resting tools.
Platform ladders are ideal for painting projects as they are comfortable to stand on and work on for a long time. But you need to consider the storage space for it as they tend to be large.
#Extension Ladder/ Telescoping Ladder
If your painting project requires getting very high places, and you have limited floor space for an A-frame ladder, an extension ladder is the right option. One of the nice features of this type of ladder is you can contract and expand it according to your needs.
Generally, extension ladders can reach up to 18 meters (60 feet). They need a supporting wall or object to lean against it. The downside of the extension painting ladder is there is no platform for tool storage. So, you’ll require purchasing a paint shelf separately or make an accessory shelf.
#Step Ladder
It’s a good all-around option to perform ladder-related tasks at home, office, shop, or garage. They feature an A-shape frame that means they are easy to set up and carry around. In general, they are up to 6 meters (20 feet) in height and are nonadjustable.
Step painting ladder usually features a small platform at the top of the ladder that you can use for tool storage. Although they don’t offer the same maximum height as an extension ladder, it’s a good option for general-purpose to keep around your house.
#Articulating ladder
This type of ladder is considered the most versatile type. They offer many configurations into a single frame. You can use an articulating ladder in different configurations to work on different heights.
The downside of this type of ladder is they cost more than other types of ladders. But you’ll find that it’s worth every penny because of its versatility and capabilities.
How To Paint On A Ladder Safely
Painting at heights, especially painting the home exterior, can be a daunting task. You need to learn the right steps to paint your home effectively and safely.
These guidelines will help you to follow the right steps while painting your house.
Step 1:
Obtaining the right height and the right type of ladder is essential. For interior painting jobs, consider the HOMEOWNER GRADE ladder. However, for working higher than 20-ft. (6 meters) off the ground, opt for GRADE 2 or GRADE 1 ladders.
For lower areas or for reaching the various first-story houses, the shorter ladder will work well. 28 feet height or longer is the best ladder for painting 2 story houses.
Step 2:
Learn how to set up your ladder safely. Always set up your ladder on a flat, solid surface. It’s also essential to set up the straight or extension ladder at a safe angle. Following the angle rule of the ladder will minimize the chances of slipping the ladder bottom on the ground or tipping over.
Step 3:
Set up your ladder so that the area you want to paint is within your comfortable reach. Place your ladder at the height just below the space you’ll work. Position your body between the two rails but note that still, you’ll be able to work comfortably on the surfaces painting.
Step 4:
When working at height, it’s important to hold the ladder with one hand. It’s convenient to get a paint can-hook while working on a ladder for painting.
Step 5:
Have a second person to assist you, especially if you paint at a height longer than 24 feet.
** Don’t continue your painting task when it’s too windy.
** If you need to reach some tricky areas above the roofline, use stand-off arms or ladder stabilizer to place the ladder on the roof.
Faq’s About Best Painting Ladder
#1. What is the best ladder for painting ceiling?
A multi-ladder or an articulating ladder is excellent for exterior painting. But you can also use this type of ladder for interior painting as well. If the wall is 8 or 9 ft. high, you can use a multi-ladder as A-frame for painting the ceiling.
#2. What size ladder do I need for painting 2 story living rooms?
In general, it’s considered that two-story living rooms heights are greater than 10 to 12 feet. So, an extension ladder with sufficient height to work conveniently and safely at the top of the room will be needed. What’s more, a step ladder from 6 to 12 feet in height will work well depending on the size of the room.
#3. What are the other accessories for painting?
For your painting project, you may also need a Project tray, Fuel Tank, Work Platform, and Wall Standoff.
#4. What does the ladder duty rating mean?
Ladders come with a specific weight capacity. The duty rating refers to the maximum weight capacity that a ladder can safely hold up. It includes the weight of materials and tools that the user will carry onto the ladder plus his/ her fully clothed weight.
Painting your house by yourself is certainly possible if you get the best ladder for painting and proceed methodically. We hope our 5 best painting ladders reviews and related information has helped you figure out which one is right for your next painting project.
Pick the model that will meet your painting project needs. So, are you ready to paint?
Focus on your great painting job and add lively paint to your sweet home!
Thanks for reading!