From a DIY home project to cleaning the gutters on your roof, you need a ladder to be able to accomplish these tasks. And the best ladders for these jobs are extension ladders. These can be expanded to reach a reasonable height. And when it comes to storage, they only eat up a small space.
But sometimes extension ladders are a magnet for accidents. From slipping, falling, to wobbling, these are some of the slips you can encounter. So if you’re using just a regular extension ladder, these things might be inevitable.
So we’re listing 10 of the best extension ladders that can ensure a safe and productive DIY!
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Our Top Picks for the Best Extension Ladders (A Product Review)
Before heading out to clean your gutters or repair that leak on the roof, make sure you’re using one of these extension ladders.
The best brands can ensure safety and productivity. And there’s nothing more important than a safe DIY job.
1. Louisville L-3022-24PT– Best Corner Extension Ladder
Work on challenging corners and spaces with a specially designed fiberglass extension ladder.
Working on corners and poles can be more challenging, and dangerous if you’re using the wrong extension ladder. You need a specially designed extension ladder that can increase safety when working with these crevices. The Louisville fiberglass extension ladder is built for these challenging spaces. It also has 700 percent more contact with flat surfaces.
This fiberglass extension ladder is quite stable. You’d feel safe and secured doing light construction and repairs on your house or establishment. We love its features and design, everything guarantees safety. One, it’s made of higher grade fiberglass material.
It’s a 28 feet extension ladder that has met the safety standard for extension ladders. Two, the design is well thought off. The safety of the worker was in mind when this ladder was designed. It features a pole grip V design.
The V shape at the top-notch safely lodges on at the corners, making it ideal for working with poles and corners. The V design makes the ladder stable and the 300 lb weight capacity can fully support your weight and any additional pressure.
Three, it comes with a work tray that keeps all of your tools handy.
Pros
- Pro top V pole design
- Stable and sturdy
- Non-conductive work tray
- Exclusive locking system
- Steel-plated swivel safety shoes
- Slip-resistant
- Easy to use
Cons
- May be heavy and challenging to move around
Why you should buy this extension ladder
It’s a perfect and stable extension ladder perfect for working with corners and poles.
2. Luis Ladders– Best Multi-Position Extension Ladder
This extension ladder can be used in more ways than one.
If you’re working on different surfaces, you might need different types of the ladder to be able to work safely and productively. But if you don’t have enough budget for a couple of ladders, that can be a problem. Luis Ladders can solve your dilemma
This multipurpose aluminum ladder can be used in more ways than one. It’s a folding aluminum extension ladder that can be positioned to fit the structure that you’re working on. You can use it as a leaning ladder, a step ladder, and it is even shapeable to conform to the surface that you’re working on.
So it can also save you on moolah since you don’t need to purchase additional ladders for different projects.
It’s also stable and sturdy. It’s made of high-grade aluminum material. It’s also equipped with supporting tubes and square rungs for added stability.
And even if you change the position and shape of the ladder, it is still stable. It has 6 locking systems that ensure each position is secure.
Pros
- Multi-position and multipurpose
- Anti-slip design
- High-grade aluminum material
- Versatile
- Affordable
Cons
- We hope it came with a bungee cord to secure the ladder when not in use. It seems to sprawl all over
Why should you buy this extension ladder
It’s a multi-purpose extension ladder that can be used in a lot of ways
3. Oxgord– Best Lightweight Telescoping Extension Ladder
This collapsible telescoping ladder is perfect if you have a really tight storage space.
If you don’t have much space in your storage for a ladder, you need a ladder that can shorten when it’s not in use.
The Oxgord telescoping ladder can be shortened and stored in very tight spaces. It is collapsible and easy to extend up to 12.5 feet. So it’s a perfect solution if you don’t have much space in your storage.
This telescoping ladder is quite stable and sturdy too. It has a 300 lbs weight capacity, so you’re pretty covered there. And what sets this apart from other telescoping ladders is that it won’t pinch your fingers. It makes use of a hydraulic system that slows down as each step collapses. So your fingers are all safe.
Pros
- Collapsible and compact
- Extra-wide step
- Non-slip
- Portable
- Made of durable aluminum alloy
- Makes use hydraulic for safety
Cons
- Not advisable for two-story building and up
Why you should buy this extension ladder
It’s a perfect aluminum ladder if you have a very tight storage space. The telescoping ladder is compact too.
4. eWalt DXL3020-16PT– Best Professional Extension Ladder
It’s a professional extension ladder perfect for serious DIYers.
Other extension ladders may be lacking features for heavy DIY work. The eWalt is next to a professional ladder that’s equipped with everything you need.
The eWalt is perhaps the extension ladder fit for a professional. It is teeming with features that can make the hardworking DIY more productive and safe.
And it looks sleek, sturdy and professional too. The frames are extra sturdy with polyester veil covered rails. So expect this extension ladder to last for the long haul. The material protects the ladder from the harsh elements too.
It has a load capacity of 300 lbs so you’re pretty much covered in that area. And it comes with a convenient tool rack where you can keep all of your tools handy. So you don’t have to go up and down the ladder or have someone throw it to you.
Pros
- Has a tool slot
- Has a quick latch and nylon rope
- Non-marring rubber sides
- Heavy-duty aluminum steel shores
- Has a rung cap cover for less noise during transport
Cons
- Maybe a bit heavy
Why you should buy this extension ladder
It’s a sturdy and stable extension ladder that’s suitable for more serious repair jobs. It’s similar to what professionals use.
5. Werner D1224-2– Best Medium Duty Extension Ladder
It’s a perfect stable extension ladder for medium-duty home repairs.
If you’re looking for a more steady and stable extension ladder for light to medium use, this aluminum extension ladder is one of the best. If your regular ladder tends to twist to the sides when in use, the Werner D1224-2 will not.
It’s also lightweight and easy to transport. It’‘s equipped with a patented ALFLO rung joint that keeps the ladder stable. Moreover, it has a beam rail architecture that keeps the ladder durable and stable.
It has a solid foot that can make you feel safe and secure when working on your home repairs.
Pros
- Portable and light
- Slip-resistant
- Stable and sturdy
- Easy to extend
- Non-marring end caps
- Does not twist when in use
Cons
- Can only extend up to 16 ft
Why you should buy this extension ladder
With its 225 lb weight capacity, it’s a perfect ladder for light to medium-duty use.
6. Louisville FE1716– Best Safest Extension Ladder
If you find your old extension ladder too wobbly for you, you need one that has double safety features.
Louisville FE1716 features two heavy-duty glides that make this ladder safer than the rest. This one super sturdy ladder that’S great for reaching a 2 story house. It’s made of fiberglass and aluminum.
This ladder can extend up to 24 ft. and it has a sustainable built, though some may find it too heavy. There’s also a non-pinching on the fingers since there is a safety locking mechanism. The best feature of this ladder perhaps, is that it is never shaky or wobbly. Even a 200 lbs person can access the roof of a second story house without any wobbles at all.
It’s also slip-resistant and can be used in almost any weather conditions in unavoidable circumstances. That’s extra thick rubber threads that make it external safe.
Pros
- Mar resistant ends
- Double duty glides
- Really sturdy
- Stable and doesn’t wobble
- User friendly
Cons
- Some find it heavy
Why you should buy this ladder
It’s a perfect heavy-duty ladder that’s ultra-safe and steady.
7. Little Giant Ladders – Best A Frame Extension Ladder
This multipurpose ladder is one of the most stable when transformed into an A-frame ladder.
If you’re looking for a multi-purpose extension ladder that can be used for extensive home projects, the Little Giant ladders are a perfect pick.
It’s a heavy-duty ladder that can be used as an extension ladder, a step ladder, and a leaning ladder. It’s a heavy-duty multi position ladder. And this extension ladder was also used on work trucks. And in terms of stability and versatility, this is one for the books.
It’s one of the safest to work around electricity too. The Hi-Viz Green Fiberglass is an additional safety feature. The rear section of the ladder is quite narrow, so it’s easy to reach compact and tight spaces.
It’s also one of the most stable ladders on our list, whether used as an A-frame or extension ladder.
Pros
- Multipurpose and multi-position
- Stable and sturdy
- Heavy duty
- Versatile
- Easy to use
Cons
- A bit heavier
Why you should buy this ladder
If you’re looking for a multipurpose ladder that’s also stable when used as an A-frame ladder, this is it.
8. Werner D11162– Best Light-duty Extension Ladder
This aluminum ladder is perfect for lightweight home repairs.
This is an aluminum ladder that’s quite light and easy to move. It feels sturdy and stable, but might not be strong enough for a 200 lb man. It’s great for lightweight repairs. And can fully support those who weigh less than 200 lbs,
Many are falling in love with how easy it is to use this ladder. You can easily move it from one place to another. And in terms of the price, it has a very reasonable price tag too. And It can reach up to 16 feet.
Pros
- Very light
- Portable and easy to move around
- Easy to use
- Has an affordable price tag
Cons
- Cannot support those who weigh over 200 lbs
Why you should buy this extension ladder
It’s a perfect and affordable ladder for lightweight home repairs for those who weigh less than 200 lbs.
9. Toprung– Best Versatile Extension Ladder
It’s one versatile ladder for all your household repair needs. And it can also be used in the industrial setting.
This extension ladder is quite versatile. It’s a multipurpose and multi-position extension ladder that can be used for a variety of projects and repairs. It can be converted to an A-frame ladder, a step ladder, a stairway ladder, and even for scaffolding works.
We love how sturdy and stable this extension ladder is. It’s made of aircraft-grade aluminum material, so no questions on that.
This extension ladder can extend up to 22 feet. And it will surely last for the long haul. And since it’s a position, you might not need to buy any other type of ladder. It’s all on the ladder for all your repair needs.
Pros
- Multi-position
- Sturdy aluminum material
- Non-slip
- Suitable for industrial use
- Wider rungs
Cons
- Can be really heavy
Why you should buy this ladder
It’s a multi-position ladder ideal for both home and industrial repair needs.
10. Xtend & Climb 760 P– Best Telescoping Extension Ladder
It’s a telescoping extension ladder with more safety features.
Telescoping ladders are convenient and space saver. But sometimes they may pose a risk. There’s no way of telling if it’s securely locked unless you step on it. And that may be too late.
The Xtend & Climb telescoping extension ladder adds a safety feature that would prevent this from happening. It consists of green and red light indicators. The color indicators will signal you when the ladder is securely locked.
This extension ladder may be one of the most stylish extension ladders we’ve come across. The entire look is similar to aerospace. It’s sleek and robust. It’s a telescoping extension ladder with a clear anodized finish. This makes the ladder resistant to rust and corrosion and it’s one that’s built to last. And the material is relatively easy to clean too.
This heavy-duty ladder is compact too. In fact, it’s meant to be moved from one place to another. You can purchase a carry case and a strap where you can keep the steps together while transporting. So it would not feel like you’re dealing with an octopus.
Pros
- Has light indicators
- Heavy duty
- Easy to use
- Non-pinching on the fingers
- Portable and compact
Cons
- Straps and carry case are sold separately
Why you should buy this extension ladder
It’s a compact telescoping ladder with additional safety features.
Buying Guide: What to look for When Buying the Best Extension Ladders
The best extension leaders on our list have met the safety standards and are deemed safe. But before you go on your DIY projects, let’s see what factors you should look for buying an extension ladder.
1. It should match the job
Are you going to work on a 2 story house? Is it for home repair or industrial use?
These are just some of the questions that you need to ask yourself. The extension ladder should match the job. Some brands may be stable at a certain height but can be unsafe if you go beyond that. So make sure to know the ladder’s specs and your job requirement.
And there are also different types of extension ladders. So one may be more suitable for your requirements than the other.
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2. The ladder should be a few feet taller
This is an important aspect to look for. Never buy a ladder that’s the same height as the structure that you are going to be working on. There should be an allowance of at least several feet for it to be safe.
3. Weight capacity
Most extension ladders have a weight capacity of 200-330 lbs. You have to allot a leeway for this one. For instance, if you weigh 190 pounds, it’s better to use a ladder that has 300 lb capacity. This will make it more stable and safe to use.
4. Type of material
Extension ladders are usually made of two types of material- aluminum and fiberglass. The ideal one for you would depend on what you’re going to use the ladder for.
Aluminum ladders are lightweight so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a portable and more cost-effective ladder. But if you’re looking for a heavy-duty one and don’t mind the weight and the price tag, fiberglass ladders at great options.
Extension Ladder Safety Tips
Embarking on a repair job with an extension ladder is no joke. One wrong move and it can lead you to a hospital bed. So keep these things in mind
- The safest standing piston is four steps from the top.
- If you must maximize your ladder, it should be two steps down the ladder, nothing higher than that.
- The ladder should extend 3 feet beyond the support point.
- There should be 3 points of contact when using the ladder at all times.
- Always inspect your extension ladder before climbing. Check for any loose screws or any parts that need to be oiled.
- Wipe the ladder before using it to remove any liquid or substance that can make it slippery.
- Regular maintenance is necessary to keep your ladders in tip-top shape.
- Position the ladder properly. Unless you’re using a multipurpose ladder, it needs to be used in one correct angle only.
- Watch out for pinching points, especially if you’re using a telescoping extension ladder.
- Always make sure to place the ladder on a firm and even surface. If there’s an uneven spot, you can use leg levelers.
- Avoid using a ladder near the doorway or any area where people come and go. This lessens the risk of people bumping into you.
- Avoid using extension ladders in harsh conditions.
- Climb the ladder with both hands on the rails. If you feel dizzy, close your eyes momentarily to regain balance and climb down slowly.
- Stay steady and slow when climbing a ladder. And don’t let anyone climb with you.
- Never lean a ladder against a tree. It should be leaned against a sturdy surface such as a wall.
- When working, both feet should be on the steps and your buckle placed at the center of the rails. This will prevent you from reaching 12 inches on each side. Doing so can topple the ladder over.
- When working, do not put your weight on any parts of the spot that you’re working on. Always keep your feet on the steps.
- When in doubt, always have someone assisting and holding the ladder below you.
- Always read and comprehend the manufacturer’s direction
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FAQ’s:
Are extension ladders safe?
Yes, they are. But make sure to use ladders that have met the safety standard. And you have to buy the right ladder for the job. And lastly, follow our guide on how to use extension ladders safely.
Can I use ladders when raining?
As much as possible, extension ladders should not be used in harsh weather conditions. But if it’s unavoidable, make sure to use heavy-duty ladders and have someone assist you below. Surfaces may become uneven and slippery.
Fiberglass vs aluminum ladder- which is better?
Each type of material has its own pros and cons. Aluminum is cheaper and lightweight, therefore they are perfect for ladders that need to be moved from one area to another. Fiberglass, on the other hand, can be more expensive and heavier, But it’s a more durable and heavy-duty material.
So it depends on your job requirement and your budget.
Home DIY repairs and projects are fulfilling and can save you a lot on moolah. But if you’re using a substandard ladder, it can spell an accident. The best extension ladders on our list can help you finish these tasks safely.