The paint job of a residential or commercial building has a huge effect on the overall appearance of the place. Painting should be done with the use of appropriate tools, one of which is a ladder.
A ladder can be made of wood, aluminum, or fiberglass. All these three types of ladders are durable and sturdy.
However, wood and fiberglass take a lot more weight than aluminum. Because of this, aluminum is a popular choice as it is easy to move around. One drawback to this material is that it is a conductor of electricity. Due to such, electrical tasks must not be performed when using this type of ladder.
Looking for the best ladder for painting can be a challenge because of weighing the positive and negative features of the ladder selections in the market.
With the variety of brands and models of ladders for painting, it is important to evaluate the different aspects of these tools to know which is most suitable for your use and budget.
In this article, we will provide you with insights on the factors you should consider when shopping for a ladder. The top ladders in the market today are discussed here as well.
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Top 10 Best Ladder for Painting Job
These ladders have been chosen based on durability, stability, price, weight, and configurations. As compared to other ladders for painting in the market, these ones have the best features and qualities.
Top 5 Picks of Ladders for Painting
1. Little Giant 22-Foot Velocity Multi-Use Ladder, 300-Pound Duty Rating, 15422-001
Manufactured by the Little Giant, this multi-use ladder uses a professional-grade convertible design with 33 configurations. To guarantee stability and durability, this ladder is made from aluminum and is constructed with a dual-pin hinge.
One of the best features of this ladder is that it can be used if 5 ways namely, as an extension ladder, A-frame ladder, staircase ladder, 90-degree ladder, and as a trestle-and-plank scaffolding system. This equates to versatility, which allows any user to accomplish a variety of tasks through adjusting the configuration of the ladder.
Its rock lock system is another feature worth highlighting. Adjusting the ladder will be hassle-free because of the rock lock system that simply involves pushing the lock for release, giving way for the ladder adjustment. After which, the lock is tapped for relocking.
Things We Liked:
- Versatile
- Easy to Use
- Sturdy
- Has wheels for easy transport
Ways to use this ladder
Things We Didn’t Like
- Heavy
- Narrow rungs, which reduces comfort
2. Little Giant 12022 RevolutionXE Multi-Use Ladder, 22-Foot
Made from aerospace-grade aluminum, the RevolutionXE is a lightweight and durable ladder that has a capacity of 300 pounds on each of its sides. It is in compliance with the ANSI and OSHA standards for safety as well as product quality.
It is another of the multi-use ladders manufactured by the Little Giant, which is constructed with wide rungs thereby reducing fatigue and foot pain while ensuring the stability of the ladder.
One of the admirable features of the RevolutionXE is its 5-way design that enables it for use as a scaffolding, 90-degree ladder, A-frame ladder, staircase ladder, and extension ladder. This enables the user to reach a variety of spaces that ordinary ladders cannot, whether in terms of height or obstacles in the way.
Things We Liked:
- Versatile
- Wide Rungs
- Durable and Stable
- Has wheels for easy transport
Things We Didn’t Like
- Heavier than standard aluminum ladders
- Price
3. Little Giant 14016-001 Alta One Type 1 Model 22-feet Ladder
The Alta One is ideal for use in medium-size tasks with a capacity of up to 250 pounds on either side of the ladder. The ladder, made from aerospace-grade aluminum is ultra-strong but without the dragging weight. The durability of the Alta One enables it to withstand the impact of drops and falls.
The Alta One has wide-flared legs with rubberized feet that ensures comfort and prevents slippage, respectively. With its compact size, users will be able to store and transport this ladder easily without damaging structures along the path.
The lock mechanism of Alta One is one to beat as it makes the adjustments and locking of the configuration easy. A solid click will indicate that the lock has been put in place.
Things We Liked:
- Lightweight
- Compactness
- Solid Feel
- Has wheels for easy transport
Things We Didn’t Like
- Narrow Steps
- Changing configurations requires more effort than standard ladders
4. Louisville Ladder FS1506 300-Pound Duty Rating Fiberglass Ladder, 6-Feet
Ideal for low and medium-size tasks in construction, paint, and household jobs, the Louisville Ladder FS1506 is made from aluminum and fiberglass. This step ladder has a capacity of 300 pounds of pressure for each step. To guarantee safety, the steps are grooved for maximum traction. This step ladder is in compliance with OSHA and ANSI standards for product quality and safety.
One of the best features of this step ladder is its Pro-Top where there is a designated space for holding different tools and equipment such as fasteners, paint, drills, and other hand tools. This makes the Louisville Ladder FS1506 very convenient for use and also safe even as the user has to bring tools with him on the ladder
The also comes with the Louisville Ladder FS1506 patented Da Boot design, which is a polypropylene copolymer, which is fastened to the upper boot of the ladder for prevention of slippage.
Things We Liked:
- Pro-Top Design
- Da Boot Foot Traction
- Durability
- Stability
Things We Didn’t Like
- Insufficient ground contact
5. Little Giant 10126LG 300-Pound Duty Rating Ladder System, 26-Foot
The Little Giant 10126LG is a versatile ladder type that can be converted into an extension ladder, scaffolding, A-frame ladder, 90-degree ladder, and staircase ladder. It enables the user to work on uneven surfaces, rooftops, and other locations and tasks that present as obstacles. Standard ladders make it hard for users to work on a vertical surface. But with Little Giant 10126LG, a few adjustments will allow a user to work on a vertical area
Its durability comes from the heavy-duty aluminum construction. Its stability with extended configurations is brought about by the triple-locking hinge. Its ease of transport is provided by the tip and glide wheel system
Things We Liked:
- 5 Way Design for Versatility
- Strength
Things We Didn’t Like
- Heavy
- Price
Types of Ladder
Extension Ladder
Step Ladder
Articulating Ladder
Essential Factors to Consider When Buying a Ladder
Material
The material from which the ladder is made will dictate the durability and the weight of the ladder. As mentioned earlier, ladders are manufactured from fiberglass, wood, and aluminum. The first two are heavier to work with as compared to aluminum. All these three materials guarantee sturdiness and durability
Capacity
Ladders have a weight rating, which is found at its side rail. They come in the following ratings
Type | Weight rating |
---|---|
III | 200 pounds |
II | 225 pounds |
I | 250 pounds |
IA | 300 pounds |
IAA | 375 pounds |
When assessing the capacity of the ladder, the total weight that it will need to support must be calculated based on the weight of the person who will use the ladder and the tools that will be used while on the ladder
Height
The appropriate height of the ladder is important to avoid accidents caused by people reaching far too high on top of the ladder because the ladder length is not enough to accomplish the painting job. To avoid over-extending, below is a sizing guide you can refer to:
- For Stepladders
Max. Height You Want to Reach
|
Size Ladder |
---|---|
7-foot | 3-foot ladder |
8-foot | 4-foot |
10-foot | 6-foot |
11-foot | 7-foot |
12-foot | 8-foot |
14-foot | 10-foot |
16-foot | 12-foot |
18-foot | 14-foot |
20-foot | 16-foot |
- For Extension Ladders
Max. Height You Want to Reach | Size Ladder |
---|---|
15-foot | 16-foot |
19-foot | 20-foot |
23-foot | 24-foot |
27-foot | 28-foot |
31-foot | 32-foot |
34-foot | 36-foot |
37-foot | 40-foot |
Conclusion
Whether you are a contractor or DIY-er, a ladder is an important tool in accomplishing painting jobs and other related tasks. With the choice of the right ladder, you will be making a worthy investment. In order to ensure that you get the ideal ladder for your needs, follow the recommendations above so that you can get the best value for your payment
Further reading