The Best Step Ladders, Tested

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Step Ladders, Tested and hope the blog can help you.

Need a boost for overhead projects? We tested the best step ladders on the market today. Find out which ones offer sturdiness, quality, and ease of use.

From tucking away totes on top shelves in the closet to cutting in paint edges along the top of a wall, a step ladder is the tool of choice for accessing difficult-to-reach areas. But not all step ladders are created equal. The best step ladders are durable, capable of safely supporting your weight (plus any tools and materials you’re carrying), and sturdy enough not to slip, tilt, or waver while standing on them.

Furthermore, some ladders are better suited for specific tasks and projects than others. We wanted to know what sets the top ladders apart from the rest of the pack, so we decided to test them. We selected step ladders from leading ladder manufacturers Little Giant, Werner, and Louisville, and we tested them for stability, safety, ease of use, and quality.

If you’re in the market for a step ladder, keep reading to discover how the following models earned a spot on our lineup of the best step ladders and find out what we loved—and didn’t like so much—about each one.

1. BEST OVERALL: Werner 4-Foor Fiberglass Platform Ladder Type IA
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Gorilla Ladders 2-Step Aluminum Step Stool Ladder
3. BEST FOR DAILY USE: Little Giant 3-Step Jumbo Step
4. BEST HANDS-FREE: Louisville Ladder 2-Foot Aluminum Sawhorse Ladder
5. BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: Little Giant Flip-N-Lite Aluminum Ladder
6. BEST DUAL-PLATFORM: Gorilla Ladders Fiberglass Dual Platform Ladder
7. BEST EXTENDABLE: Little Giant  King Kombo Professional Ladder
8. ALSO CONSIDER: Louisville Ladder 6-Foot Fiberglass Cross Step Ladder

How We Tested the Best Step Ladders

We researched the most sought-after step ladders and step stools in their respective categories, considering type, materials, weight capacity, height, safety features, and other special features before selecting the models we wanted to test. In all, we researched more than 35 different models. Our goal was to test a variety of models and types, including standard A-frame step ladders, leaning step ladders, platform models, and even extension ladders to ensure we were looking at as many types as our readers would be.

All step ladders will elevate the user, but tasks vary from painting kitchen cabinets to cleaning out gutters—and the ladder chosen should fit the project. We considered brands to a large extent when choosing the ladders to test. Little Giant, Werner, and Louisville Ladders are tops in the industry, and since safety is our top priority, we didn’t select cheaper models.

For the actual testing, we noted how easy/difficult it was to set up and use each ladder, and we looked for little extras that make tasks easier, such as tool trays, platform steps, and curved safety rails for added maneuverability.

Then the physical part of the testing started. We set up each step ladder and hopped on. Literally, we hopped and bounced on the steps to determine sturdiness. We climbed to the uppermost steps, twisted, turned, and came down backward. We moved the ladders into various spots on different surfaces—carpeting, hard flooring, gravel, and concrete—and repeated the tests. We folded and unfolded the ladders and carried them around to see how portable they were. We also shoved them around a bit when they were on hard flooring (laminate) to see if they would slide or grip the floor.

During the testing process, we awarded points via a rubric. The better a ladder performed on a test, the higher the points it earned. After testing, we added the points and used them to designate the most suitable category for each ladder.

Our Top Picks

To qualify for a spot on this lineup of the best step ladders, each model had to be straightforward to use and sturdy. We tried out each function and accessory on every ladder and inspected and analyzed its overall design. The following step ladders offer a range of climbing solutions; some are better suited to specific tasks than others. Shoppers will want to find out the pros and cons we discovered in our hands-on tests before choosing the best one for their needs.

Best Overall

Werner 4-Ft. Fiberglass Platform Ladder Type IA

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For pros and enthusiastic DIYers, it’s tough to beat the stability we found in the Werner 4-foot step ladder. This professional-grade step ladder, made from high-quality fiberglass, is very sturdy in actual use. It opens easily and locks into the open position to prevent it from accidentally collapsing, and it has rubber feet to keep it from sliding. It features an oversize platform in place of a fourth step, which allowed us to stand comfortably and safely with both feet and even turn around thanks to the top safety rail that curves outward, providing additional standing space.

The top rail features a series of holders and cups for stowing tools and materials, such as hammers, drills, nails, and screwdrivers. We found the tool rail exceptionally handy, as we know how much time is wasted climbing up and down a ladder to fetch different tools. This Type IA step ladder will hold up to 300 pounds. We especially appreciated the nonslip feet that didn’t slide—even on a slick floor.

The only notable downside is the ladder’s inability to support a standard paint roller tray, which means we’d still have to climb up and down if painting with a roller overhead. Not all step ladders have roller tray support, but given that this is a prograde choice, we think it should include the option. That aside, we consider this a top-notch ladder well suited for construction, remodeling, and DIY projects where the user needs a sturdy platform from which to work. It weighs 26.7 pounds—heavier than some—but is still lightweight enough to carry around a house or jobsite.

Product Specs

• Ladder rating: Type 1A
• Top step height: 4 feet (10-foot reach)
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds

Pros

• Very stable and offers a large platform or tool tray for standing and accessories
• Features a top rail that holds a variety of tools and materials
• Nonslip rubber feet keep it from sliding on slick floors

Cons

• Isn’t designed to support a paint roller tray

Get the Werner step ladder at The Home Depot or DSL Supply.

Best Bang for the Buck

Gorilla Ladders 2-Step Aluminum Step Stool Ladder

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Those looking for a foot-up from a step ladder without spending a lot will want to check out Gorilla Ladders’ two-step model made from lightweight, durable aluminum. This budget-friendly choice is just the ticket for household use.

We were impressed by the firmness of this little aluminum ladder, given that it only weighs 6.4 pounds. It folds out easily and locks in the open position to prevent it from accidentally folding up during use. We liked that the upper step is a platform that offers added room for standing with both feet. The ladder folds easily just by lifting the upper platform’s back side, making it super easy to fold with just one hand.

The rail at the top of the ladder provides additional security, and we found it easy to lean our legs against it for added balance while reaching overhead with both hands to access top shelves.

It includes nonskid feet, and the upper safety rail has holders for a few tools or a handled paint cup. However, we don’t consider this two-step ladder a jobsite pick, even though it has a load capacity of 250 pounds and is rated Type I. It’s handy, offering up to 8.17 feet of reach for most users, but because it’s lightweight, it might pose a tipping problem for construction pros that tend to lean to one side or another. This is best suited for household use and occasional overhead or DIY projects such as changing a lightbulb or retrieving a box from a high shelf.

Product Specs

• Ladder rating: Type I
• Top step height: 2.17 feet
• Weight capacity: 250 pounds

Pros

• Lightweight at just 6.4 pounds, this ladder is portable and versatile
• Folds up easily by lifting the back of the platform, making it simple to close and carry using just 1 hand
• Top rail has holders for a few hand tools or a paint cup

Cons

• At just 6.4 pounds, the step ladder doesn’t offer enough weight to keep it from tipping if the user leans over

Get the Gorilla Ladders 2-Step step ladder at The Home Depot.

Best for Daily Use

Little Giant Jumbo Step, 3-Step Model

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For projects that require climbing up and down a step ladder often, the Little Giant Jumbo Step will make the tasks safer and more accessible.

The Jumbo Step offers enhanced safety benefits. We liked its stairlike steps that aren’t as steep as traditional step ladders, and each step has nonslip treads to prevent slipping. The extended tripod design makes this steel-frame step ladder one of the most stable we tested, and its rubber-tipped feet held firmly and didn’t slide. The ladder opens easily and features hinge locks that keep it from closing unexpectedly.

One thing that’s different about the aluminum Jumbo Step is its fold-up safety rail. It comes with the rail folded down along the legs of the ladder, but we found it simple to fold up and snap into place. While this feature makes the ladder more compact for storage, we think the hinge is a weak spot. Most step ladder safety rails are a solid extension of the ladder’s back legs. With a hinged rail, there’s the potential for the hinge to fail. Still, during testing, the hinge functioned securely.

The Little Giant Jumbo Step is rated with a load capacity of up to 375 pounds (Type IAA), and we found its overall step design very stable. We could stand and even bounce without any movement or shifting of the ladder. It has oversize nonslip rubber feet, and the safety rail boasts several cups and holders for stowing small tools and materials.

We would recommend this ladder to anyone who wants the added security of less-steep steps and a strong base, but we wouldn’t depend on the safety rail to support the entire leaning weight of a large individual. We’d lean as little as possible and use the rail for hand support when climbing up and down the steps.

Product Specs

• Ladder rating: IAA
• Top step height: 2.2 feet
• Weight capacity: 375 pounds

Pros

• Nonslip treads are built into the steps to reduce the risk of slipping
• The oversize rubber-tipped feet keep it from slipping on hard flooring
• Safety rail features several holders for tools, fasteners, and even a cell phone, if desired

Cons

• Pricey
• Safety rail is hinged for easy storage but creates a weak point that may eventually wear out and allow the rail to collapse

Get the Little Giant Jumbo step ladder at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Lowe’s.

Best Hands-Free

Louisville Ladder 2-Ft. Aluminum Sawhorse Ladder

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Folks who go up and down a couple of steps frequently can’t use their hands for support when both hands are full, carrying the likes of a drywall taping trowel and a large tray of joint compound. The all-aluminum Louisville Ladder two-step ladder solves that problem by providing a sturdy tripod-type ladder that can be climbed from either side. The step stool also doubles as a sawhorse.

Since we often find it necessary to go up and down short ladders with full hands while hanging wallpaper, painting, or performing other tasks, we fell in love with this little Louisville Ladder step stool. It’s not for someone who has difficulty balancing when standing or climbing, however, because it offers no safety rail to grab or lean on. Still, the broad second step, which serves as a work platform, allowed us to move around freely.

The standing platform is 2.1 feet high, which gave us an approximate 8-foot reach. The legs on this step stool fold out quickly, and locking side bars keep them from accidentally closing. The Louisville also has added angle braces under both side steps for increased safety. This little platform step ladder will hold up to 300 pounds and comes with nonslip foot pads. The only downside we ran into was folding the ladder up: The locking hinges were so stiff, we had to turn the ladder upside down and push directly on the underside of the hinges to close the legs. These could loosen up some with use, however.

Product Specs

• Ladder rating: Type IA
• Top step height: 2.1 feet
• Weight capacity: 300 pounds

Pros

• Tripod design of this step ladder makes it stable and sturdy; collapses for easy storage
• Angle braces under the top platform; lower steps add stability
• Can double as a sawhorse for supporting boards or other items

Cons

• There is no safety grab rail, which may be a consideration for those with balance issues
• Locking hinges were stiff, requiring turning the ladder over and exerting pressure to release them for folding up the ladder

Get the Louisville Ladder 2-foot step ladder at The Home Depot or Grainger.

Best Lightweight

Little Giant Flip-N-Lite Aluminum Ladder

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The Little Giant Flip-N-Lite aluminum step ladder is designed for heavy-duty commercial or rugged DIYer use. It is duty-rated Type IA to support up to 300 pounds of load capacity. Sturdy aluminum rails, aluminum steps, and edge bracing add solid support to this versatile ladder. This lightweight step ladder weighs only 14 pounds, and we found the Flip-N-Lite simple to use and very portable. It folds out quickly, and the top platform step snaps into place, which locks the step ladder in position so it doesn’t inadvertently collapse during use.

Folding it up is super simple—the back of the platform step comes with a handle—and all we had to do was lift the handle to unlock the ladder and fold it. The Flip-N-Lite has nonslip feet, but we found they didn’t grip hard flooring (laminate) as well as some of the other ladders we tested. Maybe because this is such a lightweight ladder, but when we pushed it—we got a little slide across the floor. When we stood on it and bounced, however, it seemed stable.

This lightweight step ladder is well suited for anyone who needs to move a ladder around the house or jobsite or has to lift it to the bed of a pickup truck. It doesn’t boast many bells and whistles, but it’s stable and portable.