Carpenter Nathan Gilbert knows the importance of sturdy, reliable ladders. He helps host Kevin O’Connor understand the different types of ladders, materials, and accessories that homeowners, DIYers, and pros should know about.
Wood Ladders are Out
Wood ladders are out. In fact, manufacturers stopped making them a few years ago. If a homeowner still owns a wood ladder and it’s still in good shape, it may be okay to continue using it, but they should ensure that their ladder is safe first. If there’s any doubt, replace it with a newer model.
Material Types
There are two main ladder materials available in most home improvement stores today: fiberglass and aluminum. Each has its pros and cons.
Fiberglass ladders are non-conductive, meaning they reduce the risk of electrical shock for the user. However, they are heavy and can be a bit difficult to maneuver in and out of a truck or around a home.
Aluminum ladders are very lightweight, making them a breeze to handle. However, they’re conductive, which means they shouldn’t be used whenever there is a risk of coming in contact with an electrical hazard.
Ladder Styles
There are many types of ladders available, but the most common are A-frames (traditional step ladders), extension ladders, and articulating multi-use ladders.
- A-frames: Study, freestanding ladders are easy to use in most areas. They’re the most common ladders and popular among a wide variety of trades.
- Extension ladders: Long ladders with sliding sections that users can raise to reach higher areas. They have a base section with remains in contact with the ground and a “fly” section, which slides up the base and locks in place. They do not stand on their own and must be leaned against a sturdy surface.
- Articulating ladders: The ladders are typically a combination of ladder styles. They can form an A-frame or an extension type, and their legs can be adjusted to different lengths for working stairs and uneven surfaces.
Ladders are Rated
Ladders have labels on their sides to describe their weight rating. Heavier-duty ladders might be rated for 300 pounds while a lighter-duty model might only be able to handle 225 pounds. Make sure to check the rating on your ladder before you purchase.
Ladder Accessories
There are a lot of different accessories for ladders, both built-in and add-ons. Built-in features include adjustable feet that sit flat on hard surfaces or dig into softer surfaces. Also, cable-assisted lifts allow users to extend their fly section easily. Also, ladder jacks that users can attach to the rungs allow remodelers and DIYers to set up flat platforms across ladders for safer, more comfortable work.
Other accessories include bumpers that install on the end of the ladder to protect the siding, stabilizers which install on the top of the fly section to prevent wobbling or rocking, and even ratcheting levelers that ensure the ladder is sitting safely on uneven ground.
Resources
Nathan demonstrates a variety of ladders and accessories and explains their different purposes.
Nathan talked about 2 main categories of ladders: A-frame and extension ladders.
For material, aluminum is popular because it is lighter and cheaper.
Fiberglass is non-conductive so it is good for electricians.
Some ladder accessories Nathan showed were:
Ladders provided by Werner Ladders.
