The best ladders for painting are stable, strong, reach high and are easily stowed away. They are one of the tools that DIYers tend to forget when finding for the best paint sprayer accessories but you can’t properly paint an entire room without one.
You need ladders for cleaning walls before painting and when using painters tape to seal off the areas you don’t want to splatter on. In short, painting a wall without them is impossible.
Don’t have time to read the full post? Don’t worry! Here are our top 3 Best ladders for painting;
- 6061 Thick Aluminum
- Anodized finish
- Smart-Close system
- One-Button Retraction
- 19 foot extension ladder
- Two-person ladder
- Highest quality
- Exceeds all standards
- Easy to use
- Stable and secure
- Meets ANSI standards
- One-hand lock/release
10 Best Ladders for Painting
Ladders are a versatile tool and if you choose the right one from the start, it is a one time purchase that lasts a lifetime. Find the best one for you from our top 10 painting ladders.
1. Best Overall: Little Giant Velocity Multi-Use Ladder
This amazing ladder transforms into any shape that you need it to be. Transform it into an A-frame, extension, step ladder or as part of a scaffold system – it can do it all.
The height is adjustable for each formation which essentially gives you 33 different configurations, usable for any kind of job. The maximum height reaches 22 feet and as an extension ladder it comes up to 19 feet.
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The reason why it is so easy to modify is due to a few extremely clever mechanical design details. This ladder has a rock lock system that lets you unlock and relock different parts of it and a dual-hinge pin system to transform it into an extension.
The material is a sturdy metal alloy that is long-lasting but also lightweight. Weighing only 39 pounds by itself, this structure can support 2 people with a maximum weight of 300 pounds. Fold it down into a narrow 9-inch profile to take up minimal space in storage and drag it along using the tip & glide wheels for maximum portability.
| Height | 22 ft |
| Weight | 39 lbs |
| Supported Weight | 300 lbs |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Material | Metal alloy |
Pros
- Many possible configurations
- Tall
- Incredibly versatile
Cons
- On the heavier side
- Wider profile when folded
2. Most Lightweight: Rubbermaid Ultra Light Step Stool with Tool Tray
Anyone would get tired of walking up and down the steps all day which is why this painting ladder makes your painting project much more enjoyable. At the very top, there is a small tray for holding your painting tools so you can keep everything only an arm’s length away.
This is a shorter model with only 3 steps with the top step being a larger plastic platform. Still, it reaches 56 inches so most average height people should be able to do a good job of painting the upper end of the walls.
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This step stool is also incredibly lightweight at a mere 7 pounds. That is light enough to carry it in one hand while casually walking around the house.
At the very top there is a hand grip so you can hold on for extra stability. However, the design is already very stable thanks to the non-marring feet and top platform step that locks into place so, there is no need to worry about any shaking.
| Height | 56” |
| Weight | 7 lbs |
| Supported Weight | 225 lbs |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Material | Aluminium, plastic |
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Wide steps
- Very stable design
Cons
- Small project tray
3. Best with Wide Steps: Cosco Three Step Steel Work Platform
Wider steps are always more comfortable to stand on and this Cosco model has excellent ones. Each step has a slip-resistant tread design and the top step is a little wider than the lower two.
There is a handy tool tray at the same height that a fourth step would otherwise be. The tray is quite large and has grooves for easier placement of tools with cords.
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This Cosco design is considerably heavier than the Rubbermaid model but at just 17 pounds it is still highly portable and easy to carry. It folds away neatly so you won’t have trouble with stowing it away.
For such good quality and reliability, it is a very affordable ladder making it a great choice for all kinds of home projects.
| Height | 55” |
| Weight | 17 lbs |
| Supported Weight | 225 lbs |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Material | Steel, plastic |
Pros
- Wider steps
- Lightweight
- Clever tray design
Cons
- Cannot fit tightly against the wall
4. Best for Small Storage Space: Finether 4-Step Platform Ladder
Let’s be honest, figuring out how to store a ladder safely and conspicuously is not easy. It simply stands out. However, Finether still has managed to come up with a design that almost disappears. This four-step ladder that reaches nearly 60” folds down into a super-narrow structure of just 2 inches thick.
That is why this is a great option for those living in a small apartment. It easily disappears into the background of a storage closet or can even be slipped under a bed where no guest would ever look.
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Another great feature is the project tool tray at the top. The design is very clever with several compartments; a large center square with round grooves for a paint bucket, deeper side compartments and even a thin groove for hanging tools with a handle or cord.
Each step is designed for safety while the top platform should comfortably fit the entire length of your foot. They also have anti-slip grooves for extra stability. A final smart detail is a built-in handle on the top platform. This makes it easier for the user to move this 33-pound ladder.
| Height | 59.6” |
| Weight | 33 lbs |
| Supported Weight | 330 lbs |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Material | Steel, plastic |
Pros
- Folds into very narrow profile
- Great project tray
- Comfortable
Cons
- Prone to wobbling
- Tray cannot support much weight
5. Best Project Tray: Rubbermaid Steel Stool
Project trays are always a great detail on paint ladders and this Rubbermaid model has the best one. The tray is split into 2 compartments with one large enough to place a paint can on and the other consisting of several smaller compartments with a brightly colored lid that protects the contents from any drips.
This is one of the shorter options on our top 10 list but it still super handy to have ready at the house. With a solid structure of black painted steel, rubber padded feet and locking ribbed steps, this is a ladder that you would feel completely comfortable standing on.
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Yet again, Rubbermaid has been able to deliver a very lightweight ladder that still supports a lot of weight. Including the tools in the tray, this design can support up to 225 pounds of weight standing on it.
The design is easily folded into a narrow structure that fits behind doors or any extra space in the shed. Storing is not a problem with this versatile and convenient home ladder.
| Height | 4 ft |
| Weight | 16 lbs |
| Supported Weight | 225 lbs |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Material | Steel, plastic |
Pros
- Wide steps
- Project tray with lid
- Very sturdy and stable
Cons
- Design could be more portable
6. Best for Professionals: Luisladders Multi-Purpose and Heavy Duty
The professional painter is looking for a ladder that is resistant to general wear and tear, it should be strong, very stable and long-lasting. That is exactly what you get when buying this heavy-duty design by Luisladders.
Thanks to the Click and Lock System, this design made of the highest grade lightweight aluminum transforms into many different types of ladders. Use it as a scaffold, extension ladder, leaning ladder or step stool with many more possible configurations still available.
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That same system is also why this Luisladders design has one of the most inventive stowing formats. It folds down to just 40 inches by making use of the locking hinges.
The steps are narrow for better flexibility in the configuration but they still offer stable footing because of the zig zag pattern that create a better grip.
| Height | 12 ft |
| Weight | 23 lbs |
| Supported Weight | 330 lbs |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Material | Aluminium |
Pros
- Many different shapes
- Tall
- Sturdy design
Cons
- Overly complicated for non-commercial use
7. Best Budget Buy: Louisville Ladder Aluminium Step
When you know that you won’t be using the ladder very often and the paint job at hand is not a very long one, you might feel more comfortable with a low budget purchase. Despite its small price tag, this aluminum ladder is great value.
The design is available in 5 different heights ranging from 3 feet to 8 feet so choose the model that will help you reach the ceiling of your house. The basic design is the same for each height option including the 2 project trays.
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The project tray at the top is molded with several round holes to hold things like a paintbrush. The second larger project tray is designed to best fit a paint canister and sticks out opposite the highest step.
To help keep the structure intact, there are steel gusset bracing and pinch-resistant spreaders. Overall, good quality design for a very friendly price.
| Height | 4 ft |
| Weight | 9 lbs |
| Supported Weight | 225 lbs |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Material | Aluminum |
Pros
- Very affordable
- Very lightweight
Cons
- Rubber on feet is quite thin
- Design could be sturdier
8. Best for DIY Projects: Horusdy Folding Stool with Non-Slip Steps
Trust in European design with this great multifunctional stepping stool by Horusdy. The bright orange color stands out in any room but that is not a bad thing when it comes to ladders, consider it a safety feature.
You still have to follow safe ladder usage but there are more features. For example, each step is extra wide for a more stable stance and covered with a rough dotted texture to avoid slips.
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The project tray is great with different compartments that make it versatile for many different kinds of DIY projects. The padded handle at the top is a nice finishing touch.
| Height | 5.3 ft |
| Weight | 18.5 lbs |
| Supported Weight | 330 lbs |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Material | N.a |
Pros
- Great looking design
- Comfortable non-slip steps
Cons
- Product quality is inconsistent
- Could be stronger
9. Great Height: Cosco 8-Foot Signature Series
Cosco is one of the most trusted brands for ladders and this Type 1A model is a great example of why the company is so popular. This is an excellent lightweight aluminum ladder that gives you plenty of stability at a tall height.
This design has the signature lock and release system that Cosco is known for which means that it easily folds down into a portable size. The system is so simple that you could reshape it with just one hand.
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There are two project trays, one that also functions as the grip at the top and a lower one that extends out. Each tray is molded and there is even a hook for hanging a roll of tissue paper for cleaning.
The lower steps are narrow but the highest step is a wide platform with an anti-slip covering. The feet have rubber padding which gives you an overall stable structure.
| Height | 8 ft |
| Weight | 22 lbs |
| Supported Weight | 300 lbs |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Material | Aluminum |
Pros
- Great height
- Lightweight but supports up to 300 lbs
- Clever locking system
Cons
- Narrow lower steps
10. Most Inventive Folding Design: WolfWise Telescopic Extension
This WolfWise telescopic ladder is something that will definitely catch your eye because it has a very unique folding system. Essentially, the design is telescopic, like the handle of a suitcase.
The difference with a suitcase though is that the telescopic feature is much more advanced. With the click of a button, the entire structure retracts back into its compact height of 18 inches in less than 8 seconds.
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Incredibly, this is an extension ladder and reaches an impressive maximum height of 12.5 feet. It is also made of the highest-grade aluminum, suitable for aerospace use.
WolfWise created a brilliant ladder that would be a great fit for any professional.
| Height | 12.5 ft |
| Weight | 25 lbs |
| Supported Weight | 330 lbs |
| Foldable | Yes |
| Material | Aluminum |
Pros
- Very tall
- Smart compact design
Cons
- Relatively pricey
