Using a ladder for painting lets you work on second story exterior walls, ceilings and other high walls. But how do you know which of the different types of ladders is the best choice for you?
If you are looking for versatility and convenience, we recommend a telescoping ladder. You can elongate them to reach heights and then collapse them again for better portability.
When using a paint sprayer, you are probably already more advanced in painting methods. Now it is time to match the rest of your equipment to your skill set, too.
Best Telescoping Ladders: Collapsible, Portable & Lightweight
Check out our reviews for the best collapsible ladder and find out how to choose the right telescoping ladder for your projects in our handy buying guide.
Best Overall: Xtend & Climb 785P Telescoping Ladder
Looking for a telescoping ladder that will stand the test of time? This telescoping ladder is made with aerospace engineered aluminum alloy suitable for the most heavy-duty projects.
Despite the incredibly strong and durable material the Xtend & Climb 785P is still relatively lightweight, weighing just 36 lbs. The design is complete with an ultra-strong closure strap and a carrying handle so you can easily carry it in one hand.
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This ladder extends to a maximum of 15.5 feet and collapses to a much more portable 36.5 inches. That is why this extendable ladder is so easy to store.
One of its best features is the proprietary No-Pinch Closure System that is unique to Xtend & Climb ladders. It extends by the foot in a manner that is safe for your fingers and it also features clear color-coded safety indicators for when it is locked securely.
One of the most important features of a telescoping ladder is its stability. The bottom of the ladder legs have a specialized non-slip feet for the most secure footing.
Overall, this is a fantastic telescoping ladder, perfect for professional use. It is durable, safe and practical – everything that you need when tackling large scale paint spraying projects.
This Xtend & Climb ladder checks all the right boxes and so it earns the well-deserved title of the best telescoping ladder available in 2020.
What We Like:
- Over 15 feet at max extension
- Safe and easy to use locking mechanism
- Extremely durable aluminum
- Locks by the foot
- Can be carried in one hand
Easiest to Use: Oxgord 12.5 Feet Extending Ladder
If you have worked with poor quality extendable ladders before you may have experienced a few pinched fingers. Stick to the best telescopic ladders and that won’t be an issue anymore.
This 12.5 feet aluminum telescoping ladder by Oxgord retracts using just push knobs. It keeps your fingers out of harms way and makes collapsing ladders much easier and faster.
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Their retracting mechanism uses a hydraulic system that ensures each rung collapses slowly. When you are using this extension ladder you won’t be surprised by any swift locking movements.
It also features extra wide steps to give you more stable footing when you are trying to reach height. The non-slip traction feet are stable enough to let the ladder stand at a 75 degree angle.
Despite being a lightweight aluminum telescoping ladder, it is incredibly sturdy. This single ladder is capable of carrying a weight up to 330 pounds.
One thing to remember when using extending ladders is that you have to extend each rung from the base. This keeps the locking mechanisms working correctly so that the steps won’t move suddenly.
If you are looking for simplicity then this Oxgord ladder is a great choice for you. There is nothing complicated about the locking mechanism nor how it extends or retracts.
What We Like:
- Safe and simple retracting mechanism
- Comfortable steps
- Strong, carries up to 330 pounds
- Durable aluminum alloy material
Most Adjustable: Luisladders 15.5 Feet Extend Ladder
Wan the most flexibility in ladder extension? This Luisladders design lets you move each rung independently, one foot at a time, so you get the exact ladder height that you need.
Each rung is spring-loaded with a safe extending a lock mechanism that uses thumb buttons. This is one of the safety features that make this ladder one of the better choices.
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At full extension, this ladder is as tall as 15.5 feet but when you collapse it completely it is only 3 feet tall. In other words, you can reach dizzying height while still being able to fit it into the back of your car or in a small corner of the garage.
Like with the other ladder review, the legs have rubber end caps to give you extra stability at such great height. The design is an A-shape which gives you a better center of gravity, too.
Whether you are changing light bulbs or tackling a large outdoor painting project, this ladder is right for the job. You can carry up all the equipment that you need thanks to the 330 pound weight limit.
What We Like:
- Rungs have independent height adjustments
- Tall maximum height
- Compact when collapsed
- Simple and safe extension mechanism
Most Stable: Tooltin Aluminum Telescoping Ladder with Stabilizer Bar
What makes this Tooltin telescoping ladder so unique is the stabilizer bar at the very bottom. Whereas other designs generally only feature rubber end caps or silicone feet, this design has additional anti-skid devices.
At the bottom of the legs, there is an extra aluminum alloy bar with anti-slip end caps extending wider than the ladder itself. This gives the ladder a better center of gravity and minimizes any shaking from body movements or the wind.
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As far as telescoping ladders go, this is an ingenious design. Many people feel uncomfortable with the narrow structure and this simple addition makes standing on the ladder feel much more stable.
Other useful safety features on this Tooltin ladder are the one-button release mechanism and the clear locking mechanism with color-coding. You can feel secure when using this ladder for all kinds of household tasks.
Made of aluminum, this ladder is strong enough for a weight limit of 330 pounds. That is the standard requirement for ladders of this kind.
The package comes complete with useful instructions on how to use the telescoping mechanism, including the correct hand positioning. Follow their ladder safety tips and you will enjoy one of the best telescoping ladders on the market.
What We Like:
- Very stable and unique non-slip design
- Extension ladder suitable for most household tasks
- Comes with good instructions
- Clear locking mechanism
- Easy and safe retraction mechanism
Best Upgraded Design: Lionladder 12.5 Foot Extension Ladder
The new upgrades to this 12.5 foot long Lionladder have made it even more suitable for heavy-duty use. The manufacturer added new features that improve its stability, strength and security, all the key elements of telescoping ladders.
This extension ladder now features a rotatable stabilizer bar which you won’t find easily in telescoping ladders. On either leg end there is an additional piece with anti-skidding ends that you can adjust to get the right safe positioning of the ladder.
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You will find a similar piece at the very top of this 12.5 feet long ladder. At the top are rotatable rubber pieces that increase the surface area of your connection point to the wall.
Both the anti-skid elements at the bottom and at the top are made of rubber so you don’t have to worry about scratching any surfaces. In other words, you won’t damage the wall or floor that the ladder is leaning against.
Another feature that we like to see on telescopic ladders is strong and durable materials. This design is made with aluminum and plastic parts that are reinforced with nylon fiber.
Finally, we also appreciate the friction profiles on each rung so you can retract without worrying about pinching your fingers. Overall, Lionladder did a great job at improving their ladders.
What We Liked:
- New and improved design
- Long-lasting strong materials
- Extra anti-skid elements at the top and bottom
- Lightweight
Telescoping Ladders Buying Guide
Choosing the best telescoping ladders requires knowing what to look for. Here are the key ladder features that you should understand when buying a new model.
Safety Rating
The most important element to check is how safe the ladder is. The best way to find out how safe an extension ladder is is to check its safety rating.
In the US, the safety rating is called the ANSI supplies score. ANSI stands for American National Standards Institute.
With the ANSI rating, ladders are categorized into 5 different types, mainly based on their load capacity. Heavy duty ladders are categorized as either Type IA or Type IAA while ladders with a load capacity of up to 250 pounds fall in either the Type I, Type II or Type III category.
Weight Capacity
The weight capacity is closely related to the ANSI safety rating of the ladder. The more weight it can carry, the better its safety rating.
The ladders features on this list are all suitable for heavy duty use with an ANSI rating of at least Type IA. However, if you do not plan to use the ladder for big projects, a smaller weight capacity might also be suitable.
It is always better to stay on the safe side so choose a model that can carry more than the maximum weight you plan on using it for.
Height
The standard height for an extendable ladder is either 12.5 or 15.5 feet. This gives you easy access to second-story heights.
Although it is only a difference of 3 feet, consider which is more appropriate. Those extra 3 feet can make a lot of difference for professional use but may not be necessary for DIY projects.
Also, think about its retracted height. This factor determines how portable the ladder is.
Stabilizing Features
Standing on a ladder at a tall height may not be the most comfortable experience. That is why it is so important that you buy a ladder that is stable enough to handle your weight and that of your your equipment.
The design should have a stable base. At the least, it should feature non-slip caps at the feet but any additional stabilizing features are welcome, too.
Think of a stabilizing bar or extended elements that provide contact over a greater surface area. The idea is that the ladder has as much grip as possible and a good center of gravity.
You might also want to check for anti-slip features in the rungs or at the top of the ladder. Besides the ladder itself you should also be able to stand firm.
Budget
For relatively simple tools, ladders are not the most affordable item to buy. However, keep in mind that the good quality designs are meant to last for decades so the required budget still makes sense.
Factors that may affect the cost are the material type, the load capacity and brand name.
Frequently Asked Questions
People often have the same questions when it comes to telescoping ladders, so here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Are telescopic ladders any good?
Telescopic ladders are great tools for painting and other home improvement projects. They are more versatile than an A-frame ladder and can generally reach taller heights, too.
These types of ladders are good for both professional and DIY use as long as you choose a good quality and safe design. Read reviews of the product before purchasing.
Do telescopic ladders have to be fully extended?
No, telescopic ladders don’t have to be fully extended but this depends on the specific design. The better quality ladders don’t have to be fully extended and have independently adjustable rungs.
Are telescopic ladders safe?
If the model meets all the industry requirements then the ladder should be safe to use. Some people may have concerns about the rungs moving but this won’t happen in a good design.
To make sure the ladder is safe check what kind of extension, locking and retraction mechanism it has for its rungs. It should be safe, secure and preventing any fingers from getting pinched.
