You can’t use just any ladder on stairs. Normal ladders that we use on the go do not have the stability or the balance needed in ladders for stairs. You need special ladders for that. Stronger ladders have more adjustability features and are also more balanced.
So today, we will discuss 8 of the best adjustable ladder for stairs in this article. With these ladders, you will be able to climb up and reach the ceiling on your stairs without the fear of falling.
But what exactly is an adjustable ladder for stairs? And how are they different from normal ladders? We will answer all your burning questions here in this article. So let’s get started, shall we?
Best Pick
Little Giant Ladders is a brand that is quite well known when it comes to ladders that work on stairs. You’ll soon find out that this is one of our favorite brands.
So our first pick, the Little Giants M13 ladder, is our best pick out of the bunch because it has everything a good ladder needs. The ladder is sturdy, durable, safe, and also lightweight. If it were up to us, we would surely choose this one. It can also be used as an extension or step ladder!
Budget Pick
OT QOMOTOP Ladder is certainly the ladder to get if you’re on a budget. You get a lot of features and functions that are great for the price.
The ladder is made with sturdy aluminum, can be carried around easily, and will last you a long time. It is safe to use and has proper locking technology as well. A ladder this affordable is rarely so good in quality!
Table of Contents
8 Adjustable Ladder for Stairs Reviews
Can’t decide which ladder for stairs to get? Understandable. With so many options available in the market, it can be hard to choose just one. Here are our favorites that you can choose from.
1. Little Giant Ladders, Velocity with Wheels, M13
Top Features
- Aluminum Structure
- Lightweight
- Easy lock mechanism and dual-pin hinge
- Wide flared legs for more stability
Aluminum Structure
Made with aluminum, this is a ladder that is both sturdy and stable. Ladders do not have to be heavy to give you protection. They can be lightweight and still make you feel safe.
You can use this ladder for quite a long time without getting scratches on the surface. Weighing only 25 pounds, you can also carry this tool with you to any place of work.
The structure folds into a small and compact space, so storage is not a problem either.
Weight Capacity
The sturdy construction can carry up to 300lbs. This capacity is quite a high range for a stair ladder. Ladders that have a higher weight capacity are safer and also last longer without breaking.
Safety Mechanism
To set the ladder in place, you have a new and innovative lock mechanism. Once you set the ladder up to the desired height, you can lock it in place so that there is no movement. The dual-pin hinge system makes setting up the ladder much easier.
- Pros
- Easy to set up and lock in position, thanks to the dual-pin mechanism
- 300 lbs weight capacity
- Weighs only 25 pounds and folds into a compact construction
- Can be used as a 90 degree, a-frame, and extension ladder
- Cons
- The joints need to be oiled, or they might become rusty
- Bottomline
In conclusion, the little giants M13 is one of our favorites. This one has everything that you need in a good quality ladder for stairs. It is safe, stable, and lightweight at the same time.
2. STEALTH Folding Ladder, 13-Foot Step Ladder with Safe Protective Switch
Top Features
- Aircraft aluminum construction
- Lightweight and compact
- Extends up to 13 feet
- Wide step with 300 lbs load capacity
Stable
Designed with a special herringbone construction pattern, this ladder can give you stability like no other. It will stay in place no matter what. The construction also has a weight capacity of 300 lbs, which makes it sturdier.
Easy to Adjust
You can lock the ladder in place after adjusting in place. The bolts and joints of the ladder twist and turn without making any noise. Movement is smooth, without any friction. Press the button to lock and release to unlock, it’s as simple as that.
Durable
Made with aircraft-grade aluminum, this thing is here to last. It won’t need any sort of maintenance other than the occasional cleaning. This one is a wide step ladder that helps decrease foot pain and helps you work for longer hours without fatigue.
- Pros
- Can be used as an extension, step, or double-sided ladder
- Stable; does not move or shake
- Easy push to lock and release to unlock the adjusting system
- Durable aircraft aluminum material construction
- Cons
- Bit heavier than the others
- Bottomline
If you’re looking for ladders to use on stairs at home, these will be perfect. They are a bit heavier, so you can carry them around at home but not outside. Other than that, this is a great ladder for the price. It has a great weight capacity and can also be used as a step or extension ladder!
3. Extension Ladder 6 Foot Step Ladder Telescopic Aluminum 5+7 Ladder
Top Features
- Anti-slip cap on feet
- 330 lbs load capacity
- Multipurpose
- Comes with handrails
Stability
One of the most common problems that people face when using ladders for stairs is getting the thing to stay stable. Most accidents occur when the ladder is too shaky. You won’t face that problem with this ladder. It has anti-slip caps on the feet so that the ladder does not shake, keeping you stable and in place.
Lightweight
The aluminum construction weighs only 20 lbs, making this one of the most lightweight ladders on the market. This thing can also fold into a small structure, so storage is much easier.
Multipurpose
Getting a ladder that can only be used as a ladder for stairs can be quite a waste unless you buy this ladder for work. Such a ladder can be used for many purposes all over the house. It will be a better bang for the money.
You can use this NS direct store ladder as an extension ladder, step ladder for fixing lights around the house, on the stairs, and also as a double-sided ladder. Moreover, you can easily adjust the ladder to your needs.
- Pros
- Safety anti-slip caps keep you held in one place
- Easy to adjust for desired height
- Weighs only 20 lbs
- The multi-position ladder can be used as an extension or step ladder as well
- Cons
- Not the most user-friendly
- Bottomline
If you’re looking for a lightweight ladder, this is the one to get. Weighing just 20 lbs, this is one of the lightest ladders on the market. If you can figure out how to use this ladder, it’s a great buy.
4. OT QOMOTOP Ladder, 17 FT Max Telescoping Ladder with Wheels
Top Features
- Can be used as 5 different types of ladders
- Shatter-proof aluminum construction
- Has wheels for easy movement
- Meets ANSI standards
Aluminum Construction
This ladder is made with aircraft-grade aluminum. The material is scratch-resistant and also shatterproof. So you can use the ladder for rough usage. This one is a regular ladder that does not need much maintenance. It will be by your side for years looking brand new.
Ease of Movement
To make it easier for you to carry this ladder from place to place, two wheels are on the back. When using the ladder, you can lock these wheels so that you don’t slip; this is a great feature to have in heavier ladders. This ladder weighs 34 lbs, which is slightly on the heavier side, although it is not the heaviest.
Easy to Store
This ladder will fold down to an easy-to-store 5.8 ft height. You can easily keep this in your closet without it taking up much space. The ladder is also quite lean.
- Pros
- Great deal for the price
- Comes with wheels that can be locked
- Scratch and shatter-resistant
- Strong aluminum construction
- Cons
- Weighs a bit more than the others
- Bottomline
If you don’t have that much cash to spare but are looking for a ladder that will do the job, this is it. This ladder is also easier to move and durable. So you definitely won’t regret buying it for your house or your work.
5. Werner MT-13 300-Pound Duty Rating Telescoping Multi-Ladder
Top Features
- Plush knobs
- Non-slip feet
- Wide flared bottom for stability
- 13ft high
Easy to Adjust
Ever got scabs on your palms trying to turn the knob of your ladder? It really hurts, doesn’t it? Well, we have this plush knob model just for that. These knobs are soft to the touch, making adjusting your ladder much easier and convenient.
The Perfect Height
13 ft high ladders are quite versatile. They can be used professionally and at home. These can be used to reach ceiling home walls from stairs with ease. No need to worry about falling off. You can also adjust the height according to your need.
Great Balance
Wider bottoms are necessary for a stable ladder; it is a feature that you need to ensure so that your ladder stays locked in a place. This wide flared ladder is, therefore, ideal for giving you balance and great posture. You can work for hours without getting fatigued.
- Pros
- Easy to turn and soft-to-the-touch plush knobs
- Great for balance and working for long hours
- 13 ft high, but can be adjusted to the desired height
- Great for beginners and at-home use
- Cons
- Can be a bit shaky at times
- Bottomline
A decent ladder at a decent price. This one has all the basic features a good ladder needs to have. If you’re looking for something easy to turn, softer on the hands, and also gives you good balance, you could check this one out.
6. Little Giant Ladders, Revolution with Ratchet Levelers, M26, 26 ft
Top Features
- Levelers for working safely on an uneven surface
- Hands-free adjustment
- A-frame ladder with quad lock hinge
- Available with extensions
Great for Uneven Surface
A handy leveler lets you work on any kind of surface. No matter how uneven the surface is, you will always be safe and stable; this is a great feature to have in a ladder you will use on stairs. It reduces the chances of you falling or losing balance.
Type 1 A ladder
This means that the ladder is capable of handling up to 300lbs of weight. We always recommend getting ladders that have a higher load capacity because they are generally more durable. Type 1 A ladders are also great for taller people.
Long-Lasting
This aluminum construction will last you ages. No matter how heavy you are and how regularly you use this, the ladder won’t bend or get scratches. So if you’re looking for a ladder for the long run, this is it.
- Pros
- Most long-lasting ladder
- Levelers keep you stable no matter how uneven the surface
- Type 1 A ladder with 300 lbs load capacity
- Per leg can be adjusted to 8.5 inches
- Cons
- Heavy
- Bottomline
A ladder with these kinds of levers is great to use on stairs. Ladders like this are better when they are heavier. They become tougher to carry, but they can come in handy if you have to use a ladder in awkward places.
7. Vulcan Ladder USA 3600735401986540 Stepladder Multi-Task Alu 17Ft, 17' MT
Top Features
- Has 23 configurations
- No-pinch hinge system for convenience
- Widest base
- Easy to store design
Easy to Configure
Not only can this ladder be used as a stair ladder, but you can configure the system to 23 different types of ladders; this can be done easily with the no-pinch hinge lock system.
Stable
The wider the base of a ladder, the more stable it is. This one has a very wide base just for that. When used to its maximum potential, at 17 ft, this wide base will be a great feature to have. It will reduce wobbling and thus prevent accidents.
Durable
Just like most of the best adjustable ladders for stairs, this one too is made with aircraft-grade aluminum. It means the ladder is impossible to get scratches on and to shatter.
You can own this ladder for years, and still, it will look new; this is great if you need a ladder for rough use. The stable and more durable construction also makes the ladder safer to use.
- Pros
- Can serve as 23 different types of ladders
- More stable, thanks to the wide base
- Will never shatter
- 17 feet maximum height
- Cons
- Not the cheapest
- Bottomline
We love a good multifunctional ladder! So why not get this one that can be transformed into 23 different types. It has a great sturdy base to keep you safe and is also durable and long-lasting.
8. Little Giant Ladders, SkyScraper, M17, 9-17 foot, Stepladder, Aluminum, Type 1A
Top Features
- Ladder for reaching heights like chandeliers or wall-length bookshelves
- Great for theatre settings
- Lock tab keeps you safe
- Meets ANSI and OSHA standards
Great for Reaching Heights
Are you looking for a ladder that you can use to reach high chandeliers? Or do you have to reach the ceiling of a theatre? If you need a ladder that is very very long, this is the one to get. It is 17ft in height. The item is a bit heavy, 79 lbs, to be exact. But it is very stable.
Lock Tab
Once adjusted to the height you need, this ladder can easily be locked with the lock tab. This locking tab can also be released quite easily. Both legs can be adjusted individually according to the height you need.
Meets Your Expectations
The ladder is made with exceptional quality aluminum. This ladder will stay scratch-free and shiny all through the years. Not only does this ladder meet, but it also exceeds the ANSI and OSHA standards.
- Pros
- 17 ft high, can help you reach ceilings quite easily
- Built with the best quality aluminum
- Lock lab is easy to open and close
- Anti-slip tabs added to the feet for extra protection
- Cons
- Not the most portable ladder
- Bottomline
Want a ladder that is high enough to reach theater ceilings? This is the one. Available at a great price range, this 17 ft long ladder will be the best choice for you if you have high ceilings in your house.
Buying Guide
Before you go ahead and purchase an adjustable ladder, you need to know about a few features that are vital to the construction. Without keeping an eye on these functions and features, you won’t be able to land the best ladder for your needs.
So, take a look at our buying guide to get a clear idea about what to look for in ladders for stairs.
Material
This is the first thing you should keep in mind when buying any product. So, when you’re buying a ladder to use on stairs, this is the most crucial thing that you need to keep in mind. Ladders nowadays are usually made with stainless steel or some sort of metal. In the earlier days, most ladders were constructed of wood.
We would recommend that you buy a ladder that is made of aluminum. Not only is the material quite strong, but it is also lightweight. So you can carry the ladder quite easily to any desired location of work without breaking your back.
One thing that you need to be careful about when using aluminum ladders is not to use them when working with electricity; this is not safe and could cause deadly accidents.
If you have to work with electricity, we would recommend that you use stairway ladders that are made of wood. Wooden ladders are quite heavy, but they are safer and are always a better option when working with electricity.
Weight Capacity
You need to keep an eye on the weight of the ladder itself because you will have to carry it around to places. Lightweight construction will always be more appreciated because it will make your job a lot easier. But you also need to check how much weight the ladder itself can carry.
The best ladder for stairs will have a high weight capacity; this will mean that the ladder is built with strong material and can handle a lot of weight before collapsing.
Ladders come in different load capacities. They range from 200 to 350 pounds. You can also get ones that can carry a lot more weight, but they are usually more expensive.
Balance
This is one of the main things that you need to check when buying a multi purpose ladder for stairs. Without this, a ladder for stairs is useless. If you don’t want to fall flat on your face and break a leg, check how much balance and safety the ladder can provide you.
Check if the ladder has anti-slip caps on the feet of the ladder. These foot pads will keep the ladders tuck in one place and will also prevent it from shaking and moving. Therefore, minimizing the risk of falling and causing accidents.
The less the ladder shakes, the safer it is.
Individually Adjustable Legs
The ladders need to be able to stand still in uneven places. Having legs that can be adjusted individually will let you customize the ladder according to the height you need; this will make your job a lot easier and faster as well. Ladders that come with this feature are usually more stable and, therefore, more reliable.
One leg of the ladder could be long, while the other one can be adjusted to be shorter. This feature is mandatory on ladders for stairs. Without it, you cannot use it on an inclined surface like the stairs.
Conclusion
Using ladders that are not meant to be used on stairs is very unsafe. You need the best adjustable ladder for stairs to be safe.
There are many options available in the market nowadays, but not all of them are reliable. That is why we recommend choosing a ladder from our trusted list to ensure quality.
Hopefully, you’ll have no trouble selecting the perfect ladder for you. So don’t wait anymore; buy a ladder for stairs and have a safe day at work!