Best Extension Ladders of 2026
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Extension ladders are a versatile and essential tool for any household or workplace. These ladders are designed to extend to different heights, making them perfect for jobs that require climbing to reach high places. They come in various sizes and materials, from aluminum to fiberglass, to suit different needs and preferences. Extension ladders are easy to use, lightweight, and durable, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. Whether it's changing a light bulb, painting a house, or repairing a roof, extension ladders are the go-to solution for reaching high places safely and efficiently.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Extension Ladders
Hausse Retractable 2 Story Fire Escape Ladder
This extension ladder is designed for emergencies and can be quickly deployed without any assembly or tools. The ladder hooks are retractable and can be secured to most windows. The ladder is strong, durable, and slip-resistant, providing a steady foothold for a quick escape. It extends up to 13 feet and can support up to 1000 lbs. It also comes with a red canvas bag for easy storage under a bed or near a window.
LEVELEVE 22FT Multi-Position Extension Ladder
The LEVELEVE Multi-Position Ladder is designed with your safety and convenience in mind. Made from strong industrial aluminum alloy, its thick tubes provide extra durability, so you can trust it for tough jobs. The ladder’s steps are reinforced with a W-shape and non-slip design, giving you a secure grip every time you climb. It also features sturdy joints and multiple support points, which keep the ladder stable and steady. Weighing just 38 pounds and extending up to 20 feet, this ladder includes rollers for easy transport. Plus, its flexible design lets you switch between different ladder types, making it perfect for various indoor and outdoor tasks.
Louisville Ladder FE3216 Fiberglass Extension Ladder
The Louisville Ladder FE3216 Fiberglass Extension Ladder is a reliable and durable ladder with a 300-pound capacity, perfect for electrical, utility, light construction, and residential jobs. It features D-shaped rungs for a slip-resistant surface and mar-resistant rail end caps to protect landing surfaces. The ladder is safe and stable with a steel swivel safety shoe with metal shield and is made of non-conductive fiberglass when clean and dry. The ladder is also comfortable to use with its D-shaped rungs that are easier to stand on.
RIKADE 12.5FT Telescopic Ladder
The RIKADE Telescopic Ladder is made from high-strength aluminum alloy, ensuring durability and safety for your household tasks. With a weight capacity of 330 pounds, it offers great stability for various users. Each section features an independent locking mechanism, allowing you to adjust the height securely and preventing any accidental collapses. This ladder is perfect for indoor cleaning or outdoor projects, making it versatile for any situation. Its lightweight design and compact size mean you can easily transport and store it wherever needed, providing convenience for all your climbing needs.
LUISLADDERS Folding Ladder Multi-Purpose Aluminium Extension
The LUISLADDERS Folding Ladder Multi-Purpose Aluminium Extension is a versatile ladder that can be used as a scaffold, leaning ladder, or stepladder. It can also be changed into many different shapes to meet different height requirements and working needs. The ladder is made of heavy-duty aircraft-grade aluminum and meets EN131 standard. It has a maximum load capacity of 330LB and is stable and durable. The ladder is connected by six security locks, which can be opened and locked for changing the shape of the ladder easily while guaranteeing security. The ladder also features an anti-slip design with zigzag anti-slip foot straps and undulating ridges on the square rungs to prevent slipping during use.
LITE AP2240MS 10-Foot Aluminum Attic Ladder
The LITE 10-Foot Attic Ladder offers a strong aluminum frame designed to handle regular use, giving you a durable solution for attic access. It fits into a rough opening of 54 inches wide by 22.5 inches high, making installation straightforward in most attic spaces. This ladder works well with ceiling heights from 7 feet 8 inches up to 10 feet 3 inches, so you can reach your attic comfortably without worry. Plus, it supports up to 375 pounds and features heavy-duty hinges that ensure smooth unfolding and prevent wobbling, giving you a safe and stable climb every time.
Guardian Fall Protection Safe-T Ladder Extension System
The Guardian Fall Protection Safe-T Ladder Extension System is the perfect solution for those who want to increase safety while using a ladder. This system attaches easily to most ladders and provides two offsetting handrails that can be used as support when stepping on or off the ladder. It also helps workers comply with OSHA standard 1926.1053(b) which states that ladder side rails should extend at least 3'.9 M above the upper landing surface. The cushioned bumper pads help to protect the eave of the roof. This ladder extension system is easy to install and does not require any tools, drilling or bolting. It tightens onto the ladder by hand and has a safety latch that prevents it from slipping off the ladder.
Little Giant SkyScraper M17 Stepladder
The Little Giant SkyScraper M17 Stepladder is an adjustable ladder that can be used to reach high places such as skylights, chandeliers, and vaulted ceilings. It can also be adjusted to work over staircases, sloping ground, and theater seating. With lock tab adjusters, you can quickly change the ladder to different heights. This Type IA ladder is rated to hold 300 lbs on both sides and meets or exceeds all OSHA and ANSI standards. It is a versatile and sturdy ladder that can be used for a variety of tasks.
Louisville Ladder 20-Foot Fiberglass Extension Ladder
The Louisville 20-Foot Extension Ladder is designed to handle heavy tasks, supporting up to 300 pounds, making it reliable for professional use. Its ProTop design adds convenience with special grips and a work tray, helping you keep tools within reach and improving your efficiency. The ladder also features the MAXLOCK rung lock system, which provides a strong and lightweight locking mechanism to keep the ladder secure while you work. Additionally, the serrated rungs and steel swivel safety shoes give you extra stability and a slip-resistant surface, so you can feel safe and steady on every step.
VEVOR 7-in-1 Multi-Purpose Folding Ladder
The VEVOR 7-in-1 Ladder offers impressive versatility by easily transforming into seven different shapes, making it perfect for tasks like cleaning, gardening, or reaching high spots. You can adjust it to fit various jobs, from an A-frame to a straight ladder. Made from thick aluminum, it supports up to 330 lbs, giving you confidence in its strength and durability. The ladder also features sturdy, anti-slip feet that keep it stable while you work. Despite its heavy-duty build, it’s lightweight at just over 32 lbs and folds down compactly for easy carrying and storage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What ladder length is suitable for a 2-story house?
For a two-story house, a 24-foot ladder is typically sufficient to reach the eaves for tasks like painting or window repair along the sidewall. This ladder length allows you to access the necessary areas without the need to get on the roof.
2. What is the OSHA standard for extension ladders?
According to OSHA standards, an extension or straight ladder used to access an elevated surface must extend at least 3 feet above the point of support. It is important to follow this guideline for safety. Additionally, avoid standing on the top three rungs of the ladder.
3. What is the maximum length of a 24-foot extension ladder?
A 24-foot extension ladder consists of two sections, each 12 feet long. However, the maximum extended length is typically 21 feet. This is because the sections overlap by at least 1½ feet when the ladder is at maximum extension.
4. How long is a 28-foot extension ladder when not extended?
When closed, a conventional 28-foot extension ladder measures approximately 14 feet 3 inches. It is important to consider the closed length when storing or transporting the ladder.
5. What are the rules for extension ladders?
When using an extension ladder, it is important to keep your body inside the side rails and exercise caution when getting on or off the ladder. Avoid tipping the ladder over sideways or causing the ladder base to slide out. It is recommended to carry tools in a tool belt or raise them using a hand line.
6. How long is a 32-foot ladder when not extended?
A 32-foot extension ladder is approximately 16 feet 3 inches when closed in a conventional three-section design. It is important to consider the closed length when storing or transporting the ladder.
During our extension ladder research, we found 24 extension ladder products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 30,064 customer reviews through our big data system to write the extension ladders list. We found that most customers choose extension ladders with an average price of $280.42.
The extension ladders are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of extension ladders, including Hausse, LEVELEVE, Louisville Ladder, RIKADE, LUISLADDERS. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 478 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.
Howard Chester is an architect from New York who holds a master's degree in architectural design, his passions for interior design and home improvement contribute to his extensive knowledge of all things furniture and home goods. Howard Chester Specializes in various architectural and interior design projects. He often publishes articles related to decoration on key websites and interior design magazines.