Best Extension Ladder Reviews
How many times have you tripled down from your chair while fixing the bulb, taking the cookie jar out of the cabinet or even doing something important as cleaning your ceiling tile? You’re not alone. We’ve all been there. In today’s’ modern apartment life, it is mandatory to have at least one extension ladder in the house. Unlike traditional wooden stepladders, extension ladders come with the facility to fold it after use. Extension ladders have two parts that can be unfolded and hence extended. Moreover, is compact enough to be stored in any corner of the home, you do not need big basements for this.
Its functions are pretty easy, but not its purchasing decision as so many varieties are out there. Every ladder comes with different size, shape, function and so on. Therefore, to make your task easy, we have piled up these reviews of the best extension ladders available.
Table of Contents
- 10 Best Extension Ladder
- Louisville Ladder: Fiberglass Extension Ladders
- Oshion Aluminum Telescopic Extension Ladder
- Werner D6224- 2 Extension ladder
- Werner D1116-2 200-Pound Duty Rating Aluminum Flat D-Rung Extension Ladder
- DeWalt Fiberglass Extension Ladder
- Louisville Aluminum Extension Ladder
- 26 1A Little Giant Ladder Classic Champ Bundle
- Cosco World’s Greatest Multi-Position Ladders
- Little Giant 14016 001 Alta Ladder
- Werner Telescoping Multi-ladder
- Things You Have to Know: Buyers Guide
- Telescoping Ladders vs Other Types of Ladders
- Conclusion
10 Best Extension Ladder
Model | Specification |
---|---|
Louisville Ladder FE3224 Fiberglass Extension Ladder Buy From Amazon |
Available Sizes:
16 Feet, 20 Feet, 24 Feet, 28 Feet, 32 Feet, 36 Feet & 40 Feet Supported Weight: 300 lbs Max Length: 24 ft Ladder Weight: 54 lbs Ladder Dimension: 8 x 19 x 148 inches Other Specifications: Folds to 12 feet Fiberglass D-rung rails Quick latch system included Rope and Pulley included Meets or exceeds ANSI 14.4 and CSA grade1 Mar-resistant, fiberglass-made end caps on steps Steel plated shoe with thick rubber treads Pros: Excellent for heavy usage Mixture of fiberglass and aluminum reduces risks of electrocution Military-grade steel shoes ensure safe climbing and landing and are rust resistant Cons: Expensive Needs additional storage place. Editor's Review: |
Oshion 16.5ft EN131 Aluminum Telescoping Telescopic Extension Ladder Buy From Amazon |
Supported Weight: 330 lbs Max Length: 16.5 ft Ladder Weight: 40 lbs Other Specifications: Collapses down to 38.7 inches Anodized aluminum 16.5ft telescopic ladder 4 way usability- extension ladder, twin stepladder, stairway ladder and scaffold Thumb click lock and release mechanism Every rung has grip handles, protection spacers Skid proof end caps are flared, like pedals Total package dimension 38.7x20.5x8 inches Pros: Strong, durable aluminum build Great for multipurpose use, 4-way usability Easy to extend Easy to store Skid and mar resistant pedal shaped end caps ensure extra safety Reaches longer heights than most ladders Assembles really fast, using only a push-up button Ideal for both home and outside construction work Stylish and compact design Cons: Heavy compared to other ladders Folding mechanism is tricky. Editor's Review: |
Werner D6224-2 300-Pound Duty Rating Fiberglass Flat D-Rung Extension Ladder Buy From Amazon |
Available Sizes:
16 Feet,
20 Feet,
24 Feet,
28 Feet &
32 Feet
Supported Weight: 300 lbs Max Length: 24 ft Ladder Weight: 53 lbs Other Specifications: Collapses down to 144 inches Fiberglass material and slip resistant shu-lok system Non-conductive fiberglass side rails Rail shield bracket and spur plate Weight capacity of 300lbs and extends to 24ft being the highest Aflo-rung joints Pros: Durable and stylish design Safe from electrocution and non-slip and non-marring properties included Ideal for both indoor and outdoor work Affordable price range Cons: Somewhat heavy. Editor's Review: |
Werner D1116-2 200-Pound Duty Rating Aluminum Flat D-Rung Extension Ladder Buy From Amazon |
Available Sizes:
16 Feet,
20 Feet &
28 Feet
Supported Weight: 200 lbs Max Length: 16 ft Ladder Weight: 17.3 lbs Other Specifications: Collapses down to 96 inches Slip-resistant Traction-D rungs Fiberglass and aluminum rung material Shu-lok slip-resistant pads on steps Rope and pulley included in D 6224-2 and D216-2 models Has pre-drilled holes to attach V-rung assembly Pros: Durable and flexible Comes with much variety Easy storage and installation Tools- free installation Fiberglass prevents electrocution Stylish design fits with every home décor Cons: Cannot hold more than 200lbs Some models don’t have fiberglass, therefore prone to electric current Joints are prone to rust and can twist with rough usage. Not suitable for heavy usage. Editor's Review: |
DeWalt DXL3420-32PG 32-Feet Fiberglass Extension Ladder Buy From Amazon |
Available Sizes:
16 Feet,
20 Feet,
24 Feet
&
32 Feet
Supported Weight: 375 lbs Max Length: 32 ft Ladder Weight: 70 lbs Other Specifications: Collapses down to 16.5 feet Rubber caped aluminum hand grips Wrap around steel/aluminum shoes Steps are covered in polyester veil Nylon rope and hardwire tray Pros: Durable and efficient Excellent for heavy-duty use Greater safety thanks to wrap around steel shoes Non-conductive, fiberglass rails Cons: Costly. Not suitable for small apartment fixing or storage. Editor's Review: |
Louisville Ladder AE2216 Aluminum Extension Ladder Buy From Amazon |
Available Sizes:
16 Feet,
20 Feet,
24 Feet,
28 Feet,
32 Feet,
36 Feet &
40 Feet Supported Weight: 300 lbs Max Length: 32 ft Ladder Weight: 30 lbs Other Specifications: Collapses down to 105 inches 16 feet long with aluminum rails Includes quick latch system Mar-resistant, serrated D-rungs Pros: Less costly Light weight and easy to transport Suitable for heavy-duty household or construction repair Cons: Expensive for only 16-foot long ladder Not safe for doing electric work Editor's Review: |
26 1A Little Giant Ladder Classic Champ Bundle Buy From Amazon |
Supported Weight: 300 lbs Max Length: 23 ft Ladder Weight: 30 lbs Other Specifications: Collapses down to 13 feet Comes with a bundle of work platform, cargo hold, 4ft Master lock, and tip and glide wheels New Triple Lock hinge available Pros: Very durable and excellent for heavy duty Lifetime warranty included Great for multipurpose use Work platform, wheels, lock and cargo bag makes working on it quite easy Its shipping is free in 48 States. Cons: A little too heavy Editor's Review: |
Cosco World's Greatest Multi-Position 21-Foot Ladder Buy From Amazon |
Available Sizes:
13 Feet,
17 Feet &
21 Feet
Supported Weight: 300 lbs Max Length: 21 ft Ladder Weight: 41.8 lbs Other Specifications: Collapses down to 18.9 feet Double-sided stepladder Aluminum I-beams, total unit Adjustable into 10 different positions Sturdy, secure shoes at the bottom Pros: Enhances your work capacity with the double climb-ability Safe and sturdy Can be set in different positions, hence, perfect for outside and inside construction Type 1A heavy-duty standard ladder Easy folding and storage Cons: Unit can be too heavy to move around The height can be too short for industrial constructions Editor's Review: |
Little Giant 14016-001 Alta One Type 1 Model 22-foot Ladder Buy From Amazon |
Available Sizes:
13 Feet,
17 Feet &
22 Feet
Supported Weight: 250 lbs Max Length: 22 ft Ladder Weight: 44 lbs Other Specifications: Collapses down to 5.6 feet Four in one ladder: an extension ladder, an A-frame ladder, a staircase and scaffolding ladder Aircraft-grade aluminum material and highest 22ft tall when extended Weighs 44lbs, stylish and rust resistant Triple lock hinge system included Pros: Great for multi-purpose and multi-position use Takes little storage space compared to other multiposition ladders Easy portability Stylish and sturdy Cons: Pricy Heavyweight when extended Small steps Editor's Review: |
Werner MT-22 300-Pound Duty Rating Telescoping Multi-Ladder Buy From Amazon |
Supported Weight: 300 lbs Max Length: 22 ft Ladder Weight: 60 lbs Other Specifications: Collapses down to 69 inches Used as Four different kinds of ladders Can take 300lbs on both sides of the A-frame ladder Slip-resistant riveted steps and extra wide flared feet Can be repositioned into 37 different heights at most Pros: Sturdy, durable Excellent for heavy-duty Needs little storage space Great for indoor and outdoor works Cons: Too heavy, weighing 60lbs when extended Costly compared to other Telescoping ladders Editor's Review: |
Louisville Ladder: Fiberglass Extension Ladders
While Werner Extension ladders (third in this list) are best suited for home and small area construction works, Louisville is a name you can trust for doing heavy-duty construction operations.
Although it can take weight up to 300 lbs., it has an industry-standard building design. Its’ AE 2216 and FE 3228 ladders come with a combination of both fiberglass and aluminum plating, prolonging its longevity. It has a built-in latch system that makes sure that the ladder stays extended.
Its steps are built in the shape of D with serrated rungs that prevent you from falling when there is rain outside. Its QuickLatch system is easily operable with only one finger touch. It can be up to 28ft in height while extended, which can be a problem as some people may find it too short.
The FE 3228 model has Mar-resistant end caps. Therefore, your ladder is safe from coating damage such as rust from rain or other metals. Most of the models come with the additional rope through which you can adjust the height of the ladder while still being mounted on it. It also has steel plated shoes at the bottom. This gives the ladder greater grip and ensures your safety.
Oshion Aluminum Telescopic Extension Ladder
The best thing about the Oshion telescopic aluminum extension ladders is that it is super lightweight compared to its height (16.5 feet while extended), which is only 43.4lbs when fully extended. But that’s not all. It has a compact packing design that will allow you to carry it anywhere with you. Its’ one button push folding mechanism enables you to store it in the back of your car. You don’t have to be embarrassed by its head sticking out as it becomes 3 feet tall and weighs only 40lbs when folded.
As like all the other telescoping ladders, it is the best thing for multipurpose use. You can use it in four ways: like a telescoping ladder, a twin stepladder, stairway stepladder and as two scaffold bases! It has double grip handles on the rungs and angled shoes at the bottom. That means you cannot fall from it even if you want. Its weight loading capacity is 330lbs thanks to its sturdy and durable 1.33mm thick aluminum rails.
A little heads up, try to check the rails before use to see if they are attached strongly to the rungs to avoid an accident.
The only reason this ladder is not the top ladder in the list is that it’s not a true extension ladder – it’s rather a telescopic extension ladder. You get the advantage of additional space saving with its telescopic design. And it extends to only 16.5 feet.
Werner D6224- 2 Extension ladder
The third Extension ladder in our list is none other than the Werner D6224-2 300 Pound Fiberglass extension ladder. There are so many perks of using this brown stylish and sturdy ladder that you need not look somewhere else. It reaches the height of about 24 feet while extended and takes a load of 300lbs. You can choose from 4 other sizes to choose from.
Its steps are made with Traction Tread D-rungs and include durable rail shield bracket. To prevent the ladder from slipping, it has shu-lok slip-resistant pads on the feet. The reason it tops our list is its fiberglass material.
This fiberglass material is non-conductive therefore safe to use with electronic works. It is only 55lbs in weight. That means it is not so easy to carry it using your hands but is perfect for transportation and storage.
Werner ladders are famous in the ladder-manufacturing world and they boast about their high-quality aluminum and fiberglass ladders for longevity and ease of use. It has Aflo-rung joints on both sides that ensures a twist-proof performance and is extra safe for folding.
However, customers have complained about its hefty weight but they still love it as it gives them all the benefits of an otherwise expensive ladder.
Werner D1116-2 200-Pound Duty Rating Aluminum Flat D-Rung Extension Ladder
Werner Co. is a 96 years old renowned company that manufactures aluminum and fiberglass ladders for all types of office and homes. It has been the number one purchasing choice of the most. It comes in different models such as Werner D6224-2, D116-2, D6216-2 etc.
All of the models come with the slip-resistant Traction-Tred D rungs on the sides. This gives you a leveled surface and greater grip while working. D 6224-2 can hold about 300 pounds of weight and along with the D rungs, it has shu-lok slip-resistant pads on the steps. Which means your hands are free and you do not need to fix your grip constantly. While the D rungs in the D 6224-2 model are made of fiberglass material, the D 116-2 model has aluminum D rungs.
Fiberglass prevents electricity flow, which means it is safer to use D 6224-2 model while working with electricity than to use D 116-2 model.
Unlike the D 6224-2 and D 6216-2 model, the D 116-2 one does not include a rope and a pulley. This rope helps you to adjust your height while still on the ladder. You do not need a helping hand to adjust the height for you. However, since the D 116-2 model does not have fiberglass rungs and rope-pulley included, it is cheaper than the other models.
DeWalt Fiberglass Extension Ladder
These ladders sell themselves. DeWalt is another renowned brand name in the construction and manufacturing world that is famous for its tools worldwide. Another bonus information for you: Louisville is the ladder manufacturer for DeWalt.
The DeWalt DXL 3420 is a gigantic 32ft long fiberglass extension ladder that is just perfect for heavy-duty outside construction work. It has many plus points than previous ladders: like its aluminum grip, swivel wrap around aluminum/ steel shoes. The aluminum grip gives you another level of safety while adjusting the height and the grips have rubber caps at the bottom, which prevent the surface from rust and damage.
The wrapping steel shoes at the bottom ensures that you do not fall off the ladder even when the floor is slippery. Its’ rails are nonconductive and covered with a polyester veil. That means it will provide you and your home with a very long period of service. It includes a nylon rope and a hardwire tray which will make your work a piece of cake.
The only big problem is for all this, you have to pour in some extra cash but these ladders are worth it.
Louisville Aluminum Extension Ladder
If you are in love with the Louisville brand but looking for something more affordable then look no further than the Louisville Aluminum Extension ladders. It comes with almost all the features of the Louisville Fiberglass ladders minus the fiberglass material.
Like the fiberglass, Louisville aluminum extension ladder can take a load of 300lbs. It has 3” wide I-beam shaped rails that are coated with Mar-resistant and slip resistant properties. It also includes a quick latch system for ease of use. The FE 1716 model has serrated D-rungs with a slip-resistant surface that ensures safety.
The only drawback is that it can be dangerous to use it in electric work as its rails are made of aluminum. Aluminum is said to be 61 percent conductive to electricity. Therefore, you might put on some plastic shoes before climbing to fix the bulb. It can also be a little pricey compared to other aluminum ladders on the market.
26 1A Little Giant Ladder Classic Champ Bundle
This magnificent little giant is actually little in size and ‘giant’ as in more efficient in its work.
If you do not want to spend extra money on other accessories after buying the ladder itself, then this is a great deal for you. It has been given 1A rating by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) that means it can take up to 300lbs and is great for heavy construction work.
Why call it a ‘bundle’ you ask? Well, it comes with a bundle full of workshop materials such as a sturdy working platform, a bag for cargo holding, a 4ft Master ladder lock and wheels. The addition of cargo hold and wheels changes the game for you. You don’t have to drag it around or struggle to find extra space for holding the other materials. It includes new triple lock hinge, which is 50% thicker than type 1A Little Giant ladders.
Therefore, it gives you greater safety and a long time of service. Its height is 6 feet 7 inches when folded and can extend to up to 11ft long stepladder and up to 23ft while used as an extension ladder.
Cosco World’s Greatest Multi-Position Ladders
There are certainly some works in the house that you cannot do yourself and need a helping hand. Cosco multi-position ladders give you this facility.
It can be set as an A shape ladder when extended. This double-sided climb-ability increases your workmanship a lot! Addition to that, you can also adjust the ladder in TEN different positions. So, be it in your attic, living room or building the treehouse that your children been bugging you about; it is all a piece of cake.
However, its size and weight do not compromise with its amazing durability as its I-beams are made of sturdy aluminum material. It can extend up to 21ft the highest. It is very easy to fold and store, any amateur can do this.
Little Giant 14016 001 Alta Ladder
We are reviewing two items from the Little Giant ladders for its amazing versatility and durability.
These aerospace aluminum ladders can be extended up to 22 feet from the ground. You can use it as an extension ladder, of course, and as an A-frame double sided stepladder, staircase ladder and as a sturdy scaffold. The ladders are lightweight and can reach longer heights than usual extension ladders. Because of its’ lightweight, you cannot put more than 250lbs amount of weight on them.
However, that doesn’t make its’ body any weaker. It is made with heavy-duty aluminum I-beams and is given A14.2 for ladder safety measures by the ANSI. It is as much heavy as to lean it against any wall when using as a staircase or stepladder.
The ladder includes a triple hinge lock system. The most amazing part of these ladders is their portability and storage space. It can be stored at only 5’7’’ and the item weights 44lbs when fully extended, which becomes half when folded.
The big issue with these ladders is their hefty price tag. But it does not charge more than it should as it gives you a long time of ladder service and is rust proof. And this 44lbs weight and 5’7’’ height can be a major problem for people with less storage and transportation space.
Werner Telescoping Multi-ladder
Telescoping ladders are the best choice for multipurpose use, and when it is from Werner Co. then no doubt that it will be doubly efficient.
There are two amazing Telescoping Multi-ladders from Werner that you must try if looking for something more durable and heavy-duty. The MT 22 model is a 300lbs telescoping ladder that is highest 22ft long and can be adjusted into 28 different height and positions! Yes, you read that right. These ladders can be used as an extension ladder (11-19ft), staircase ladder (5-9ft), A-frame stepladder (5-9ft) and as a scaffold (1-4ft).
No other multipurpose and multi-position ladder can beat the Werner in terms of safety due to the Soft-touch push knobs that extends out to almost 1 foot. That means the possibility of your hands crushing while folding it is near zero.
Just when you thought that this was it, we present you with the Werner MT 26 300-Pound Duty Rating Telescoping Multi-Ladder. It has all the beauty and benefits of the previously mentioned MT 22 model, plus the extended height of whopping 26 feet!
These ladders can be repositioned into not just 28, but 37 different heights! You just cannot finish using all the functions of these amazingly versatile ladders. These Werner Telescoping Multi-ladders come with non-slip double-riveted steps and non-marring, extra-wide, flared feet. For locking the ladder when extended they come with J-lock system (MT 22) and spring-loaded locks and of course the push knobs (MT 26).
The ladder is very easy to adjust and it comes with a lifetime warranty for extended workmanship and any defects. It carries up to 300lbs weight. But not just on one side. It can take the load of 300lbs on both sides of the A-frame ladder.
Things You Have to Know: Buyers Guide
After seeing our top product reviews, you’re probably in a dilemma on what to buy and what not to buy. Buying a ladder is not a frequent task and thus we want to buy a ladder that gives us a long time of hassle-free service. For the right kind of ladders, you need to grasp some basic know-hows of extension ladders first. In this section, we summed up some key points to consider when buying an extension ladder:
Does it support your budget?
This is the most important question. You might have noticed that almost all the products reviewed in this article are costly. But like everybody says, a good thing comes with a price. So, try considering spending some extra money on an extension ladder so you don’t have to come back to store after just a few months. We recommend that you fix your budget before ordering or physically buying the items.
Does it ensure your safety? (Who Should/Shouldn’t Use it)
We all know that it’s better to fall off a 1foot chair than a 9ft tall ladder. So, ensure your and the safety of the person climbing the ladder before it is too late. While buying the ladder, consider the height according to the place in you are gonna use it. For example, if your roof is low or your lawn has too much of high-branched trees, then we recommend you to buy less high ladders or cut off some unruly branches that may hamper your work. Elderly and children under age 15 are not recommended to use these ladder without supervision. People with health problems and height phobia are also strongly prohibited from using this ladder.
What are the materials and designs of the ladder?
What material you choose depends on what type of task you want to accomplish. Fiberglass materials are safe from electricity, but aluminum ones are perfect for heavy-duty construction works. Also, see if the feet are maar proof and are made of heavy non-slip materials. And the most important of all, the height of the ladder. Choose the height according to your required task of the ladder and the storage space you possess.
Is it easy to use or not?
We buy ladders to make our work easy in the first place. So, choose a ladder that is easy to assemble and fold. It should not kill much of your time just to set the ladder up. Telescoping ladders do take longer to assemble than others for their versatility. However, there are easy options for that as well.
Telescoping Ladders vs Other Types of Ladders
We know that you have been asking yourself, “why should I buy a telescoping ladder over other ladders?” That is an important question.
The most intriguing part about telescopic ladder is their versatile functionality which you cannot find in other types of extension ladders. With this much versatility, it is a must-have for its’ lightweight and compact size. This saves you extra space in the attic. It gives you the height range from 8.5ft to 15.5ft. It also comes with a carrying case and a strap that can be lifted and transported by any adult. Like a telescope, you can adjust the ladder to your required height without unfolding the whole thing. That saves your time and effort. As it operates via knobs and pushes up buttons, you better be careful when assembling it. However, some telescoping ladders also come with anti-finger jamming system. So, there is the solution of the finger clutching problem.
Heads up for some inevitable flaws:
- Most extension ladders don’t have standing platforms. Therefore, check the rungs before buying to test if you can stand on them for long periods of time.
- The steps on an aluminum extension ladder can become slippery in the rain. They are less safe than the wooden ones when the weather is bad.
- They can be high maintenance than other ladders as you constantly need to keep them clean and dry. If you don’t buy the right product, these ladders can catch rust and even break off over time.
Conclusion
Taking into consideration all that has been said, we think that you are now knowledgeable enough to make the right choice. Ladders are a must have in our lives and sadly we do not consider a lot of factors when buying these giant tools. But a cautious buyer always does his/her research before spending their hard-earned money on a ladder. The top 10 ladders reviewed in this article are the number one choice of these cautious buyers. We hope that they will make your life a lot easier like they have been making lives easier for thousands of customers worldwide. Like we always say, choose wisely. Not every perfect feature is good unless it is useful to YOU.