Best Telescoping Ladder Reviews 2023

Telescoping ladders offer different styles and features which can affect cost. From our research, we found for between $80 and $350, you will get a good telescoping ladder. There are of course those that cost a lot more than this and the features they offer should justify their cost. What we have done is find a mid-price range that will offer more people access to good quality telescoping ladders.

Like you will have guessed, what you will pay will be largely determined by the features that the brand and model you choose offers. Some telescoping ladders offer just extensions while some others can be used as extension ladders, step ladders and even scaffoldings. Decide what you want and pay for it. Whatever you do, avoid (like we did) cheap telescoping ladders that can quickly make you part of the statistic that ends up in the emergency room.

When choosing a telescoping ladder, there are some factors that need to be given thorough consideration. This is very important because much more than getting the job done, a good and suitably chosen telescoping ladder will ensure your safety.

Some of the very important factors to consider include:

• Type – step or extension
• Material
• Capacity
• Height
• Weight
• Safety

We will now look at these more extensively.

Like we noted earlier, almost every kind of ladder can be telescoping. You therefore need to decide which type of telescoping ladder you need. Just in case you are not sure, we will guide you. If you need a telescoping ladder to help you get stuff from the pantry, change a burnt out bulb, or clean the ceiling fan, you can get a step ladder type. If you want to do some painting or work that requires you have a surface to place tools, you should consider a scaffolding step. If, however you will be doing stuff that takes you over 17 feet off the floor, then you certainly need an extension type.

For tasks that require two persons working together, you will need a twin-step ladder, and if you are a special breed who does every kind of DIY and maintenance, then you may just have to go for a multifunctional ladder. With these, you can have a step ladder, an extension ladder, a scaffolding step and more.

Another thing to look at is the material the ladder is made of. Considering you’ll be entrusting your safety to this device, common sense dictates you ensure it can support your weight adequately. Most telescoping ladders are made with aluminum with some made with fiberglass.

Ladders are meant to help us reach heights we normally won’t reach. Before getting one, you need to know how high you want it to go. It will be a gross waste if you were to get a ladder that is well below the height you want it to reach!

What do you weigh? This is something you MUST know. You and anyone who will use the ladder must ensure your weight is well within the capacity of the ladder. Every ladder displays this information so every user can beware. For your safety, be very conscious of this.

There are a few things that make using a telescoping ladder more efficient and enjoyable. Some of these are operation matters while some have to do with choice. Let’s first talk about the material. The work you plan on doing can affect the choice of material you go for. If you will be doing any job related to electricity, you may be better off with a material that cannot conduct electricity.

Next, let’s look at the height. Do not get a ladder that is the exact height you want to reach. Here’s a rule of thumb to guide you. The highest height that is safest for you the climb on an extension type ladder is four rungs below the top. This means the ladder should be a couple of feet taller than the height you want to reach. For a step type ladder, do not stand higher than two steps to the very top.

When extending a ladder that can reach up to 36 feet, make sure the points where the sections overlap measures at least 3 feet. For extension ladders that can go higher, ensure the overlapping segments measure at least 5 feet. Additionally, to ensure proper balance, ensure that for every 4 foot height you achieve, the base of the extension ladder must be 1 foot away from the surface on which the ladder is resting. So, if you’re extending the ladder to 8 feet, the base should be placed 2 feet away from the surface on which it is resting. For 12 feet it will be 3 feet while for 16 feet it will be 4 feet and so on. The conclusion on this is that you should get a telescoping ladder that is much higher than the highest height you will want to reach.

To further ensure safe use of a telescoping ladder, it may be necessary to understand the duty rating. We have already warned that the capacity of the ladder MUST be adhered to. You will see some ladders classified as Type 1, Type 1A etc. These classifications are indicators of the maximum weight load the ladder can handle. Here’s a full list:

• Type IAA: Maximum weight capacity - 375 lbs
• Type IA: Maximum weight capacity - 300 lbs
• Type I: Maximum weight capacity - 250 lbs
• Type II: Maximum weight capacity - 225 lbs
• Type III: Maximum weight capacity - 200 lbs

Before using your telescoping ladder, ensure you read the instructions properly and set it up as instructed. Every part should be represented. Do not use shaky ladders. Always ensure you thoroughly inspect the ladder before every use. Look out for oil, water or other spills that can constitute a slip hazard. This includes the kind of shoe you put on when climbing. Ensure it’s non-slip.

While this may not be all the information there is on telescoping ladders and ladders generally, following this guide will help you find the right one for you and also guide your usage of it.