Make Your Next Home Project Easy With These Top-Rated Step Ladders

Ladders come in a range of styles to suit any number of applications, but step ladders are most common for indoor use. These fold-out, A-frame ladders tend not to surpass 10 feet and typically have wide rungs with nonslip treads and rubberized feet for added stability. There are plenty of basic, affordable options that are excellent for assorted tasks around the house, midrange step ladders with higher reach and weight capacity, and extension ladders for a multitude of projects. Many have a pail shelf for a paint can and a place to rest a paint roller or paint brush, and some include a project tray to keep tools, hardware, and supplies within reach.

Technically, step stools fall under the step ladder category, and are lighter weight, more compact versions of their cousins. Step stools are better for everyday use — like reaching dishes on a high shelf — with wider platforms to stand, plus extras like handrails and guardrails. Whether you're in the market for a step ladder big or small, read on for our top recommendations, plus advice to consider before you shop.

Looking for more handy tools for home improvement and maintenance? Check out our stories on the best leaf vacuums, the best paint sprayers, and the best gutter cleaners.

The Best Step Ladders

What to Consider

Step ladders come in several styles and a wide range of sizes, so you’ll want to consider how you plan to use the ladder before you buy. If you’re just looking for a folding ladder to help you reach high kitchen shelves, you may want to opt for a light-duty step stool that folds up into a compact form. However, for larger home improvement projects, a taller and more durable fiberglass ladder is the way to go—this material is even non-conductive, making it safe to use while working on electrical tasks.

While shopping, you may see a ladder’s “Duty Rating,” which classifies weight capacity into categories. Step ladders manufactured for extra-heavy-duty commercial use are Type IAA and Type IA, rated up to 375 pounds and 300 pounds, respectively. Most household step ladders are Type I (up to 250 pounds), Type II (up to 225 pounds) and Type III (up to 200 pounds). Keep in mind that the ladder needs to support your weight, plus the weight of paint cans, tools, and any other supplies you may be using. Also, note the weight of the step ladder itself, as they can be quite heavy at 30 pounds or a bit more.

How We Selected

To find the best step ladders for every home, we looked at a wide range of products from well-regarded brands like Werner, DeWalt, Rubbermaid, Gorilla Ladders, and more. We evaluated each product based on its size, weight, materials, and weight capacity, taking into account any special features, such as project steps or handrails. For each ladder, we also read dozens of user reviews to get a sense of the product’s strengths and weaknesses, and we also took into account our firsthand experiences with several of the ladders. Also, every step ladder we write about has an average customer rating of 4 stars or more.