Whether you’re a DIYer or a professional seeking a ladder, the weight of the ladder should be at the top of your priority list. Heavy ladders can be difficult to carry and transport, and have the potential to pose a massive safety threat for the person using them and the people around them.
If you’re looking for a ladder for professional use, the last thing you want is a heavy ladder that is the cause of a pedestrian’s injury. After all, it could risk you your job and livelihood. But how easy is it to find a lightweight yet sturdy ladder?
If this sounds like a problem you have encountered in the past or a problem you want to avoid like the plague, we’ve got you covered! We understand the importance of finding a lightweight yet durable ladder that can suit every purpose – from regular household DIY projects to professional handyman use.
That’s why we have found the 10 best lightweight ladders on the market, complete with a useful buyer’s guide and FAQ section. Let’s get started!
10 Best Lightweight Ladders
1. Little Giant Ladders Flip-N-Lite 6ft Step Ladder
If you’re looking for a standard ladder for household projects, this Little Giant Ladders 6ft ladder will do the trick. Weighing only 14lbs, this is a very lightweight ladder that can, impressively, hold up to 300lbs in body weight.
This is a standard A-frame folding ladder that can be opened with just one hand. Made of aluminum, not only is this a lightweight and strong ladder, but it is durable and suitable for extended use. When folded, it has a slim profile of only 4” which is ideal for storage and transportation.
The rungs are extra-wide for the comfort and safety of the user’s feet and hands, which also helps to prevent foot fatigue and cramping. The standing platform, likewise, is wide enough to comfortably fit two feet and is equipped with a top cap to hold tools and equipment. To add to the safety value, the legs have hard rubber feet that provide security and balance.
This ladder meets the OSHA and ANSI standards, which provides the user with maximum safety.
Pros
- Lightweight and slim – Weighs 14lbs and has a narrow profile of 4” for easy storage and transportation
- Aluminum frame – Made from lightweight and durable aluminum that can hold up to 300lbs
- Safe to use – Rubber feet, extra-wide rungs, and OSHA/ANSI approved
Cons
- Only 6ft – Not suitable for projects that require a taller ladder
2. Little Giant Ladders Velocity 22ft Multi-Position Ladder
This 22ft ladder stands out for its unique multi-position construction. It can work as a regular A-frame ladder, but it can be fully extended and used at various angles such as on a staircase or at 90-degrees. This makes it an ideal ladder for professionals who need a ladder that can be used for a range of heights.
The multi-position value makes this a versatile ladder for its price point. When adjusted into a new position, whether in a regular A-frame or completely extended to its full 22ft height, the ladder is equipped with Rock Lock adjusters that help to lock the ladder in its new formation. It also comes with hard rubber feet to prevent slipping or moving.
To help with the transportation, this ladder comes with Tip & Glide wheels. These work by, you guessed it, tipping and gliding the ladder, so the wheels aren’t activated when the ladder is in its upright form. This ladder meets the OSHA and ANSI standards. As for its weight, this ladder weighs 39lbs.
Pros
- Multi-position – Converts to multiple ladder shapes including A-frame and extension
- Secure – Rubber feet and Rock Lock adjusters help to keep the ladder stable when in use
- Wheels – Wheels are activated when tipped to provide easy transportation
Cons
- Release buttons – When fully extended, the release buttons are fast which can be unexpected (watch your fingers!)
3. Ohuhu 12.5ft Telescoping Ladder
Telescoping ladders are a popular choice for space-saving. Working similarly to a – you guessed it – telescope, these ladders slide up and down to get into and out of formation.
This Ohuhu ladder features a handy one button retraction system that helps the ladder safely slide down into its compact position by the press of a thumb button.
Whilst some may assume that telescoping ladders are unstable and flimsy, this product can hold up to 330lbs of body weight and is equipped with the necessary safety features – including non-slip rubber feet and extra-wide rungs.
This ladder comes with locking pins that secure each section of the ladder when it is extended to your preferred position, which means you won’t have to worry about the ladder sliding into its telescoping position. This also means that you won’t risk pinching your fingers when retracting the ladder, which is a savior for your fingers!
Made of a durable aluminum alloy, this is a lightweight ladder that weighs only 25.3lbs. When fully extended, it can reach heights of 12.5ft, which can be used by both professionals and DIYers.
Pros
- Space-saving – Telescoping position takes up minimal space and is lightweight
- Stable – Rubber feet, extra-wide rungs, and locking pins help to provide a stable and secure ladder
- Easy to use – One button retraction system smoothly slides down the ladder with no trapped fingers
Cons
- Noisy – Makes noise when collapsed immediately without guidance
4. Tacklife 17ft Multi-Position Ladder
Professionals and hardcore DIYers may benefit most from a ladder that can do it all. This Tacklife ladder features five ladders in one, as it can work as a step ladder, A-frame ladder, 90-degree ladder, wall ladder, or even as a scaffold. When fully extended, this ladder reaches up to 17 feet. Ideal for climbing up to your roof to clear away moss and debris!
This is an aluminum-made ladder that weighs 40.4lbs. Whilst slightly heavier than other ladders on our list, its versatility makes up for the extra pounds (humans can make that excuse too!). Regardless of its position, this ladder can be used on both indoor and outdoor surfaces – even if the ground is uneven. This is achieved by the non-slip hard rubber feet which provide stability to the base.
This product is equipped with large wheels that are only activated when the ladder is tipped to move, which is a godsend for transportation. It comes with a J Quick Lock which secures the position of the ladder, so you don’t have to worry about the ladder collapsing when it's in a precarious position. This product can hold up to 300lbs in body weight.
Pros
- Multi-use – Converts to 5 different ladder positions for versatility
- Secure – Equipped with rubber feet, extra-wide rungs, and locks to keep the ladder stable regardless of its position
- Indoor and outdoor use – Suitable for any surface, even uneven ground
Cons
- Slightly heavy – Weighs a few more pounds than other ladders
5. HBTower 3-Step Ladder
Who said all ladders need to be 20ft tall? Some people might just need a step ladder to reach the corner of the ceiling or the top of the cabinets. This handy little 3-step ladder weighs only 11.5lbs and can hold up to 500lbs of body weight, and is suitable for household DIY projects.
When folded into an upright position, this product is very slim and takes up minimal space, with a width of only 1.6”. This can fit well underneath someone’s arm, in a garage, or in a car. This is a sturdy little ladder made of a high-grade steel that is the reason why it can hold such an impressive weight.
It doesn’t get more sturdy than this, because it also comes with super wide rungs, non-slip hard rubber feet, and a lock system that keeps the assembled ladder securely in place.
One note about the rubber feet is that they must be positioned properly, as improper use will cause the ladder to shake and wobble. They are angled to support the ladder in its 3-step upright position, which means this ladder isn’t suitable for uneven surfaces.
Pros
- Ideal 3-step ladder – Great for regular household DIY
- Lightweight and slim – Easy to carry and store, weighing only 11.5lbs
- Sturdy – Steel frame design is equipped with a lock system, rubber feet, and very wide rungs
Cons
- Not for uneven ground – Due to rubber foot design, this isn’t suitable for use on uneven ground
6. Louisville Fiberglass 8ft Ladder
Weighing only 20lbs, this is a handy ladder for those who want to prevent injury (which should be everyone). Made of fiberglass, this is an ideal non-conductive ladder for professionals and DIYers who are working with or around electrical equipment.
This is a sturdy ladder with a capacity of 250lbs, fitted with non-slip rubber feet, and a SHOX system that is placed between the feet and the last rung. This system prevents damage to the ladder rails and provides extra stability. The one downside to this ladder is that the rungs aren’t extra-wide, which could be uncomfortable for long use.
The standout feature for this ladder is the tool tray. When working around electricity, it’s inconvenient to constantly climb up and down ladders to grab tools and equipment.
This is especially the case if you’re a professional electrician working in someone’s house, because there’s nothing more annoying than the constant sound of climbing and ascending ladders. This ladder comes with a magnet tray, drill and tool slots, a pipe holder, and a hardware tray, which provides extra convenience.
Pros
- Non-conductive – Fiberglass material is ideal for electrical work
- Tool tray – Handy tray holds a variety of tools and equipment
- Lightweight – Weighs only 20lbs, which is light for a fiberglass ladder
Cons
- Slim rungs – Rungs aren’t wide, which can be uncomfortable for prolonged use
7. Cosco Signature Series 6ft Step Ladder
When a 3-step ladder is too small and a 17ft ladder is too tall, a 6ft ladder is the ideal average height for any homeowner. This Cosco Signature Series ladder is an essential purchase for the average homeowner due to its convenience, stability, usefulness, and easy storage.
Made of high-quality aluminum, this ladder weighs only 17.6lbs which can be carried around the house easily. This ladder features sufficiently sized rungs that are comfortable to stand on for prolonged periods, non-slip rubber feet, and a boxed frame that provides extra stability when stood on.
The standout feature of this ladder is the handy tray. Gone are the days of climbing up and down a ladder to grab a paintbrush, because this ladder comes with a project tray that can hold paint, tools, and other materials such as paper towels. This is an ideal investment for new homeowners who are painting their walls and ceilings because the ladder is designed with complete convenience in mind.
Pros
- Great for homeowners – Ideal height for the average home and handy for regular DIY projects like painting walls
- Lightweight – Weighs only 17.6lbs and comes with a handle for easy carrying
- Tool tray – Convenient tool tray can hold paint, brushes, tools, and other materials
Cons
- Tall when folded – Whilst slim, it doesn’t retract and keeps its 6ft height, which might be tricky for storage
8. charaHOME Telescoping Ladder
It’s no secret that telescoping ladders are the best ladders when it comes to storage and space-saving. This product is no exception.
When retracted, it is only 31” tall and comes with a convenient handle to carry the ladder around and to store it wherever you like – whether it's in a car or under a bed. Weighing only 24.2lbs, this is a compact design.
This ladder is made from aluminum alloy which contributes to its light weight and durability, as it can hold up to 330lbs. The frame is thick and ideal for holding on to comfortably, which is necessary for working at tall heights.
As it is a telescoping ladder, it comes with a locking system on each step that allows you to adjust the height of the ladder accordingly. This means it can be used for a variety of household projects, such as changing the lightbulb, pruning a tree, or changing curtains.
The standout feature of this ladder is the 3.14” non-slip rubber caps. These are wide, angled caps that provide a stable and slip-resistant base to the ladder, which is ideal for those worried about wobbling.
This ladder also comes with an extra tool platform at the top which can hold tools, paint, brushes, hardware, and anything else for ultimate convenience.
Pros
- Compact design – When retracted, this lightweight ladder can be transported and stored anywhere
- Tool tray – Comes with a handy tool tray to hold materials and equipment
- Thick rubber caps – Non-slip, thick rubber caps provide a stable base
Cons
- Finger trapping warning – When folding and unlocking locks, be careful not to trap your fingers
9. WolfWise 8.5ft Telescoping Ladder
Another telescoping ladder, this is one of the easiest and smoothest ladders to control. This product is equipped with a one-button retraction system that allows the ladder to retract into its compact position within 5 to 8 seconds.
It also falls slowly, so there is no chance of pinched hands or fingers (unless you deliberately put your hand somewhere unsafe). This is because of the Adopt Air damper technology, which uses air resistance to slow down the descending speed.
This ladder is made of aluminum alloy, weighing only 14.77lbs with a bodyweight capacity of 330lbs. Whilst its full extension can reach up to 8.5ft, it only retracts to a quarter of its height, which means it can be easily carried or stored in a variety of places. It also comes with a handy handle and a strap to keep the ladder securely retracted in place.
This product is equipped with anti-slip foot caps and a useful grip handle to provide ultimate stability. The rungs are suitably wide enough to be comfortable to stand out for extended periods.
Pros
- Slow retraction – Air resistance technology provides a slow and safe retraction to prevent trapped fingers
- Stable – Non-slip foot caps, grip handles, and wide rungs for stability
- Compact and lightweight – When retracted, this is a small and light design that can be carried and stored effortlessly
Cons
- Wear shoes – Uncomfortable rungs without shoes
10. Giantex Aluminum 3-Step Ladder
Listen, 3-step ladders are a very useful purchase for homeowners, renters, and everyone in between. They’re super handy for regular household projects like painting walls and changing light bulbs because not every ladder is for professional use.
Weighing only 7.5lbs, this is the lightest ladder on our list. It is made of a sturdy aluminum that can hold up to 330lbs of body weight, and is equipped with extra-wide rungs and a spacious top platform to provide a stable and secure place for all sizes of feet. This also means users have extra space for some tools if needed, or it can be used as a stool to sit on if a rest is needed!
The aluminum material also means it is resistant to rust, corrosion, cracks, or breakage – making it an ideal purchase for homeowners.
This ladder comes with anti-slip rubber feet which provides more stability to the ladder and protects flooring from damage. It is also equipped with an automatic safety lock which keeps the ladder firmly in place when stood on, so there is minimal chance of wobbling or sliding.
Pros
- Stable design – Non-slip rubber caps and automatic safe lock provide balance and stability
- Lightweight – Weighs only 7.5lbs
- Useful household ladder – Ideal for household jobs like changing light bulbs and pruning trees
Cons
- Weight capacity – Doesn’t hold as much weight as the other 3-step ladder on our list
Buyer’s Guide
What to Look for in a Ladder
Material
The best ladder material you can find is an aluminum frame. Aluminum is lightweight yet durable and can hold up to (and often over) 300lbs bodyweight. This material is also resistant to rust, corrosion, breakages, and cracks.
Fiberglass and steel ladders are other popular options, but these tend to be heavier than aluminum ladders.
Rubber Feet
The best quality ladders should come equipped with hard rubber feet. Rubber caps at the base of the ladder’s legs help to stop the ladder from slipping or wobbling. Plastic caps should be avoided, as they will slip on floors such as laminate or wood.
Rubber caps are also highly beneficial for maintaining the quality of your flooring, as they will prevent the ladder from scratching wooden floors.
Duty Rating
Ladders should meet or exceed the standards set by ANSI and OSHA. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is the governing body for safety regulations, and ANSI (American National Standards Institute) creates governing voluntary standards.
Both work hand-in-hand with each other, and ladders must reach their standards to be sold reliably. This is especially the case for professionals who use ladders daily.
Weight
Heavy ladders are a pain to carry and transport. They can be bulky and awkward to hold, and not to mention the risk of back or arm injury if the frame is too heavy.
A common misconception with lightweight ladders is that they are flimsy and unstable, however, our research proves that this isn’t the case. Lightweight ladders are as durable and as sturdy as heavy ladders, just with the added bonus of their weight.
Whether you’re a homeowner wanting a ladder for household DIY projects or a professional handyman, a lightweight ladder is an essential purchase for convenience and safety. This also means that, should the ladder fall, it won’t cause as much damage to nearby people as a heavy ladder would.
Height
This seems fairly obvious, but the maximum height of a ladder needs to be a top priority to consider. Whilst some homeowners will opt for 3-step ladders to complete regular jobs like changing light bulbs or the odd paint work, others may find this height to be too limiting.
On the other hand, taller ladders might take up more storage space.
We recommend considering your intentions for the ladder before buying one. Most people tend to buy telescoping ladders that can have the height adjusted or a regular 8ft ladder, as these are the most versatile.
Types of Ladders
Telescoping
Telescoping ladders are a fairly modern invention. They work in the same way as a telescope, where the ladder slides up and down into a retracted or extended position. These are the best options for transportation, storage, and carrying due to their lightweight compact retracted design.
In most cases, telescoping ladders can be adjusted by locks so the user can manually choose the height. Some can be bent into different positions such as A-frame or 90-degree positions, but this needs to be checked depending on the product.
Step
Step ladders are usually 3 steps tall and are handy for regular household DIY projects. Whilst bulky when assembled, they can fold up to a compact shape which is ideal for storage and space-saving.
Most people opt for step ladders to complete household tasks if they don’t have particularly tall ceilings. Some professionals will opt for step ladders when a regular ladder isn’t necessary for the job.
Due to the shorter size of step ladders, they tend to have a larger bodyweight capacity compared to other ladders.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass ladders are the most ideal for electrical work. Electricians and DIYers alike use these ladders due to the non-conductive material, as the fiberglass doesn’t conduct electricity. These ladders are sturdy and heavy-duty but are usually heavier than aluminum ladders.
A-frame
A-frame ladders are the most common type of ladder. Often called folding ladders, they simply fold open and closed when in and out of use. The legs don’t adjust to different sizes, and the average height for A-frame ladders is between 6ft and 10ft tall.
The frame of these ladders matches the shape of the letter A, hence the name, which provides a stable and balanced base.
Multi-purpose
Multi-purpose ladders are most suitable for professionals and hardcore DIYers. They usually come in a telescoping or extension form and can be adjusted into a variety of positions.
These positions include A-frame, fully extended, 90-degree, and even positions suitable for steps (with one leg shorter than the other). These ladders are extremely versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ladder is lighter, aluminum or fiberglass?
Aluminum ladders are generally lighter than fiberglass ladders. Both are as durable as each other and can be used for a variety of purposes, but the lightweight feature of aluminum ladders makes them slightly more popular for transportation reasons.
Fiberglass ladders are best suited for working with and around electricity due to their non-conductive material, but they are the heavier option. Aluminum ladders are also generally more affordable than fiberglass ladders.
What should I look for when buying a ladder?
The most important factors to consider when buying a ladder are the material, the weight, the height, the performance, and the safety. Aluminum telescoping ladders are most popular due to their lightweight yet sturdy design which can be adjusted to different heights.
It mostly comes down to what you intend to do with your ladder. Homeowners will often opt for A-frame ladders or step ladders as these are suitable for completing regular household DIY tasks like changing light bulbs, painting, dusting, or changing curtains.
Professionals and those looking for more versatility mostly opt for telescoping ladders due to their compact retracted design and adjustability to different heights.
A good ladder will meet or exceed the standards of ANSI and OSHA (safety regulations in America) and should come equipped with rubber feet.
Hard rubber caps provide a stable base for ladders which prevents wobbling, and they also prevent scratches or dents on hard floors. Ladders with extra-wide rungs are also the safest option, as they prevent foot fatigue and provide more balance for extended periods.
