Do you ever get frustrated by the restrictions your current ladder creates because it only has one position? Then read on because we’ve got just the thing to solve your problem.
The inconvenience of only being able to use your ladder for certain tasks around your home whilst leaving some jobs being unfinished because your ladder doesn’t offer the correct support, safety, or positioning leaves us all feeling defeated.
Why should a ladder only be able to allow you to climb up into your attic in your home but also not permit you to clean your exterior upstairs windows on your house? Well, this doesn’t have to be the case.
A multi-position ladder will resolve your problems and will provide you with the freedom, support, and boost of height to finally start those up high or difficult to reach jobs around your home without compromising on your safety.
We’ve spent hours upon hours researching to find you the best multi-position ladders out there so you don’t have to waste your time endlessly looking for a decent ladder.
Below is a quick summary of our favorite multi-position ladders. Scroll down to learn more about each product and to find your new multi-position ladder.
7 Best Multi-Position Ladders
Little Giant Ladders, Velocity with Wheels, M22, 22 Ft, Multi-Position Ladder
The Little Giant Ladder brand dominates the DIY industry with its large range of high-quality products and this multi-position ladder comes right into that bracket as well.
The ladder comes in a range of heights ranging from 13-foot or 26-foot so whether you just need a ladder around your home or need something larger for your job then there’ll be something suitable for you.
The multi-position ladder converts to A-frame, extension, trestle-and-plank, 90-degree, and staircase frames with ease for extra convenience, so you won’t have to balance or put yourself at risk whilst trying to reach more difficult places.
The ladder is easy to use and adjusting from different positions is made simple via the implemented rock locks which adjust the height of the ladder by simply pressing the adjusters.
If easy portability is something you’re after then this ladder is a great option, it comes with gliding wheels to help you transport the ladder from place to place without having to carry the full weight of it.
The ladder can also come with a variety of additional accessories if necessary, including a work platform, project tray, and wall standoff. These accessories would be more beneficial for anyone who works in DIY or has their own business.
The Little Giant Ladder is in the Type IA category and can hold anyone who weighs up to 300lbs so will work for almost anyone without the safety being compromised.
We wouldn’t recommend anything that didn’t pass regulations, so we thought we’d mentioned that it meets all standards set by OSHA (occupational health and safety administration) and ANSI (American national standards institute).
PROS
- Great stability – The ladder offers top stability no matter how high you are on the steps
- 4 sizes available – The sizes offered will suit the needs of any household
- Features rock lock adjusters – For extra security when changing the width of your ladder
- Comes with glide wheels – For easy transportation from job to job
- Large weight capacity – Anyone up to 300lbs can use it
CONS
- Not compact – Doesn’t compact to a smaller size so harder to store
TACKLIFE Telescoping Ladder, 17 Feet Aluminum Extension Ladder with 2 Flexible Wheels
With this ladder, you won’t just get the one function, you’ll also get five different other functions along with it. This ladder can be an A-frame, step ladder, 90-degree ladder, wall ladder, or scaffold system all just within one construction – you’ll never need to use anything else.
It’s made from high-quality aircraft-grade aluminum which exceeds ANSI standards and has a weight capacity of up to 300lbs so could even fit two people on the ladder at once if needed.
This TackLife ladder is safe and comfortable and offers non-slip rubber feet to provide firm support on the ground whilst you’re up on the steps. It also has a safe protective switch to help you stay right where you are when you’re climbing.
The ladder is small in size when folded up and can be easily transported by hand or will fit in the trunk of the car as well. As the ladder can be made smaller, it is small enough to store away anywhere you want without looking too much of an eyesore.
The ladder will arrive in the box fully assembled and ready to be used straight away which is extra convenient for those who struggle with DIY and putting things together, especially when there are difficult instructions involved.
Like the Little Giant Ladder, this model also features two flexible wheels on the bottom of the ladder but these are a little more difficult to roll with. You need to lean the ladder properly back to get movement with the wheels.
PROS
- Versatile – The one ladder can be used in 5 different ways indoors and outdoors for extra convenience
- Comes fully assembled – The ladder comes fully assembled so won’t require any stress
- Small and compact – Can be easily stored away without taking up too much space
- Non-slip feet – Safety is a priority and the non-slip feet ensure you stay in place
CONS
- Wheels are difficult -Wheels can be difficult to use unless you’ve leaned the ladder far back
Luisladders Telescoping Ladder Multi-Use Telescopic Extension Ladder
Third on our list is the Luisladders Telescoping Extension Ladder which is our most budget-friendly recommendation in this guide. The ladder is available in sizes of 6.5 feet up to 12.5 so can reach a pretty decent height but is not one of the tallest ladders out there.
The ladder is extremely compact and portable making it perfect for those who don’t have large homes or outhouses to store it in. The Luisladder also features a securing strap to keep the steps in place when the ladder is not in use and prevents them from falling on your fingers when carrying the ladder.
The telescopic ladder is smooth and easy to operate without trapping your fingers when trying to open it up and close it again.
It’s made from corrosion-resistant quality aluminum alloy and is a very sturdy construction featuring wide slip-resistant steps that will keep you feeling safe no matter how high up you are. The ladder is also resistant to corrosion and rust so can be safely left outside if you have no room indoors to keep it.
Unlike other ladders like this, this Luisladders model won’t bend inwards when leaned up against walls from the force of your weight.
Customers have noted that when the ladder is exposed to harsh cold weather, the plastic on the construction becomes brittle and tends to breakaway.
PROS
- Security strap – For increased safety when transporting the ladder
- Compact design – Can be kept anywhere around your home
- Corrosion-resistant material – Won’t decrease even when exposed to harsh weather conditions
- Budget-friendly – Perfect for those who don’t want to splash out on a new ladder
CONS
- Plastic is not durable – Plastic becomes brittle in colder weather
WolfWise Aluminum Telescopic Extension Multi-Purpose Ladder
If you need a smaller ladder to do less demanding jobs in and around your home, then this WolfWise one will be ideal for you. It’s only available in 8.5,10.5 and 12.5-feet heights which is still a decent size but is smaller in comparison to others on this list.
Despite its small size, this aluminum extension ladder has the largest weight capacity of any of the ladders on our recommendations with the ability to hold anyone up to 330lbs.
The ladder is easy and safe to close down due to the smart-close system which closes each step slowly and smoothly when it retracts, preventing pinching or trapping of the hand. It only takes less than 10 seconds to retract the ladder from full extension by simply just pressing a button for added convenience.
The WolfWise telescopic ladder is built for portability thanks to its compact size and heavy-duty straps that will keep everything locked in when being transported around.
It’s lightweight enough to be carried by a single person in just one hand and can effectively be placed in more restricted places like under the bed or in the trunk of a car.
The feet feature smooth rubber cushioning for extra stability on any floor surface that you may be using your ladder on, therefore you won’t have to have someone watching or holding the ladder to make sure it stays stable.
PROS
- Smart-close system – For added safety when retracting the ladder from full extension
- Lightweight and portable – Can be carried single-handedly and put in small spaces
- Large weight capacity – Can hold up to 330lbs easily
- Smooth rubber feet – Increases stability for users working on their own
CONS
- Only available in smaller sizes – The largest size is 12.5 feet which is not tall enough to reach a two-story home.
Luisladders 7 in 1 Heavy-Duty Multi-Purpose Aluminium Folding Ladder
This 7 in 1 Luisladders folding ladder is one of the most versatile options we’ve recommended, it can be purposed as a scaffold, leaning ladder, step ladder and can be changed into various shapes to meet height requirements and working needs.
It’s available in sizes of 12.5 feet to 18.7 feet so will suit a variety of users whether they want it for household tasks or working on a job site.
Even though it extends to a large height and can be shaped in different ways, this ladder retracts down to a portable size that even the most petite of people can carry without any struggle.
The ladder is easy to retract due to the lock design on each joint which adds convenience for unfolding the construction after use.
This Luisladders model is safe and reliable due to the heavy-duty aircraft-grade aluminum construction which has a load capacity of over 300lbs, so provide a stable
You’ve got the reassurance of the security click & lock system which can be opened and locked when you change the shape of your ladder which guarantees security when you’re using it.
The bottom of the ladder features zigzag anti-slip foot straps which prevent the ladder from slipping during use thanks to the angled positioning which adapts to where your weight is on the ladder.
PROS
- Zigzag anti-slip feet – Prevent the ladder from slipping and adapts to your weight on the ladder
- Safe and reliable – Has a load capacity of over 300lbs
- Very versatile in its use – Can change into 7 different shapes for a variety of uses
- Suitable for household or professional use – Small and large sizes available
CONS
- Damaged on arrival – Some customers have commented that the product has arrived damaged when it arrived
Werner MT-22 Telescoping-Ladders
The Werner MT-22 ladder is the best fit for a high-end option and has a weight capacity of 300lbs and can reach heights of 22-feet when fully extended.
The design offers ease of conversion into the three-set positions of an extension ladder, step ladder, and storage which is simplified by the push-knob locking hinges located on the side of the ladder.
Adjusting the height is also an easy task thanks to the spring-loaded J-locks, which need to be disengaged before telescoping the ladder out your desired length and then reengaging the j-locks.
The extra-wide flared bottom design of the ladder offers superior support and stability even when the ladder is fully extended. The featured double-riveted steps also provide long-lasting durability no matter how much heavy use your ladder gets.
The design is not the most compact and also is very heavy to handle without the help of someone else supporting the weight of it.
The steps are one of the major letdowns on this Werner model as they are indisputably narrow for a ladder of this caliber, this will make it difficult for larger adults to move up and down the ladder with ease.
PROS
- Aluminum construction – Will last when stored in exposed environments
- Extra-wide flared bottom design – Provides extra support and stability
- Soft-touch push knobs – Makes it easy to convert the ladder into different positions
CONS
- Steps are narrow – Some people may find it difficult to climb up and down the ladder
- Too heavy – Difficult to carry by a single person
Louisville Ladder FE3220 Fiberglass Step Ladder 300-Pound Duty Rating
The Louisville ladder is one of the tallest ladders available on our list, it comes in a range of sizes varying from a decent 16-foot to a massive 40-foot ladder, which allows you to reach even the tallest of heights with no problems.
You will need to bear in mind that when you increase the height of your ladder, the weight will increase sufficiently, so make sure you’ve got the strength or the extra pair of hands to carry a huge ladder.
The ladder features D-shaped rungs for increased comfort for the user and safety is prioritized with the steel swivel safety shoe with a metal shield.
The design is built to be sturdy and strong and has a 300lb weight capacity for even the gentle giants amongst us. The construction is made out of fiberglass and is extremely durable and benefits from being non-conductive so can be used for all sorts of job tasks.
Due to the size of this heavy-duty ladder, it’ll need somewhere spacious or at least a designated area for you to store it. It’s not compact at all and will be pretty difficult to transport on your own. The mar-resistant end caps at the top of the ladder will help prevent the build-up of scratches and wear when your ladder is leaned against rough surfaces.
PROS
- Huge height range available – Suitable for all customers needs
- Very sturdy construction – Feels completely secure and safe to use wherever you use it
- Mar-resistant caps – Stops the build-up of scratches on the ladder when placing it against walls.
- D-shaped rungs – For extra comfort of the user whilst climbing up the ladder
CONS
- Heavy and hard to carry – Very hard to carry and transport on your own, so not convenient at all
Buyer’s Guide
Types of Multi-Position Ladders
A-Frame: A-frame style is often used in step ladders for general household use. They offer great stability for the users. However, they are sometimes very limited as lots of them are a fixed length with no provision of extension or positioning as other styles of ladders.
Multi-purpose: Multi-function ladders have different lock points featured through the construction where you can change the shape and position ladder depending on what task you need to do. They are very popular amongst DIY and trade professionals.
Telescopic: Telescopic ladders are the most compact of the ladders and are perfect for transporting around to different locations. These ladders don’t come in a common A-style frame but are normally flat and can be balanced against a wall or surface.
For people who don’t have much space in their homes, or work in trade and would like something small enough to fit into their vehicles, then a telescopic ladder is always a good choice for great portability.
Height
It goes without saying that if you want to reach tall areas on your ladder, you’ll need to find one that offers a big height. Most multi-purpose or telescopic ladders offer a good range of heights of around 20-feet.
Weight
If you’re blessed with a super strong physique then going for an extremely heavy ladder is not going to be a wise choice, unless you’ve got the help of others to help you use it every time.
Whilst, a heavier ladder will provide more stability when you’re standing on it you’ve still got to consider if you’ll even be able to carry it around for your jobs.
The weight of your ladder will also depend on what material it is used from, aluminum ladders are often the most lightweight whereas fiberglass or steel ladders are the heaviest.
Storage
It’s all well and good having a large heavy-duty ladder to help you reach everywhere, but if you’ve got nowhere to store it when it’s not used then that might be a tiny bit of a problem.
Telescopic ladders are the most compact and easiest to store and can even easily be kept in your home. A-frame, multi-purpose, and extension ladders are the tallest and will require more room to be kept in.
Ladders can be expensive and you don’t want to keep them lying around outside your home without being chained or locked away. Some people have ladder hooks where they can hang their ladder out of reach when it’s not being used.
Weight Capacity
This should be the major factor in deciding what ladder to get. Ladders can go up to a 300lb capacity and we always recommend going for the one with the highest weight capacity to prevent accidents or possible breakage.
Most of our recommendations on this guide have a weight capacity of around 300lbs.
Duty Rating
Ladders have regulated ratings that show the weight capacity and the duty rating of each ladder. Below is a full list of the duty ratings.
- Type IAA (Extra Heavy Duty) – 375lbs weight capacity
- Type IA (Extra Heavy Duty), 300lbs weight capacity
- Type I (Heavy Duty), 250lbs weight capacity
- Type II (Medium Duty), 225lbs weight capacity
- Type III (Light Duty), 200lbs weight capacity
Materials
Most ladders will be made either from fiberglass or aluminum, fiberglass is a lot heavier but also more weather resistant and is not a conductor of electricity.
Whereas aluminum is a lot more lightweight and more portable. If you’re going to be working around electrics then you should go for a fiberglass ladder to keep you safer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best multi-position ladder?
The best multi-position ladders are:
- Little Giant Ladders, Velocity with Wheels, M22, 22 Ft, Multi-Position Ladder
- TACKLIFE Telescoping Ladder, 17 Feet Aluminum Extension Ladder with 2 Flexible Wheels
- Luisladders Telescoping Ladder Multi-Use Telescopic Extension Ladder
- WolfWise Aluminum Telescopic Extension Multi-Purpose Ladder
- Luisladders 7 in 1 Heavy-Duty Multi-Purpose Aluminium Folding Ladder
- Werner MT-22 telescoping-ladders
- Louisville Ladder FE3220 Fiberglass Step Ladder 300-Pound Duty Rating
Are multi-position ladders safe?
Yes, multi-position ladders are safe to use. They feature locks to ensure safety, slip-resistant steps, and rungs to protect against any accidents. They’re also made of superior strength materials to ensure large weight capacities.
What size ladder do I need for a two-story house?
For a two-story house, you should have a ladder that is a height of or can extend to 22 feet.
What is the maximum height you can work from a ladder?
There is no maximum height, however, in the workplace, the maximum height requirement is 24 feet and anything higher than that then your employer will be required to provide you with fall protection equipment.
A ladder needs to feature an intermittent rest platform on a ladder over 30 feet to adhere to OSHA regulations.
Can I use a ladder on scaffolding?
No, you should never use a ladder on scaffolding. Scaffolding will normally come with a built-in specialized ladder to help people get to certain levels of the platforms, but you should never put a portable ladder onto the scaffolding.
What is a Type II ladder?
Type II ladders are approved for medium-duty use and are safe for people up to 200lbs to use.
Which is better, a fiberglass or aluminum ladder?
Fiberglass is strong and more weather resistant than aluminum ladders. Fiberglass ladders are also used for working around power lines and electricity as they are resistant to electricity whereas aluminum is not.
However, aluminum is a lot lighter than fiberglass so is often preferred by users for increased portability.
