Step Ladder
A step ladder is a self-supporting ladder with hinged front and rear sections, used wherever there is no surface to lean a ladder against. The catalog lists 485 models from Werner, Louisville Ladder, Michigan Ladder, Cotterman, Bauer Corporation and Vestil, in bands from up to 6 ft through 12+ ft.
Cat classes
Pick a size class — capacity and reach differ across the range.
How it works
The front section carries the steps and the rear section braces it, joined by hinges and locked open by spreaders. Standing free of any wall, the ladder places its working height wherever the task is — the defining advantage over extension ladders. Larger sizes in the class shade into platform and mobile-access designs with handrails and wider bases. Listed load capacities run 200–500 kg and maximum heights 3.0–114.0 ft.
Types & variants
- Standard A-frame stepladders
- The familiar front-step, rear-brace design for general trades and maintenance.
- Platform ladders
- A standing platform and guard at working height for long-duration tasks.
- Twin-step ladders
- Climbable from both sides, useful for two-person tasks.
- Rolling and warehouse ladders
- The tall end of the class, with casters, handrails and deep bases for racking and high-bay work.
Key specifications
| Specification | Typical range | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Size (ladder height) | 3–114 ft (0.9–34.7 m) | Maximum height; standing height is lower since the top steps are off-limits. |
| Load capacity | 441–1,102 lb (200–500 kg) | Duty rating covering worker plus tools and materials. |
How the industry sizes it
Step ladders are sized by nominal height, with catalog bands at up to 6, 6–8, 8–12, and 12+ ft. The working rule: maximum standing level is two steps down from the top, so usable reach is roughly the ladder height plus arm reach minus that allowance. Duty rating is then matched to worker plus loadout, with 200–500 kg available across the class.
Applications
- Interior painting, drywall and ceiling work
- Light fixture, detector and fan installation
- Warehouse racking and inventory access
- HVAC, ductwork and drop-ceiling service
- Storefront signage and display work
- General facility maintenance
Safety & operation
- Never stand on the top cap or the step below it — the tip-over moment above that point is unmanageable, and every ANSI A14 label marks the highest standing level.
- Spreaders must be fully locked open; a half-open ladder folds under side load.
- Keep the belt buckle between the rails — overreaching sideways is the classic stepladder tip-over.
- All four feet on firm, level ground; on soft ground, feet are bedded on pads, never shimmed with debris.
- Duty ratings run 200–500 kg on listed models and cover everything on the ladder, not just the worker.
Standards & certifications
- ANSI ASC · A14.2
- Portable metal ladder standard covering stepladder duty ratings and labeling.
- ANSI ASC · A14.5
- Fiberglass ladder standard for non-conductive stepladders.
- OSHA · 29 CFR 1926.1053
- Construction ladder rule covering use practices for self-supporting ladders.
Frequently asked
What is the highest safe standing level on a step ladder?
What size covers standard ceiling work?
How much do step ladders hold?
Why choose fiberglass over aluminum?
Compare popular models
Find by spec →Normalised to the same units. A dash means the figure was not published.
| Model | Max height | Load capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville Ladder AL2240MG-2 | 7 ft (2.1 m) | 827 lb (375 kg) |
| Louisville Ladder AL2240MG-1 | 7 ft (2.1 m) | 827 lb (375 kg) |
| Louisville Ladder AL3040MG-R10FT-1 | 7 ft (2.1 m) | 827 lb (375 kg) |
| Louisville Ladder FS1507 | 7 ft (2.1 m) | 661 lb (300 kg) |
| Louisville Ladder FS1505 | 5 ft (1.5 m) | 661 lb (300 kg) |
| Louisville Ladder FT1506-1 | 6 ft (1.8 m) | 661 lb (300 kg) |
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Sources
Every specification is verified against the manufacturer's published data, with the source linked for reference.
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