Finding the best ladders for exterior house painting can be a nightmare if you can’t go with some authentic recommendations. However, there are a lot of options to consider for selecting the right ladder for your exterior painting project.
Ladders are one of the essential tools in a painter’s arsenal. They’re often used to reach the highest areas of a house, and they can be dangerous if not correctly used. There are three things to consider when choosing a ladder: weight, height, and stability.
This article and happy customer feedback will give you a comprehensive overview of the best ladders for exterior house painting.
Top Picks For You
Louisville Ladder L-3016-12 Step Ladder, 12 Feet
One of the most versatile ladders available in the market. It comes with so many unique features that it can be used in so many different ways. It has bracing and steel on the steps. The rubber feet hold upon the ground. The top of the ladder is where you can hold tools. The ladder is easier to open with the spreader braces. Check price here
WEN 31110 Baker-Style 6.25 FT
The WEN 31110 Baker-Style 6.25 ft Multi-Purpose Scaffolding Device is an excellent choice if you are looking for an affordable scaffold to use in all conditions. It’s a brilliant device that allows you to carry heavy loads efficiently. Check price here
Little Giant Ladder Systems 15426-801 Velocity 26
You can use the Little Giant® Velocity™ to complete any kind of project, large or small. It’s perfect for use when you’ve got a lot of things to do, such as when you’re working on a home improvement project. Check price here
Comparison Table
| Ladder Model | Price | Material | Weight Capacity | Available Size |
| Louisville LadderL-3016-12 | Price on amazon | Fiberglass | 300 lbs | 4/6/8/10/12 ft. |
| WEN 31110Baker-Style | Price on amazon | steel scaffolding | 1000 lbs | 6.25 ft. |
| Little Giant15426-801 Velocity 26 | Price on amazon | Aluminum | 375 lbs | 17/22/26 ft. |
Top 6 Best Ladders For Exterior House Painting Details
In this section, We’ll also review a few different types of house painting ladders so you can pick the best ladders for exterior house painting.
Little Giant Ladder Systems 15426-801 Velocity 26
If you are doing the painting yourself, you need a safe, non-slip, and easily adjustable ladder. There’s nothing more dangerous than a painter who is not careful while on a ladder. The easiest way for this to happen is for the painter to get distracted by something shiny and fall off the ladder!
Little Giant Ladder Systems 15426-801 Velocity 26 is the perfect safe, non-slip, and easily adjustable tool for your tool kit.
It’s a multi-position ladder that can easily be adjusted to make it into different types of ladders. The rock lock adjusters make the ladder easy to set up and adjust.
It’s possible to set the leg of the ladder at different heights so if you’re on stairs or something, you can use this ladder safely.
While still in step ladder mode, you can get a lot closer to a wall with the 90-degree mode of this ladder. It is a little bit heavier but that’s the only downside to it. This ladder is designed with TIP & GLIDE™ wheels so it can be rolled effortlessly from one place to another.
This ladder has a very useful feature, the wide-flared leg levelers, so it can be used on uneven surfaces. This whole ladder is made out of aluminum and it’s got a great sturdy design.
Little Giant also offers a second work platform with this ladder to hold your paint, tools, or whatever you need to get the job done. This is one of the tallest little giant ladders which meets all the requirements for exterior house painting.
The Little Giant Velocity Ladder holds OSHA and ANSI standards and is rated Type IA to hold 300 lbs. in all configurations.
In the A-frame position, it’s rated as a two-person ladder, capable of holding 300 lbs. on both sides. We recommend this ladder as one of the best ladders for exterior house painting.
WEN 31110 Baker-Style 6.25 FT
Werner now brings 6.25 ft. Multi-Purpose Baker scaffold system which is the best scaffolding for exterior painting. Easy one-person assembly with no tools required for setup and tear down.
You can work comfortably from side to side with ample room for tools. Platform height adjusts in two-inch increments making this scaffold versatile for various heights and uneven surfaces.
Protected locking pins prevent accidental release of the side frame. The deck pin secures the platform to the side brace for sure footing.
The WEN 1000-pound-capacity Rolling exterior painting scaffolding takes you where no man has gone before. WEN 31110 Baker-Style 6.25 ft is perfect for high-rise construction, heavy civil engineering, or industrial work of any nature.
Mount the 28 x 67-inch platform at any of the twenty-five possible height options ranging from 27 inches up to 71 inches (with stops every two inches along the way).
With a 1,000-pound distributed load capacity, this rugged scaffold is built to handle heavy-duty jobs making it ideal for commercial use. If you are seeking scaffolding for exterior painting then this would be the best choice.
Cosco 20309T1ASE Smart Close Telescoping Aluminum Ladder
Homeowners and do-it-yourselfers can use this telescoping ladder for many projects. It’s easy to carry and store almost anywhere because of its folding feature, it’s easy to use and it’s pinch-free.
The obvious advantage of any telescopic ladder is easy storage but the new smart closed telescopic ladder has several unique features that separate it from all the rest. You can your ladder extends easily to your desired height.
As you extend the ladder, an indicator on each rung will turn Green to let you know it’s safely locked into place. It’s made from industrial-grade aluminum. The smart close ladder is ANSI-rated to hold up to 300 pounds.
It can help you deal with a wide range of household problems safely and easily. One of the most exciting new features of the smart clothes ladder is the patented pinch freeze smart close system.
Simply slide the unlocking lever and the ladder will begin to close. A smart close system results in a slower controlled closure and keeps you and your fingers safe.
This extension ladder is designed to reach a maximum height of 12 feet. It features a maximum working length of 8.5 feet. Also available in 14 and 16 feet max reach. Ergonomic grips have been used to open the ladder easily.
The new wider foot design improves contact with the floor at all angles for added Safety. This Cosco 20309T1ASE Smart Close Telescoping Aluminum Ladder painting ladder has rounded steps and a slip-resistant rung to help improve foot contact while in use.
This is the most compact ladder you’ll ever see. It’s easy to store and takes up very little space
Telescoping Ladder Extension Multi-Purpose 18.5 FT
Have you been looking for the best ladders for exterior house painting which is versatile enough to give you the reach you need, but not so big that it will take up too much room in your toolbox? You’ve come to the right place! Energy Bear’s multi-purpose telescoping ladder is a perfect choice.
It’s a compact, lightweight, and portable telescoping aluminum ladder that’s easy to set up. It’s one of the tallest extension ladders.
The Telescoping Ladder Extension Multi-Purpose 18.5 FT has two orange plastic non-slip blocks to improve safety and to increase friction with the ground. Even on smooth ground, it’s stable and safe to use. The ladder has two wheels for ease of movement.
Thick aluminum alloy with high strength and thick bearing capacity makes the ladder safer, stronger, and more durable. Also, the weight capacity of this ladder is 330 pounds. Long service life can be achieved as the surface is treated with aluminum oxidation.
With this multipurpose ladder, you don’t need to spend money on multiple ladders and can use one ladder for a variety of purposes.
Gorilla Ladders MPXT-23+RB-2 23 Feet
The Gorilla MPXT-23 multi-position ladder offers the latest in modern design, combining the time-tested features that have made it a must-have item for thousands of professional-grade workers around the world.
This is the perfect tool for anyone who wants to climb with confidence. It has just enough flex to give you the necessary shock absorption but is still impact-resistant enough to take the abuse of day-to-day use.
The multi-position ladders of Gorilla Ladder are made to be easy to use without sacrificing safety and security. With a 375-pound ANSI duty rating, five useful positions, and adjustable heights, this step ladder can do it all.
It does have a project top cap allowing you to safely hold tools, hardware, and paint on the top of the ladder and get your projects completed faster with less hassle.
The project top cap also acts as a standing platform in the extension ladder mode providing the user a more stable and comfortable place to stand while getting the job done. You also get an additional foot of height versus comparable ladders which is vital for the second story.
The gorilla grip locks are larger and easier to turn for effortless height adjustments and are super impact-resistant for maximum toughness and durability.
Louisville Ladder L-3016-12 Step Ladder, 12 Feet
If you need tall ladders for painting then go for this Louisville 12-foot, non-conductive, fiberglass Ladder. This step ladder has a load capacity of 300 lbs and is rated ANSI Type 1A. A great feature of this ladder is that it has a molded top with handyman’s tool slots, which makes it a paint house exterior ladder.
A few products stand out from the crowd. These products blow your mind with how good they are compared to everything else on the market. The Louisville Ladder L-3016-12 is our favorite step ladder for that reason.
Its sturdiness and stability are unrivaled by any other ladder I’ve ever used. Even when you get to the top, where most ladders begin to sway or shake, this one remains rock steady.
This model is super stable because the rails are made from strong, non-conductive fiberglass. The slip-resistant feet are an excellent addition to this sturdy ladder and give it added stability and traction when in slippery situations.
Finally, the pinch-resistant spreader is a useful feature to ensure you don’t accidentally get pinched when working on your ladder. It’s also good for keeping it stable when moving around the house.
It’s a bit heavy stepladder but phenomenally strong and worth every penny. It is one of the right painting ladders that meets all the requirements of exterior house painting.
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing A Ladder For Exterior House Painting
An important tool for exterior house painting is the ladder. It enables you to reach places that are out of reach. The proper ladder can also make your job easier, and it can save you time and money.
Exterior painting on ladders is a risky job. So you have to stay cautious while using it. There are many different types of ladders for exterior house painting.
Ladders have many characteristics to consider when making your ladder selection. The best ladder for your needs depends upon factors such as the ladder’s size and length, the type of job it is used for, the ladder’s duty ratings, and whether it is aluminum or fiberglass.
Types of Ladder Materials
Once you understand the materials available and the different benefits and drawbacks of each, you’ll be able to select the right ladder for the job.
Fiberglass Ladder
Ladders made of fiberglass are resistant to rust. They are heavier than aluminum ladders. The ladders are safe around electricity. If stored outside, fiberglass ladders can experience sun damage.
Aluminum Ladder
Ladders made of aluminum are lightweight. They might be dangerous around power lines and electrical work.
Wood Ladder
Ladders made of wood are much heavier than other materials. In the rain, they can run into expansion issues.
Determining Your Maximum Height
You must first determine your maximum height while buying exterior house painting ladders. Then choose a ladder that you can safely use to get to that height. We recommend always choosing a ladder slightly higher than you might need to avoid overreach. Follow the instructions on the ladder to stay safe before using exterior painting ladders according to OSHA.
The Weight Limit Of Ladders
The weight limit of ladders varies depending on the model. Ladders are tested to safely hold a specific amount of weight, so when you buy a new ladder you should check the duty rating to know the maximum weight it will support.
Ladder Duty Ratings:
- Type 3 – 200 pound capacity, Light Duty. Household use.
- Type 2 – 225 pound capacity, Medium Duty. Painter and handyman.
- Type 1 – 250 pound capacity, Heavy Duty.
- Type 1A – 300-pound capacity, Industrial Duty.
Ladders: At-A-Glance by Type
There are many different types of ladders. Some are more powerful than others. Each type will determine what it’s capable of doing.
Step Stools
If you don’t need a lot of height, it can offer a very stable and safe alternative. Wide steps and a comfortable platform are typically what you will find. The height is limited to less than four feet.
Step Ladders
A stepladder is a common type of ladder used for many applications. You don’t have to attach it to a wall or other structure to use the ladder, because it has an upside-down V-shaped self-supporting structure. Step Ladders can be folded up to make them easier to transport.
Straight Ladders
Straight ladders are similar to one-half of a stepladder. If you have a non-self-supporting ladder, then the topmost section of the ladder must be anchored. The straight ladder doesn’t have hinges. However, if you need a ladder that doesn’t take up as much space when it’s not in use, then you should consider getting a folding ladder.
Platform Ladders
The platform ladder is one of the best tools for painting. In terms of providing a stable work surface, it is superior to anything else that you can buy. These are perfect for DIY all-rounders but are especially good for painting because of their handy platform where you can store your paint can, brushes, and a cup of tea.
Extension Ladders
While platform ladders are best for painting the interior, they might not be the best ladders for exterior house painting. That’s where the need for an extension ladder comes in. Extension ladder provides double or triple the height of a regular ladder, You can paint the entire house, or the first, second, and even the third floor, without having to worry about anything. An extension ladder is the best choice for painting on a ladder exterior.
Ladder Accessories For Exterior House Painting
Here we are introducing some ladder accessories for exterior house painting
Ladder’s Little Helper
Ladder’s Little Helper is a ladder accessory. It’s an ideal accessory for painting. Ladder’s Little Helper is an anti-slip rubber to help protect the gutter and minimize ladder movement.
It is lightweight but strong. It helps to prevent the ladder’s sideways movement as anti-slip technology is being used in these accessories. It’s made of polypropylene which is UV stabilized.
Overall, this product helps you to be safer and feel more confident while climbing the ladder.
LadderLimb Ladder Paint Bucket Can & Tool Bag Holder
LadderLimb is a great safety accessory for ladders. It makes it easy to hang buckets, cans, and bags at various heights.
It can be used inside hollow rungs with a 1in/ 25.4mm diameter. It can’t be used in step-ladders. It can hold up to 10kg/22lbs (2.6 gallons). The LadderLimb has a rubberized limb that fits into the ladder and holds whatever is attached to it in place.
The LadderLimb can be easily pulled and placed into another rung when you want to work at another height LadderLimb can be easily pulled and placed into another rung.
Qualcraft 2420 Two-Rung Short Body Ladder Jack
When working at an elevated height, scaffolding is used to erect a temporary platform between two ladders. Ladder jacks are tools that are commonly used to construct the platform.
The Ladder Jack by Qualcraft is a unique piece of equipment that’s ideal for a variety of repair and construction applications. It’s one of the most durable pieces of equipment available. Installation and removal of this jack are easy.
When used in conjunction with a Ladder Jack it can easily accommodate wide planks. Two people can be accommodated at the same time with this Qualcraft short-body ladder jack. This Qualcraft jack can be used on ladders of any type – round, angled, D-rung, fiberglass, or aluminum.
The riveted construction of this jack makes it strong and durable. The jack is made from high-quality aluminum and it is tough enough to endure regular wear and tear.
Werner AC78 Quickclick Stabilizer
Ladders with ladder stabilizers are essential for improving your safety. They keep your ladders steady and stable so you can be safer and more efficient while painting the house exterior.
The Werner AC78 QuickClick™ Stabilizer is designed to span 44 inches and provide a standoff of 10 inches. No tools are required to attach to the ladder. It is easier to install and remove than any other stabilizer on the market, because of the spring-loaded locking latch.
The work surface is protected with Mar-resistant rubber end caps. The paint can hook is included in the stabilizer. Do not use this stabilizer on Type III (200lb) aluminum, Type II (225lb) fiberglass, or MT series ladders.
Warner Swivel Pot Paint Can Hook, 411
It’s a pothook, it holds your paint securely on your ladder. It’s easy to use and attaches easily to all types of ladders. It is made of hardened steel and holds your paint securely on all types of ladders. It is also usable with either one- or five-gallon pails.
Exterior House Painting 15 Tips And Techniques
A coat of paint is the most important thing you can do to protect your house from the elements and weather, and it’s also the best thing you can do to improve its appearance.
So now and then you notice that the house needs painting. A big job, and you’ll be shocked when you realize just how much it’ll cost to hire a pro. However, there is an alternative. You’ll be able to paint the whole house yourself, and we’ll show you the best way to do it.
1# The very first thing to do is wash the house down with the power washer, to clear out all the dust and grime on the walls. Wet the walls and leave them to soak for 10 minutes, let the water soak into the dirt and loosen it from the wall.
2# After about 10 minutes wash it down again starting at the top this will get all the dust and cake dirt off the wall to leave a good clean surface for the paint to adhere to. The pressure washer will blast off loose paint and save you from having to brush or scrape too much.
3# Some stubborn contaminants can be removed using the Pink Stuff paste. If there is any loose paint, you can easily scrape it off or use a wire brush to remove it completely. Use a plaster primer to touch up any bare cement.
4# Mark the top of your paint containers with a permanent marker so you will remember what color they are later.
5# There are particles in paints that sink to the bottom of the can. Put the paint into an empty drum and then back into the main drum at least four times to suspend the particles evenly in the paint. Smaller paint containers can be stirred by hand Bringing particles from the bottom of the container up into the paint.
6# Remove any light or switch covers and any other fittings where you can paint around items that can’t be removed
7# You should apply the paint about 1/2 inch away from the edge and then work it into the edge in successive strokes. Professionals don’t use edge tape because it’s expensive and time-consuming to apply.
8# When using a roller for the first time, rinse it in water and then wring it out and roll it on a wall to remove most of the water leaving the nap slightly damp. This is called Priming the roller. Roll the paint onto the wall mixing it into the edging paint.
9# Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Just keep a damp rag close at hand to wipe off your mistakes. And have a scraper in your back pocket to rectify them. Of course, always wear old clothes.
10# It is crucial to use the best ladders for exterior house painting. Don’t try this with a rickety old exterior ladder, you may spend more on hospital bills than you’ll be saving by doing the job yourself. Choose a light and sturdy ladder as you’re going to be moving it around a lot.
11.A two-meter frame ladder will reach most lower areas with a six-meter extension being perfect for most higher areas of a house.
12 # If you’re painting over a paved surface use a drop cloth. Just one drip can cause 10 minutes of cleaning later.
13 # There are a few different types of paint that are used to paint a house exterior. Textured paints with a slightly rough finish are recommended for exterior home painting. This type of paint lasts longer than smooth water-based paint and can be used on any surface.
14 # The first coat takes a long time but the second coat goes much quicker. This is the coat that will make the job look good if you apply a second coat. The first coat may look good initially, but the second is what finishes the job. The Protection of a second coat against sun, rain, and dirt will give you a very durable finish.
15 # Attaching an extension pole is a good way of painting with a roller. An old broomstick may be used to hold the roller handle. Take a few turns of tape around the end to make it fit. You can slip it on when you’re in the higher areas and then slide it off when you’re in the lower areas.
After the job is done, it’s a good idea to have some paint left over to do touch-ups.
What Is The Best Time To Paint Your House Exterior?
No one wants to work outside when the weather gets cold but did you know some jobs shouldn’t be done below a certain temperature?
Painting your house is a lot more fun when the sun is out and the weather is good. It’s common sense that you shouldn’t paint outside in the rain but did you know that if the temperature is too high or low it can cause the paint to not bind together properly which can lead to cracking and filling?
Exterior paint can be applied at any time of year, but you should avoid applying it during winter months because you’ll have to wait longer for the paint to dry. The best drying will occur when the relative humidity is between 40% and 70%
Top 7 Safety Tips During Exterior Painting
1 # If you believe your home may have lead-based paint, it’s a good idea to have a certified lead-safe contractor remove it.
2 # Protect the lawn and sidewalk by covering them with a couple of layers of heavy-duty plastic. Use duct tape to secure it down well and tight. Also, use the canvas drop cloth runners at that place because they’re safer to walk on than the plastic.
3 # Improper use of ladders can cause serious injury. The risk of accidents is minimized if we follow safety guidelines while using ladders for painting houses.
4 # You should always feel 100% comfortable and safe in your particular situation before climbing. While using the extension ladder Make sure that the clips are securely on the rung and they are right.
5 # To check whether the ladder is correctly positioned or not, just stand on the first rung and kind of give it a little bounce if it doesn’t move, you’re good. One more thing is that while climbing, put your hands on the rails as it’s safer to keep them on the rails.
6 # Look closely at the labels on the paint cans to see if a mask or respirator is recommended. While painting, it’s a good idea to wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from dust and a mask to protect your respiratory system.
7 # Don’t use thinners, removers, cleaning solvents, and bleaches without wearing gloves.
FAQ
How To Paint Hard-To-Reach Exterior Of House
Painting the exterior of your house is easier said than done. Many of the surfaces are difficult to reach, so you will need the right equipment and tools. It’s advisable to use a ladder or a scaffold to reach the roof, and a step ladder or a stepladder to reach the side walls.
You will also need a ladder or scaffold to paint the upper floors of your house, and a set of work gloves to protect your hands from getting injured during the process.
How To Paint High Exterior Walls
To paint high exterior walls, it is essential to have the proper tools and equipment for the job. You’ll need a ladder, brush, spray can, and some paints.
Start by spraying the wall in horizontal strokes with a brush. Next, use a primer on the wall to make the wall more durable and protect the paint from fading or peeling.
After this, you can apply the base coats with a spray can. Use latex-based paints for this purpose, and ensure that you have adequate ventilation when applying the paint.
How To Paint A Tall House Exterior?
To paint a tall house exterior, you will need to take some extra precautions and use the right equipment.
Here is a step-by-step guide:
Safety first: Before starting any work, make sure you have the proper safety equipment, such as a sturdy ladder or scaffolding, safety harnesses, and fall protection gear. It is also important to have someone else present to assist you and ensure your safety.
Prepare the surface: Clean the exterior of your house thoroughly by pressure washing or scrubbing with a mild detergent. Remove any loose or peeling paint, and sand rough areas, and repair any damaged surfaces.
Protect surrounding areas: Cover windows, doors, and other surfaces that you don’t want to be painted with plastic sheeting or drop cloths. Use painter’s tape to protect edges and trim.
Prime the surface: Apply a coat of primer to create a smooth and even base for the paint. This will help improve adhesion and prolong the life of your paint job.
Choose the right paint: Select an exterior paint that is suitable for your climate and provides good coverage and durability. Consider using a paint sprayer for faster application on large areas.
Paint from top to bottom: Start at the highest point of your house and work your way down, painting in small sections at a time. Use long strokes and maintain a wet edge to avoid visible brush marks or roller lines.
How Do You Spray Paint A 2-Story House Exterior?
We spray paint a 2 story house exterior with a ladder by first covering all of the surfaces with a thick layer of primer and letting that dry. We then apply two or three coats of the color of your choice. This is the most common way to spray paint a house.
Final Thought
It is very important to select the right kind of ladder for the purpose. It is quite obvious that the price of the ladder should not be the only factor when buying the best ladders for exterior house painting.
If you are looking for a sturdy and strong ladder that can easily carry heavy loads, then you need to invest in a sturdy and durable ladder.
Finally, if you are looking for a lightweight and easy-to-carry ladder that can be used for light-duty tasks, then you should go for a lightweight and easy-to-carry ladder. If you’re still confused about which ladder to buy, buy one from our top picks.