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How to Use a Ladder On Stairs? – 5 Different Solutions

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I have always wondered how people use a ladder on the stairs? and how they do it safely? my curiosity got the better of me and I started researching it. What I found out both surprised and made sense to me at the same time.

Turns out a ladder is an essential tool you need in your home but sometimes just a ladder isn’t enough especially for the tricky places in your home that you can’t reach that easily.

One of whom is exactly over your stairs for things like hanging a framed photograph or picture, changing a light bulb painting the wall, installing a new light fixture in a stairwell, changing the wallpaper, or just hanging out for fun why not right? To do all that and more you need to put a ladder on your stairs, turns out there are a lot of ways to do just that:

How To Use a Ladder On Stairs?

Here are some things that you can do to use ladders safely on stairs.

Buying Expensive Ladders 

There are expensive ladders out there that bend, transform, and articulate for just any reason you need them this is the easiest way to solve your problems. But, there is one catch, not a lot of people have xxx$ just laying around to spend on some fancy ladder and prefer to use the one they have stored in their garage.

You could also purchase leg extenders and wedge-style tools which a lot of painters and drywallers recommend and use themselves however before you make that purchase you need to be aware of their shortcomings as well :

  • Wedge-style tools are not as safe and sturdy not to mention big they might be versatile but are not build to be used on stairs
  • Leg extenders if you are looking to install them permanently on your stairs and make them more cumbersome to carry and use then go for it but don’t forget they are expensive and you need a lot of them.

Read More — Best Long Extension Ladder

Make-shift scaffolding

If you’re feeling creative and want to do a mini DIY project than make-shift scaffolding is a great way to do just that according to Old House Magazine all you need is:

  • Additional materials that can support your whole weight 
  • 2 ladders (one of which should be a step ladder)
  • An overhanging wall to prop one ladder against

The first thing you have to do is open the step ladder and place it on top of your stairs, secondly position the extension ladder on the stairs and lean it against the opposing wall, and lastly, you have to create your platform where you are going to stand.

This is a good hack especially if you are going to take some time working there, for example, painting your wall.

Read More — Best Foldable Ladders

Build Your Own Ladder Platform

This is also a great idea that you can do yourself in your home. The best part about this is that it’s safe and can be sturdy as much as you want it to be and you can move it if you want.

You can do it with materials that are laying in your home however you need to ask yourself am I a builder? Can I do this by myself and is it worth spending way more time building it than actually solving the problem I’m building it for.

If the answer to all these questions is yes then you just found a fun little project for yourself.

Read More — Best Lightweight Ladders

Ladder aide

Using ladder aide allows you to adjust the height of one side of the ladder the appropriate amount you need they consist of three parts: the base the upright and the platform it requires no installation and you can set it up quickly

  • Place the base on the lower stair and slide the upright into the base.
  • slide the platform onto the upright, and lower it until it sits level on the upper step 
  • insert the locking pins

 The advantages of that are that it sits securely on the stair, once you set it up you can move it from stair to stair easily because the height of the stairs is the same.

It’s very effective if you need to do different jobs on the stairs. But, there are some disadvantages as well like: they don’t work for all kinds of ladders like orchard ladders, step ladders or platform ladders.

Combine Ladders

A really good option is to use a ladder suitable for use on stairs ( a special stair ladder ). This ladder also allows you to adjust the height of one side of the ladder to make it shorter, make sure to read the instructions of the manufacturer and try to work with another person as well.

Read More — How to Put a Ladder on a Sloped Roof?

How To Safely Use Ladders On Stairs? 

You would be shocked to know just how many people use concrete blocks, paint cans, and other random materials to prop up one side of the ladder. The worst part about this is that even professionals do it however this is extremely dangerous and might lead to a lot of injuries.

I’m sure you are familiar with the phrase that most accidents happen at home so try to prevent it as much as possible, needless to say, while you work on a ladder in general and especially on one that happens to be on top of stairs you need to be very careful.

Take your time, don’t rush things, always use a stable secure base you can rely on, don’t do it if you are not somewhat experienced, don’t hesitate to ask for help, two heads are better than one and besides it’s usually more fun to have someone to talk to, and the job is done much quicker that way, whatever your choice is on how to use a ladder on stairs I hope you stay safe.

I hope this article was somewhat helpful on your question in using ladders on stairs for the sake of renovating your home or just changing a light bulb on top of your stairs and you at least found one helpful way of doing it quickly and safely.

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We’re a team of engineers, contractors, technicians, and woodworking experts who use power tools daily and share fact-based information, tips, and recommendations. At thetoolgeeks.com, we debunk myths about power tools and share methods to use them effectively.

The Tool Geeks Team

We're a team of engineers, contractors, technicians, and woodworking experts who use power tools daily and share fact-based information, tips, and recommendations. At thetoolgeeks.com, we debunk myths about power tools and share methods to use them effectively.

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