Don't Forget Your Ladder

A ladder is a very handy item to have around the house. Most people will usually own several different types of ladders. Each type of ladder has a specific use and should only be used specifically for that reason. Using the wrong type of ladder can lead to very serious injury.

The most common ladder is a stepladder. Two stiles are hinged in the middle by an inverted V hinge to allow the ladder be fixed into place. Most modern ladders are made out of aluminum but a few are still made with wood. A stepladder is going to be the ladder of choice for any home projects that take place inside the home.

Painting and wallpapering can be difficult even impossible jobs without a stepladder. If your home has rather high ceilings, it is important to consider how high your ladders is and what step you can safely step onto. Most stepladders specifically state that you cannot stand above a certain step and this should be followed to avoid injury. The higher you are on a ladder the easier it is going to be for you to fall.


Another type of common ladder that is useful in most homes is an extension ladder. An extension ladder is a fixed latter that is divided by lengths that can either be slid together for convenient storage, or they slid apart to it's maximum length. An extension ladder is best used for projects that are very high off of the ground.

Cleaning the gutters of your roof is a perfect example. It is always best for safety reasons to have someone at the bottom of the ladder stabilizing it if you are going to be climbing higher then the mid length of the ladder. Above that point a ladder can become unstable if not anchored properly. Having an extra pair of hands isn't always as option so some ladders come equipped with extra wide supports.

Regardless of the type of project you are doing, always be safe and use the right ladder for the job.

by: Milton Felton

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Ladder Décor – the Possibilities are Endless

With a little bit of creativity and some imagination you can take something as simple as a plain wooden ladder and transform it into a beautiful piece of home décor. The thought may not have even crossed your mind – after all it’s a ladder, but the possibilities are endless!

After we discovered that you can take a plain, old regular ladder and transform it into a decorative piece of home décor we did some research to find out some specific ideas and uses.

Below we are going to share them with you. If you like any of these ideas and find you need step by step instructions, just take a trip to your local Home Depot or do a search online using Google and you will have more ideas then you know what to do with!

Ladder Décor Ideas:

An old ladder and wooden bins come together for a simple storage solution. Cut down the ladder to the desired height. Rest the wooden bins on the ladder rungs and attach with screws on the sides. Add a decorative metal plate to the front of each bin. After you transform your ladder here are some things you can now do with it:

Quilt & Throw Ladder – You can easily stain the ladder so that it looks new and vibrant and then hang your quilts and throws over the bars. It makes for a beautiful display and gives you lots of room!

Bathroom Ladder Rack – You can easily transform a ladder into a useful decorative rack for displaying just about anything with just a little creativity. You can add bins to the ladder by screwing them into the side legs to make more room.

Garden & Patio Ladder – You can use your ladder to house your plants out on the porch or in your garden. You can have ivy wrap around the form which will give it that extra touch of décor.

More Ideas – Child’s easel, towel ladder, magazine ladder, picture ladder, shelf, end table and so much more! Again, you are only limited by your imagination! As you can see there are many unique ideas, you are bound to find one that will work perfectly for you and liven up your house!

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About the Author: Chuck Greene is an electrician with what some would call an odd love of ladders, especially the Little Giant Ladder brand. He writes an maintains the Ladder Fanatic website in his spare time - which features information about the Little Giant Ladder System and testimonials for happy customers offering Little Giant Ladder reviews.

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Ladder Safety Tips

One of the many tools that home owners use regularly is a ladder. Whether you need to change the porch light bulb, clean the gutters or put something in the top of the closet. You may need a ladder to get the job done!

While ladders seem harmless enough and they are useful tools, accidents can still happen if you don’t follow some simple safety tips. You may be shocked to hear that each year; more than 400,000 people are injured from a ladder accident and end up in the emergency room or doctor’s office. Some injuries are as minor as cuts and scrapes while other injuries have resulted in broken bones or worse.

Below we are going to share some safety tips with you to ensure that you are properly using your ladder to get your chores done!

1. Before using the ladder, inspect it and make sure all the screws and side rails are in place. Stepping on to a ladder that isn’t secure, can result in you taking a fall which is exactly what we want to avoid!

2. Check the bottom of the ladder to make sure there isn’t any dirt, paint or liquid that has accumulated and will result in the ladder not being sturdy. For your safety, try to use ladders with non skid spurs – this helps the ladder to stay in place and prevent you from sliding.

3. Make sure to properly set up your ladder before climbing on. The ladder should be on a firm, level surface – never place a ladder on a surface that is uneven. Once you are certain the ladder is secure and level then make sure to lock the side rails to better secure the ladder.

4. Always position your ladder as close to the work area as you can. Do not overreach or stretch to the side, this could result in a fall if you lose your balance. It might take a little longer to finish your task if you keep getting off the ladder to reposition it but its best for your safety.

5. Never move the ladder with anything on top such as a hammer, paint can or the like. It won’t feel too good to have a can of paint end up hitting you in the head – any objects for that matter!

6. Don’t be lazy and pull out the step ladder if you will need the bigger ladder! Stretching and overreaching is one of the most common ways that people get hurt when using a ladder. With a bigger ladder you also have more bracing and you can lean up against it while working.

7. Most importantly always climb and descend the ladder facing it and holding on with both hands whenever possible. Also be sure to take one step at a time, if you miss a step that can end up with you falling from the ladder.

By following these few safety tips you will be able to avoid any unnecessary accidents or trips the emergency room. I know these tips sound like common sense but I see people make these simple mistakes daily for lack of thinking while working on something and trying to hurriedly finish.

About the Author: Chuck Greene is an electrician with what some would call an odd love of laddders, especially the Little Giant Ladder brand. He writes an maintains the Ladder Fanatic website in his spare time - which features information about the Little Giant Ladders and testimonials for happy customers of the Little Giant Ladder System.

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