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Types of Extension Ladder

Extension ladders are designed to give you the ladder length you need, when you need it, and slide back into a normal-sized ladder when you are finished.

Though you may be familiar with standard extension ladders, there are quite a few more that also fall under the same category.

Like ladder classes, there are five types of extension ladders.

From the standard extension ladder to the articulated variety.

Some, like the multi-purpose and articulated ladders, fall under the “extension” ladder definition, though they may seem like something completely different.

Some are more complicated than others but the most recognizable extension ladder is just that, an extension ladder. 

What are the main types of extension ladder?

  • Combination ladder (trestle ladder with a built-in extension ladder)
  • Articulated ladder
  • Different length extension ladders (16’ to 48’)
  • Telescoping ladders
  • Multipurpose ladders

All of the above-listed ladders have extension capabilities to one degree or another.

Combination Ladders

Combination ladders can be used in single or extension style or they can fold open in the center, at an angle, like you would expect to see from a step ladder.

Some combination ladders extend by running one side up a rail, while others flip open to twice the length like you would flip open a pocket knife.

Articulated Ladders

Articulated ladders generally have a total of three hinges, though longer versions may have more. The ladder bends along these hinges allowing you to form it into some interesting and useable shapes. If you flatten it out, with all of the hinges straight, you have a standard ladder.

Standard Extension Ladders

The standard extension ladder comes in different lengths with the largest extension ladders opening out to about 48’ in length. It’s not often that you will see an extension ladder that long outside of an industrial setting, but you can purchase them for residential purposes.

Telescoping Ladders

Telescoping ladders are exactly what they sound like, with secondary legs that extend out of the feet of the ladder, giving you more length or height to climb.

The telescoping ladder is the one type of ladder that is almost purely designed for storage capabilities, portability, and convenience. 

Multi-purpose Ladders

Last but not least is the multi-purpose ladder, which is often confused with the articulated ladder, except for the multipurpose ladder, which has far more uses outside of just folding at the hinges.

Classes of Extension Ladders

What are the Classes of Extension Ladders?

There are five types or classes of extension ladders and they are separated only in their load-bearing capabilities. 

  • Type 3: Light-duty extension ladders can handle up to 200lbs
  • Type 2: Medium-duty extension ladders can handle up to 225lbs
  • Type 1: Heavy-duty extension ladders can handle up to 250lbs
  • Type 1A: Extra heavy-duty extension ladders can  handle up to 300lbs
  • Type 1AA: Another extra heavy-duty ladder that can handle up to 375lbs

Your Type 1A and 1AA ladders are generally lumped into the same category, although there is a class separation.

You will most often find them in industrial settings as well.

Type 3, Type 2, and Type 1 class ladders are the most common out of the five classes of ladders.

How to Store Extension Ladders

Regardless of how heavy-duty the extension ladder is, most storage methods will remain much the same.

Heavy duty steel hooks are heavy duty steel hooks after all.

If the hooks are properly mounted, they can handle the weight of even the heaviest extension ladders. 

Ladder Storage Hooks

One of the simplest ways to store extension ladders is to hang them up on hooks.

If you want to hang your ladder vertically, and you have the floor to roof space, you can use either one or two ladder hooks to secure it. 

Horizontal hanging is fine as well, and you can either use hooks for this or multiple, long hooks that essentially rack.

You simply toss the ladder up into the J-hooks and it will sit horizontally on the rack. 

Overhead Hooks for Extension Ladders

Overhead hooks are shaped much like a “J”, with the upper portion bolting to the beams running across the attic and the lower part forming a hook to loop around the ladder when you hang it up.

These are a good idea if you need a place to store your extension ladder but need to save some floor space. 

All Things Considered

There are five classes of extension ladders along with five types of extension ladders.

All of them are great for reaching hard-to-access areas but some have many more applications than others.

In other words, there’s probably an extension ladder to match whatever your need may be.

Final Thoughts

Storage options for extension ladders are relatively easy to come by and inexpensive solutions for extra storage space in your garage.

Regardless of how heavy-duty your ladder is, almost all of the ladder storage brackets and hooks will be able to hold them, so long as the hooks and brackets are installed correctly.