Ladders are often stored incorrectly, leaning in precarious positions and prone to being knocked over at the slightest provocation.
Our ladder storage ideas can help free up some space by hanging your ladders on the wall or ceiling or simply allowing for ladder storage in the garage.
Here are some better storage ideas for extension ladders, particularly in sheds or garages.
How to Store Extension Ladders in a Garage
Most ladders get stored in a garage since it is just the most convenient place for them to be.
That said, most of these tips would work in a shed or similar area as well.
What’s the best way to store a ladder?
So, how should ladders be stored?
Ideally, in a way that guarantees they are secure and cannot be knocked over or otherwise compromised.
There are a number of ways to achieve this and here are some ideas on how to best store your ladders:
Lockable Ladder Storage Hooks
You may already have hooks in the walls of your garage, which you use to hang up tools and the like.
Well, this is also something you can do with extension ladders.
Here is an example of better quality, heavy duty and lockable ladder hooks.
Just screw the hooks into the wall and hang the ladder vertically.
Of course, these are heavy-duty hooks, and come with a warranty.
They are simple to install onto any type of wall and come with full instuctions.
Ladder Storage Ceiling Racks
Steel racks that can be attached to your ceiling in the garage are a great idea for storing your extension ladders.
After all, the ceiling is about as out of the way as you can get your ladder.
Ceiling racks also allow you to store your ladder horizontally, taking up as little space as possible on the ceiling.
Some ceiling racks can even hold two ladders!
That said, always check the specifics of the ceiling rack you buy, as they tend to be rated for certain weights, and you want to buy one that can successfully hold your ladders.
Storing Ladders on the Ground
If you don’t want to fork out for ladder storage equipment or if you have enough floor space, then there’s nothing stopping you from placing your ladder on the ground in a garage or shed.
However, it is always best to lay it out flat, horizontally on the ground. Leaning your ladder vertically against a wall is not recommended because it can fall over.
The risk of your ladder falling and damaging the wall or anything thats around is really not worth it.
After all, if the ladder is flat on the ground, there is no chance that it will fall over, which is the main risk of storing a ladder incorrectly.
If you are going to store the ladder the old-fashioned way, do it horizontally, on the ground and clear of doorways, areas of heavy foot traffic or fire exits.
Building Your Own Ladder Storage
Ladder Storage Hooks are a safe bet if you are building your own ladder storage.
It is cheap and easy to install hooks for ladder storage because they are small and can hold alot of weight for their size. With just a few screws, the hooks for storing your ladder indoors or outdoors are ready.
If you are the handy type, you can craft your own storage solution using ladder storage brackets which you can fit on the wall vertically or horizontally.
Having enough space can be an so you can also get specific ladder storage brackets for storing your ladders on the ceiling to free up floor or wall space.
You could make your own ceiling rack, or go for the more complicated ladder hoist storage.
You could even create a flexible T-rack.
Regardless of what choice you make, the important thing here is that you have a rough idea of what you are doing.
After all, you don’t want to hang your ladder on the ceiling, only for your screws to give out and have it fall on your car or a person while they are working in the garage.
All you do is take some measurements and have an idea of how much the ladder weighs hold before making anything yourself.
Outside Ladder Storage Ideas
If you have no other option, then you can always store you ladders outisde.
Although there are some great options like outside storage ladder brackets and hooks, you should only store ladders outside as a last resort and for a short period to avoid excess ladder damage or weathering.
There are some simple steps you can take to extend the life of your ladders so you can store them outside long-term.
Storing Fiberglass Ladders Outside
You can store fiberglass ladders outside as long as you follow the steps below – 6 steps of storing your ladders outside.
However, with fiberglass ladders its imprtant to keep them out of direct sunlight as the UV rays from the sun will oxidise the fiberglass the same way water rusts iron, or oxidises aluminium.
Here is an in-depth PDF guide to Fiberglass Ladders
Can You Store Aluminium Ladders Outside?
Yes, you can leave aluminium ladders outside and theres a few things you can do to maintain the ladders and increase the lifespan.
6 Steps: How to Store Ladders Outside
It is safe to leave most ladders outside if you follow these 6 steps:
- Clean the ladders of dirt, debri and residue
To ensure the aluminium ladders will be safely stored outside longterm, clean with WD40.
- Store aluminium ladders off the ground
To reduce of contact with moisture. Use a pallet or hooks for ladder storage
- Use ladder storage hooks
To stop the ladder falling if the wind picks up and to keep it off the ground.
- Cover the ladders
Use a tarpauline to cover the ladder to keep wind and rain out.
- Inspect ladders and ladder hooks
Thoroughly check your ladders for any damge or corrosion. Make sure any ladder hooks or ladder storage brackets are fitted correctly without damge.
- Wipe down with WD40
After inspection, wipe the ladders down with a cloth sprayed with WD40 to add more protection.
How often should ladders be inspected?
You should inspect your ladders everytime you use them and particularly if you use them for work.
If your ladders are in storage, you should check them every 6 months for damge or corrosion.
If you are storing your ladders outside, you should follow the 6 steps for storing your ladders outside.
More Ladder Storage Ideas
If we have missed anything, or you have specific storage needs for your ladder which we haven’t mentioned, then pleas get in touch and we will respond to you personally.