The short answerFor indoor jobs, a 6 ft stepladder rated Type I (250 lb) costs $60 to $130 and reaches about 10 ft. For one ladder that does indoors and single-story outdoors, get a 17 to 22 ft multi-position ladder for $150 to $300.
What to buy
Indoor jobs
6 ft stepladder, Type I (250 lb)
Reaches about 10 ft, which covers light fixtures and painting under 8 to 9 ft ceilings. It won't get you to the gutters.
$60 to $130
See options on Amazon →No storage space
Telescoping ladder, about 12.5 ft, with an ANSI label
Collapses to around 3 ft and fits in a closet or a car trunk. It has many moving parts, so check that every rung is locked before each climb.
$100 to $250
See options on Amazon →Most homeowners
Multi-position ladder, 17 to 22 ft, Type IA (300 lb)
Works as a stepladder, as an extension ladder, and on stairs. It's heavy, often 30 to 45 lb, and the hinges take a minute to learn.
$150 to $300
See options on Amazon →Two-story gutters and roofs
24 to 28 ft fiberglass extension ladder, Type I or IA
The right tool for second-story gutters, siding and roof access. It's long to store, awkward to carry alone, and too much for indoor work.
$250 to $500
See options on Amazon →Links go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Need a 28 ft or taller ladder once for gutters or paint? Rent it, or hire that job out. Tall ladders are hard to store and haul.
What the numbers mean
- Duty rating
- The most weight the ladder holds, counting you plus your tools and materials. Type III is 200 lb, Type II 225, Type I 250, Type IA 300 and Type IAA 375.
- Reach height
- How high you can comfortably work, assuming an average-height person. On a stepladder it's about 4 ft more than the ladder's height.
- Extension ladder length
- The sections overlap and the ladder leans, so it reaches less than the number on the label. Plan on a ladder several feet longer than the height you need to touch.
- Aluminum vs fiberglass
- Aluminum is lighter and cheaper, and it conducts electricity. Fiberglass is heavier and is the one to use anywhere near wiring or power lines.
- ANSI label
- A sticker saying the ladder meets ANSI A14 standards, with its type and weight limit. No label, no purchase.
What not to pay for
- Type III light-duty ladders
A 200 lb limit goes fast once you add tools and a paint can. Type I or IA costs a little more and feels steadier.
- Telescoping ladders with no certification
Bargain listings with no ANSI label are a gamble with your spine. Pay for one that states its standard and load rating.
- More ladder than you can carry
A 28 ft fiberglass extension ladder weighs 50 lb or more. If you can't raise it safely alone, it will sit in the garage.
Set an extension ladder 1 ft out from the wall for every 4 ft of height, and run it 3 ft past the roof edge. Keep 3 points of contact, keep your belt buckle between the rails, and never stand on the top cap. Stay at least 10 ft from power lines.
Questions
Are telescoping ladders safe?
A certified one is, when you use it right. Buy one with an ANSI label, extend it from the bottom rung up, and confirm every lock is engaged. Keep your fingers clear of the rungs when you collapse it.
What size ladder do I need for a two-story house?
For second-story gutters, usually a 24 to 28 ft extension ladder. Measure the height you need to reach first. The ladder should extend about 3 ft past any roof edge you step onto.
Aluminum or fiberglass ladder?
Aluminum is lighter and fine for painting and indoor work away from wiring. Choose fiberglass for electrical work or anything near the service line to your house.
Written by the DIY Project team. We recommend by type and spec, cheapest option that does the job first. How we check
Updated October 3, 2026. Prices are estimates.