How to Store Ladders Safely: 6 Top Tips

June 28, 2024 | Nate Cord

Using proper supports to store ladders also keeps them tucked away in an organised manner, making them easy to access and retrieve when needed.

Whether you’re dealing with compact step ladders or expansive extension ladders, proper storage not only protects them from wear and tear but most importantly, it enhances the safety of passers by.

In this guide, we’ll explore 6 top tips to help you store ladders safely, whether it be at home, in a workshop, or on a job site. From avoiding overcrowded and busy areas to utilising proper supports and considering their material, these tips will ensure your ladders are stored securely and remain in optimal condition for years to come.

Here are 6 Tips for storing ladders safely:

1. Avoid Overcrowded Areas

First things first, you do not want to be storing your ladder, whether it be a large combination ladder or a smaller step ladder in overcrowded areas. This is for a number of reasons.

Firstly and most importantly, safety. If a storage space is full of lots of other bits and bobs, you’re much more likely to trip over the ladder or other items for that matter, leading to injuries. Also, if ladders are crammed up against other things, they’re more likely to fall over, especially if you’ve put heavy items on top of the ladder for additional storage.

Improper storage in tight spaces can cause the ladder to bend or warp over time, which compromises its structural integrity and safety. If the ladder is therefore bent or damaged, it may not be stable, which naturally increases the risk of falls and accidents.

2. Avoid High Traffic Areas

It absolutely goes without saying that ladders should also be stored away from high traffic areas, i.e. areas with lots of people walking through.

Ladders stored in high traffic areas pose more risk of people tripping and falling, leading to potential injuries. More people walking by also increases the risk of a ladder getting knocked over and falling, again causing injury and damage to the ladder itself.

This brings us nicely onto our third point…

3. Use Proper Supports

Using proper supports when storing a ladder vertically is absolutely essential, and this involves standing it securely against a wall or in a corner, and using a strap or bungee cord to then secure the ladder and prevent it from falling.

If storing horizontally, it’s worth getting your hands on some wall hooks/brackets which are designed to keep the ladder off the ground. Not only does this help keep the ladder secure and out of the way, lifting the ladder off the ground will protect it from moisture, dirt, and other elements that could cause rust or deterioration.

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Constant contact with other items can also cause abrasion (especially on softer materials like aluminium or wood.), leading to wear and tear on the ladder’s surface.

4. Consider Ladder Size

Ladders are available in a variety of sizes to suit your needs – and this can have a big impact on how you store them.

Small & Folding Ladders

Small or folding ladders are some of the easiest to store since they can fit into compact spaces.

If you have a step stool, extension ladder or folding ladder, you’ll probably be able to store them in a secure storage cupboard. However, as mentioned above, a ladder of any size (even small) may not be stable enough to stand on its own, so securing your ladder to the wall is the best bet.

Larger Ladders

Ladders on the larger side, however, are slightly more difficult to store, especially if they don’t fold down.

Extension ladders, single section ladders and platform ladders, for example, present unique issues as they cannot easily be tucked away in storage areas, and due to their size, are also more likely to fall over if unsupported.

While these larger ladders can be stored standing up, this is not the most secure solution. Affixing large ladders to a sturdy rack is the best choice especially in the workplace. And if you’re unable to do this, another option is placing your ladder on the floor horizontally and pressed against a wall (ideally on wall storage hooks, as mentioned above).

This eliminates the problem of large ladders falling onto workers or passersby, and also stops the ladder from being a tripping hazard which is always a risk if the ladder is placed flat.

5. Consider Ladder Material

Another thing to consider when storing your ladder is its material. This is because some materials respond better to certain environments than others. Let’s look at this in more detail…

Aluminium Ladders

Aluminium ladders, such as the HAILO L80 ComfortLine 4 Tread Aluminium Safety Ladder and the Aluminium Multipurpose Ladder, are ladders made primarily from aluminium, a lightweight, durable, and rust-resistant metal. Due to these favourable properties, these ladders are popular for various applications, from home maintenance to construction to industrial settings.

While aluminium doesn’t rust easily and are sturdy enough to be used in bad weather, the feet and platform of your ladder will usually contain other materials (rubber or PVC), and are therefore at risk of damage when left outside for long periods of time.

For this reason, indoor storage is highly recommended, with bonus points if the feet of the ladder aren’t touching the floor (as this will preserve them).

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Fibreglass Ladders

Another popular type of ladder fibreglass, such as the Lyte Trade Fibreglass Swingback Step Ladders and the Little Giant HyperLite SumoStance Fibreglass Extension Ladder.

These are ladders made primarily from fibreglass, which is a composite material composed of glass fibres embedded in a resin matrix.

These ladders are specifically designed to leverage the unique properties of fibreglass for enhanced safety and durability in various environments. For example, their non-conductive nature makes them safe for use around electricity. Also, their highly durable construction ensures longevity even in harsh environments that are prone to corrosion and weathering, where exposure to moisture or chemicals might degrade other types of ladders.

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In terms of storage, while they are incredibly robust and long lasting, they are also one of the heavier options, which makes it even more important that they’re positioned and stored securely.

Fibreglass ladders should not be left outside, as the heat and UV light can break down fibreglass, making it unsafe over a long period of time. For this reason they should always be stored in shaded or indoor areas.

Due to their weight and size, it goes without saying that they need proper support to prevent sagging or warping, especially if stored horizontally. We’re talking wall hooks, brackets and even ladder storage racks.

When storing a fibreglass ladder, it’s also a good idea to get help from another person, as their weight and size can often make them awkward to handle safely alone.

Timber Ladders

The last type is timber, primarily constructed from, you guessed it, wood! Some examples include the EuroFold Timber Folding Loft Ladder and the Werner Eco S Line Timber Loft Ladder.

These ladders can be very strong and stable, and are safe for use in environments dealing with electricity, as they are non-conductive. That said, they may present other problems during use and storage. For example, timbre can catch fire more easily than other materials, and it is also particularly prone to damp and rot.

For these reasons, it’s important to make sure that wooden ladders are not kept close to foreign materials and are stored off the floor and away from damp or strong heat. The area should also be well-ventilated to keep your ladder in the best condition possible.

There we have it! We hope this article on how to store ladders safely has equipped you with the knowledge and strategies to ensure both convenience and safety in managing your ladder storage solutions.

For more tips and insights into the wonderful world of ladders, check out our blog page.

Looking for a premium ladder? At Ladders4sale, we offer a range of different ladders for your specific needs from a range of top-rated brands. From step ladders to loft ladders and scaffold steps, we have it all!

All of our products are manufactured, tested and certified to industry standards. In addition to this, all orders come with free mainland UK shipping and after sales support from our experts.

If you require additional advice or have a question for our team, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us using our contact form or via phone at +441639849847.