The Best Ladders for Painting Ceilings: Our Expert Guide

April 1, 2025 | Nate Cord

If you’re a DIY enthusiast, you’ll know that painting a ceiling is one of those home improvement tasks that can go from “this will be easy” to “why did I even start this?” in no time…especially if you don’t have the right ladder!

The last thing you want is to be stretching uncomfortably or, worse, balancing on a wobbly step while trying to get that perfect coat of paint overhead, and this is why having a sturdy, well-designed ladder can make all the difference.

But with so many on the market, which one should you choose?

In this guide, our experts here at Ladders4sale have hand-selected the 6 best ladders for painting ceilings, as well as offering guidance on the best types of ladders to look out for.

The Best Types of Ladders for Painters

When searching the market, here are some of the top ladder types you’ll want to consider, each offering unique benefits to help you tackle your painting projects safely and efficiently.

• Stair Ladders – As you could have guessed from the name, this type of ladder is designed to work on the stairs. Stair ladders are a game-changer for painting ceilings in stairwells or multi-level spaces as their adjustable legs provide a stable platform on uneven steps, allowing you to reach high ceilings without awkward stretching or unsafe balancing.
• Hop Ups – A lot of painters and decorators use these for that extra small boost in height. At Ladders4sale, we offer a wide range of fibreglass and aluminium hop up platforms in various sizes and heights, ideal for professional, trade, and DIY use. Learn more about hop ups here.
• Multi Purpose Ladders / Combination Ladder – These versatile, adjustable ladders are designed to be used in a large variety of functions, making them ideal for painting jobs around the house. Browse our wide range of aluminium & fibreglass multipurpose ladders.
• Swingback Step Ladders – Swingback step ladders don’t have platforms so they are smaller when opened, and ideal for painting ceilings because they offer a sturdy, self-supporting design without taking up much floor space.
• Platform Step Ladders – These are a type of self-supporting ladder with a large, flat standing surface at the top, providing a stable and comfortable work area. They’re ideal for painting as they’re usually more safe and some have tool trays and hooks to enable users to put paint buckets. Shop our range of platform step ladders here.
• Telescopic Ladders – Telescopic ladders are a type of adjustable ladder that can extend and retract to different heights, much like a telescope. They are highly portable, easily stored and highly functional and can be effortlessly extended onsite.
• Scaffold Towers – Scaffold towers are freestanding, multi-level platforms designed to provide a stable and spacious working area at height, ideal for extended painting projects or rooms with super high ceilings that require prolonged overhead work.

The best ladder for your painting needs depends on factors like ceiling height, space constraints, and how much mobility you need while working.

To help you narrow down your options even more, here are 6 of the best models…

The 6 Best Ladders for Painting Ceilings

Our experts have carefully selected their top ladders for painting ceilings, taking into account factors like affordability, stability, height, ease of use, and overall safety.

1. Hailo 9850-101 TP Plus 2 in 1 Stair and Work Platform

First up we have the Hailo 9850-101 TP Plus 2 in 1 Stair and Work Platform, an innovative solution for working in stairwells and on uneven surfaces that can also be used as a low-level platform Hop Up, ideal for painting ceilings.

Its stable and comfortable standing surface allows for great reach and control while painting overhead.

Some key features include:

• Can hold up to 150 kg
• Safe, light and space-saving: only 6 cm wide when folded
• Stable aluminium frame system
• 10 year domestic warranty

2. Hailo S100 ProfiLOT Pedal Adjustment Combination Ladder

Another popular Halio ladder suitable for painting ceilings is the S100 ProfiLOT Pedal Adjustment Combination Ladder.

This 3-Part aluminium ladder would be a great option for ceilings as when it is set as an A frame ladder, you can extend the A frame up and down.

Other benefits include:

• LOT system: compensates for surface unevenness up to 15cm, adjust by foot pedal
• Sturdy guide part with plastic gliders
• Locking hook with transport safety mechanism
• Length and cross-profiled rungs
• 2 full-surface-contact feet and 2 large, stable claw feet

This ladder comes with an impressive 10 year domestic warranty.

3. Little Giant Velocity Series 2.0 Multi-purpose Ladder

Next up we have the Little Giant Velocity Series 2.0 Multi-purpose Ladder, a lightweight, multi-position ladder with added features to make set up and take down simple.

Depending on the project at hand, this ladder has a number of different configurations, such as A-frame, extension, staircase, 90-degree or trestle-and-plank & scaffolding. It also features a telescopic configuration, allowing you to increase and decrease height.

This ladder also comes with an impressive lifetime guarantee, giving you complete peace of mind.

4. 5 Way Scaffold Platform Ladder

The Abbey 5 Way Scaffold Platform Ladder is an excellent access product that can be used in five different models, including an: extension ladder, step ladder, work platform, stairway ladder or 2 x single ladders. No matter what job needs doing, this access product will help you get it done safely and efficiently.

It’s quick and easy to use, and also features a non-slip platform and handrails for extra safety.

5. Werner AP-2030 Aluminium Adjustable Pro Work Platform

The Werner Aluminium Adjustable Pro Work Platform is another quality, sturdy platform for painting ceilings, providing up to a 9ft reach.

This platform is compact and lightweight, making it super easy to transport around, and the handy height adjustability and plastic bumpers allow for the platform to be used on stairs without damaging finished surfaces.

Our ladder expert, Nathan, states “I have one of these myself and use it for all my decorating needs, it’s great!”.

More features include:

• Wide feet provide stability without the need for manual adjustment
• Quick set up with one handed lock and height adjustments
• Dual self-locking legs securely lock when opened for safety and lock again when closed for easy transport and storage

This ladder can handle a max load of 136kg

6. Telescopic Extension Soft Close Extension Ladder

Last but certainly not least, we have the Telescopic Extension Soft Close Extension Ladder that can reach 2.6, 3.2, 3.6 and 3.8m extended.

This adjustable ladder features wide comfortable treads and an automatic locking system. It is also easy to store, transport and carry, making it ideal for domestic and professional use.

Additional key benefits include:

• Safety grip wall bumpers for firm grip and stability
• Unlocking system for easy closure
• Non-marking feet protect the floor from damage
• Lightweight but strong aluminium construction
• Large slip-resistant feet
• Stabiliser bar

And there we have it!

For more ladder tips and insights, check out our blog page, including articles such as ‘How to Store Ladders Safely’ and ‘Ladder Classification Guide’.

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.