It’s not exactly a marvel of technology but it is an ancient one.  The engineering behind a ladder is simple.  Steps move us upward to the height we need to arrive at.  The construction could not be more basic for the average ladder and has not changed much since they were first invented and the first depicted ladder was discovered on a cave painting that was done more than 10,000 years ago in Valencia Spain.  It shows two individuals using a long ladder to reach for a wild honey comb in a tree.

Sadly not a great deal of mechanical history is available on the ladder and its first literary mention was in the Bible, in reference to the story of Jacob and “Jacob’s Ladder”.  Another early famous referral to a ladder is in the kidnapping story of the Lindbergh baby where the ladder was used to gain access to the upper floor of the Lindbergh home in 1932 and broke under the weight of Bruno Hauptmann, the German man charged with the abduction.

Devised by the early Egyptians and for generations after the fact,  wooden ladders of various build styles and sizes were used in homes instead of stairs.

Ladder Superstition

Have you ever heard the saying “Don’t walk under a ladder” and the consequence that if you do, something bad will happen?  This superstition is not a globally recognized one and while no one is sure about where it started from, it is unique to North America alone.

In the Victorian era in Great Britain, a woman could be hung or burned at the stake for sorcery for possessing what was known as a “Witch Ladder”.  The device was a harmless creation from binding twine or string and pierced by a succession of rooster feathers.  The feathers gave the appearance of the rungs of a ladder penetrating from the top to the bottom of the string and was said to cause a neighbors cow to stop producing milk.

Designs and Purposes

For every industrial job requiring the use of a ladder there is a specific design for the function.  Ladders can be made out of a variety of sturdy woods and metal substances for rigid construction.  For recreation and in nautical or transportation use (or for emergency purposes) ladders can also be built from rope.

Some of the more commonly found wood ladders are:

• Extension  (telescopic) ladders
• Fixed ladder
• Hook ladder
• Orchard ladder
• Roof ladder
• Step ladder

Extension Ladders

Designs of the wooden extension ladder were popular back in the early 1800’s for use on farms and in barns and hay lofts.  By today’s standards the extension ladder of the day was not a particularly safe way to climb.  The two or three portions of the extension would slide against the other and upward.  When the desired height was achieved a large hook was clamped down on the sections to prevent them from collapsing or sliding under weight.  They were not particularly stable (as the hook could shift with changing center of gravity or body weight) but given their early use and the low height of buildings in that era, climbing to worrisome heights was unlikely as was serious injury from falling.

As extension ladders are built to slide against one another in a telescopic manner, the interior ladder is slightly smaller than the exterior to facilitate easy movement.

Fixed Ladders

A fixed wooden ladder is installed and stationary so that it cannot be moved.  Typically a fixed ladder is found in a storage space or garage, or a loft where there may not be enough room to construct a full set of stairs to access a higher level.  They tend to be built with railings on the side for safety and may be built on a slight angle.

It is common to see fixed ladders in barns on industrial farms as well for frequently used areas and they are typically the same width from top to bottom.

Hook Ladders

A traditional hook ladder (or pompier) was a wooden ladder devised and used historically by fire departments.  The unique design featured a hook on the top of the ladder which could be used to place the ladder securely against a window frame.  Before telescopic reach fire trucks existed, firemen were taking these portable little ladders into fires and using them to access different building floors.

Orchard Ladders

These charming little ladders are of course, used in fruit orchards for the pruning and maintenance as well as harvesting of trees.  Orchard ladders have a very classic and unique structure as they tend to be wide around the base and taper off at the top.  The reason for this hallmark design of orchard ladders is to provide maximum weight bearing stability on the bottom of the ladder.  This is to stabilize the climber on the uneven surface ground of a fruit orchard.

The top of the wooden orchard ladder is narrower for two purposes.  First, it prevents doing damage to tree branches with a smaller point of contact on the tree.  Second, it does not obscure the view or the movement of the climber.  This is necessary as the climber may be carrying out functions with large tools such as pruning shears.

Roof Ladders

A small wooden ladder that is affixed to a climbing rope or chain and then attached to the roof.  The purpose of this ladder (also known as a “chicken ladder”) is to provide a stable area where rooftop workers can grasp onto the ladder for balance or to prevent falling.

Step Ladders

Almost everyone has a step ladder in their home.  These little wooden structures are idea for everything from watering plants to interior painting.  They are shaped in an a-frame style to offer maximum stability for household use.  Simply spread the two sides of the ladder apart and ascend.  Keep in mind however that only one side of a step ladder (traditionally) should be stood upon for safety reasons.

The history and broad use of the wooden ladder is a colorful one but as advances in other fire retardant materials presented themselves the production of wooden ladders has all but stopped.  They are more likely to be a curiosity now than a valuable hardware tool as in the past.

When it is time to do some climbing, there is a number of kinds of ladders from which to choose.  There are multi purpose ladders, step ladders, aluminum ladders, industrial ladders, extension ladders, fiberglass ladders and wooden ladders to name a few.

For many, many years all ladders were made of wood.  They were proven to be durable, less expensive and most importantly, they did not conduct electricity.  The drawbacks were that they could be bulky and heavy along with lending themselves to damage from weather exposure due to warping and rotting due to moisture.  These ladders are made completely of wood outside of the metal supports for reinforcement and the spreading/locking device.

When choosing a loft ladder, wood is usually the most popular.  They are known for their quietness of operation.  Opening and closing is simple  and quiet and there is very little creaking when stepped upon.  The railings are easily fixed to the wooden ladders as in comparison to aluminum. Normally these ladders fold up and are stored on the loft opening.  However, some of the time the ladders are stationary when there is adequate room to do so.  Also, with the ability to be painted , stained or finished with a varnish, wood ladders can be decorated to match wood flooring around the loft.

Construction and Types of Wooden Ladders

• Constructed of hardwood, mainly spruce and pine.  Some of the very expensive loft ladders are made of oak, but these are few and far between

• Built by using two side railings with rungs connecting them

• Depending on the job at hand, there are step ladders, extension ladders and portable ladders with lengths from four feet to forty feet.

Advantages  of Wooden Ladders

• The number one advantage of a wooden ladder is the cost of it as it is much less expensive than the aluminum or fiberglass ladder

• Another advantage is that it can be repaired

• It can be easily folded into segments and stored

Disadvantages of the Wooden Ladder

• A disadvantage is the fact that the wooden ladder will not hold up if stored outside in the weather

• Wooden Ladders are heavier than their counterparts

• Larger wooden ladders are burdened with more restrictions

Bottom line is that everyone will need a ladder at one time or another for a job around the house.  With the products on the market today, there are many kinds of ladders from which to choose and it seems the frequency of need combined with budget will determine which kind of ladder is best.  From the standpoint of a fixed loft ladder, wooden ladders still lead the pack due to their versatility and cost.  When it comes to doing do it yourself projects around the house, wooden ladders have failed to keep up with aluminum and fiberglass.  Although much less expensive, the ability to maintain a long shelf life is not an attribute of the wooden ladder.

Take a look at your needs and how much you are willing to spend.  Visit your local hardware store and speak to a ladder expert.  Then make your decision based on information and take the guesswork out of which ladder is right for you.  Wooden ladders have been a mainstay in the world, but over time, just like everything else, a better way has been designed.  But the choice is still yours.

When it comes to selecting the right wooden ladder for your home there are different aspects you should consider. Choosing the right ladder design for your project needs will ensure you are able to accomplish your job in the shortest amount of time.  Wooden ladders require regular inspections and maintenance to ensure there are no cracks in the ladders.  Anytime you are using a ladder that is made out of wood it is important to avoid painting the ladder so cracks are clearly visible.

Anytime you are using a ladder you need to make sure that it is the right ladder for the job.  If you are working on the roof then you will need to make sure that you have a good roofing ladder that you can use.  Making sure that you have to the right ladder will ensure that you don’t have any accidents when you are working on the ladder.

If you are looking to get into your attic you should always avoid a step ladder.  Step ladders are perfect for household tasks such as painting and reaching high objects.  You do not want to be on a step ladder if you are trying to access a hard to reach area. Always make sure that you have a proper wooden ladder built in for an access point for attics.  Specialized wooden ladders are designed for certain tasks. Using the right ladder for the job will ensure that you don’t have any problems while you are using the ladder.

Whenever you are using a ladder it is important for you to make sure the base of the ladder is properly secured. Having a base that is secure will ensure you don’t have a ladder that is off balance. If your ladder isn’t balanced properly it is very easy to fall off the ladder. When working on an uneven surface you might need to brace the bottom of the ladder against another object. Supporting the base of the ladder should only be done if the object is secured to the ground below. The type of ladder you are using will often dictate the best way to secure the bottom.

Some of the sturdier ladders have built in anti slip grooves that are shaped at the bottom.  These grooves can go a long way in preventing your ladder from falling out.  Make sure your remove any dirt that has accumulated in the grooves to ensure that they are able to work at their full potential.  These grooves are excellent for surfaces that have the potential to slip.

The height of your ladder is instrumental in ensuring you are able to reach your target area. If you are searching for a wooden ladder to pain high ceilings it is important to measure the distance of the ceilings. It is always a good idea to get a ladder that is the right height to prevent avoidable accidents that often occur. It is quite common for people to “over reach” when on a ladder, which can lead to a slip and fall.

The best wooden ladders are those that are designed to last. While some people make their own ladders from wood, this is not recommended for those that don’t know the proper dimensions of the ladder. If you don’t build the wooden ladder properly, there is no safety recommendations for the ladder. Buying a properly built ladder is an investment that every home owner should make.

If you are interested in purchasing wooden ladders you should do a comprehensive search online.  There are many different ladders that are available for all kinds of tasks.  Finding the right ladder will ensure that you are able to perform your work without any slowdowns.

If you have a loft in your home you are probably keen on trying to find a loft ladder that can fold down.  It used to be that these ladders used to be fixed ladders that were attached to the home itself.  While a lot more of these loft ladders are still attached to the home, you will find that they are more universal.

When looking for a loft ladder for your home it is important to find something that can match the rest of your home.  The purpose of the ladder is to blend seamlessly in with the rest of your home.  Having an aluminum ladder sticking out in a wooden home will often fail to achieve the desired effect.

The first thing you should do when choose a loft ladder is to measure the right length of ladder that you will need.  Once you have finished measuring the space you should measure it again.  This will ensure that you are able to get the exact ladder height that will work for the space.

Once you get the right ladder height you can then move to look for some different loft ladders that are available.  The ladder that you choose will need to be the right length and design of your home.  If you have an urban home that is modern you can consider getting an aluminum ladder that can work.  This is something that can blend in a match the rest of your homes appeal.

You should also check and see how difficult the ladder is to install.  If you don’t have a lot of basic knowledge on installations you might need to get help putting the ladder in place.  The general installations for most of the ladders are fairly simple and straight forward.

Be sure that the ladder you purchase meets all the safety standard requirements from the major players such as ANSI and OSHA.  This will ensure that you don’t have to worry about any problems with the ladder build or design.  Safety is something that you should always consider before installing an access ladder in a home.

People who are keen on buying loft ladders need to focus on trying to find a brand that can offer them both quality and value.  There are many different kinds of ladders that are available on the web so it is important for you to do your own research beforehand.

Here is a short video on installing attic ladders

If you have an attic in your home it is important that you have a the right access point.  Most attics are accessible using attic ladders that are either stationary or can be pulled down.  You will find a lot of older homes have these ladders that are used specifically for different access points.

A quality attic ladder is essential if you are keen on having a well built access point that is easy to use.  You should look for a ladder that is both easy to use and well built.  The treads of the ladder should have some sort of grooves to help prevent any slips or falls that might occur.

Another safety feature that you might want in a ladder is a hand rail.  These rails are used to help give you extra gripping when you are going up the ladder.  It is a great feature for people who are getting into their later years and look for a bit of security.

When it comes time to installing the ladder it is important for you to access the available space in the ladder.  Anyone who is keen on choosing a space saving product should consider the folding attic ladders.  These ladders are very efficient because they are able to fold into themselves and can sit on top of the hatch when they aren’t being used.

You should look for joists that are able to fully support the weight of the ladder when it is being used and when it is folded.  The space that the ladder is place in should allow for easy accessibility to the rest of the attic compartments.

After choosing the right place for the ladder it is then time to start measuring and chalking the outline fo the opening on the drywall.  The space should be wide enough to ensure that a full sized person will be able to pass through without any problems.

Once you have outlined the area you can then use a saw to cut the outline of the ladder out of the drywall.  Once the right sized hole has been cut through you can then work to put in the support and header boards.  Now you can put the folding attic ladder into the right place suing shims to support it.

Test the ladder to ensure that it extends all the way down to the floor.  If there are problems with the ladder levelness or height you will need to either add or take the shims away until the feet are evenly spaced across the floor.  This will ensure that your wooden attic ladder is properly installed.

If your home has more than a single story that is a good chance that you will have a staircase to connect the different levels in your home.  Depending on the type of home you have there are many different kinds of staircases that are available.  It is important for you to choose a staircase that can offer you the most value for your home.

Probably the most popular type of staircases that can be found in a modern home is the wooden staircase.  These staircases come in a variety of different designs and can be carpeted to increase the comfort when walking on the stairs.  Anyone who is keen on purchasing a wooden staircase needs to ensure they find the right style.

The basic type of staircase is the freestanding stairs.  These stairs are not attached to the wall and they usually cut through the middle of the room.  The stairs often look like they are floating which give them an excellent look.  These stairs are great for a lot of homes, but can be dangerous if you have young children.  Not only is it a long fall down, but some kids can even squeeze through the cracks in the stairs.

The next type of wooden staircase available is the spiral staircases.  These are very common staircases for people who don’t have a lot of extra room in their home.  It will only take up a small amount of room and can give you access to the next level.  These staircases are often associated with attic rooms or access points.

Another wooden stair case that is available is the single open under staircase.  These are like the freestanding stairs but they are attached to a single wall.  This helps to allow one side of the stairs to remain open.  A lot of people prefer this style to the freestanding staircase.

You can also choose to get circular stairs that are less common in homes.  These stairs are commonly found in older homes that have been built a long time ago.  Because of the design, it is very difficult to implement the circular stairs into a regular looking home.

People who are interested in building wooden staircases in their home should look up the different kinds of designs that can work for their needs.  It is important for you to choose a design that is functional and stylish.  You should think in terms of “fit” when trying to decide which design is right for you.

Out of all the home tools and equipment that you have around your home one of the most useful items is the step ladder.  Whether you are looking to reach that high shelf in your kitchen you’re planning on painting a room, the step ladder is a handy tool.  If you are looking for the ultimate ladder, you should keep your eye out for the folding step ladder.

One of the great benefits that the folding step ladders provide is the portability.  These ladders can easily be folded into a smaller item and transported almost anywhere.  You can keep it stored away in your work van or you can just keep it in your garage.  There is always a good use for the stepladder.

Another great advantage that the stepladder has offer of types of ladders is they are self supported.  This means you don’t have to lean them against the wall you are painting.  It can be erected almost anywhere to give you the flexibility you need when you are working on a home projects.

Because the ladders are not leaning against a wall, this takes away from the risk of the ladder slipping.  The design of the step ladder is built to be safer than the other ladders that can have the base of the ladders slip out.

You will also find that these ladders provide a practical solution for people who weren’t blessed with height.  Because a lot of homes were built with the average height of a person in mind, it can be difficult if you are short.   The folding step ladders help bridge the gap and allow people to access most items in a home.

Anyone who is keen on buying a step ladder should look into the telescoping folding step ladders.  These ladders are great because they can be transformed into many different types of ladders.  You will be able t use it as a step ladder and also use it as an extension ladder.  Its versatility is one of the main reasons why it is extremely popular among home owners.

If you are looking to purchase a folding step ladder it is important that you look up the different retailers that are available online.  It is important for you to find a retailer that can offer you the best price for your stepladder.  Be sure to look around and compare the different prices of various ladders that are available.

In a lot of older homes you will find attics that have either an unsafe or no access point.  If you are keen on installing attic stairs into your attic it is important that you find the right stair.  There are many manufacturers that produce quality stairs that are built to last.

One of the leading manufacturers of attic stairs is Fakro.  This company builds quality attic stairs that comes at affordable prices.  If you are keen on buying stairs you should consider the Fakro attic stairs.  These stairs come with a load capacity of 250 lbs.  This ensures that most of the users will be able to properly access the stairs.

The Fakro stairs also have treads that are fitted with dovetail joints.  The joints are designed to add more durability to the stairs.  There are also safety grooves that are cut into the treads of the stairs to ensure that you don’t slip off the stairs.

Another popular attic stair is the Louisville ladder 250 pound duty rating wooden attic ladder.  This is another 250 lb load capacity stair that includes the user and tools.  It offers an EZ hang strop that is designed for quick and easy installation of the stairs.  The wire rods that are installed under every step are designed to increase the strength.

This is a great attic ladder for people who are looking for something that provides value.  Roughly around $100 dollars, this ladder is a great option for people who are keen on getting something that will last them for a long time.

There are also aluminum attic ladders that are available on the web.  The aluminum ladders are less popular because they do not blend in with the surroundings as easily.  For this reason you will usually only find aluminum ladders in homes that are designed with an urban setting in mind.

There are also folding attic stairs that are available also.  These stairs are designed to increase the amount of space you have access to in your attic.  It is a great option for people who don’t want to have the stairs sticking out all the time.

The best place to purchase attic stairs is on the web through different retailers.  You can find a variety of different manufacturers that have different attic ladders for sale.  Be sure to look around at various products to find something that will work best in your home.

Most people don’t realize how expensive it is to store your items.  If you are fortunate enough to own a loft you need to make sure that you properly take advantage of that space.  People who are looking to purchase a wooden loft ladder need to make sure that they find something that will fit their loft.  Making sure that you have right ladder will ensure that you are able to access your loft with ease.

When it comes to using any kind of ladder, safety is extremely important.  It doesn’t matter how high or low the ladder is any fall can have severe impact.  People don’t realize that you can be put in a coma if you fall from a few feet and land on your head.  Always make sure that you are using the right kind of ladder for your specific tasks.

Anyone who is interested in purchasing a wooden loft ladder needs to make sure that they measure their loft and find how the exact measurements.  Because wooden ladders come in all shapes and sizes, it is important to find one that will fit your space with an exact measurement.

One thing that you should always be aware of is that wooden ladders are more susceptible to cracks and breaks then their aluminum counter parts.  This means that you should always inspect the wooden ladder before you start walking up and down it.

There have been many instances where people have had their ladders break because of excess weight.  When you purchase your ladder you need to make sure that you read the instructions.  It is very important to know the maximum amount of weight that the ladder can take.  Failing to adhere to these guidelines can sometimes result in accidents.

Proper ladder safety will ensure that you don’t have any accidents occur while you are moving up and down the ladders.  Remember that both the base and the top of your ladder should be properly secured.  If the base of your ladder is secured then you don’t have to worry about the ladder slipping out.

Anyone who is interested in purchasing a wooden loft ladder needs to make sure that they do a comprehensive search for the different ladders that are available.  Finding one that can work for you will ensure that you don’t have to worry about any accidents occurring.  Following proper ladders safety will ensure that you have smooth experience using your ladder.

If you live in a city then you are probably aware of the price of storage space.  Storage space can cost you an arm and a leg if you don’t have any room in your own home.  People have lofts are able to utilize this space to store various items.  Using a proper wooden loft ladders will ensure that you have proper access to your loft space.

Anyone who is looking at using a loft ladder needs to make sure that they understand the different risks that are involved with ladders.  Every day there are thousands of people who are injured because they don’t follow certain safety procedures when it comes to the use of ladders.  Anyone who is going to use a wooden loft ladder needs to make sure that they install it properly.

Always make sure that the base of your ladder is properly secure.  Failing to secure the base of your ladder will usually result in your ladder falling over.  If you are using a loft ladder you will need to secure the top of your ladder also.  Securing both the top and the bottom of your ladder will ensure that it doesn’t fall over.

A lot of accidents occur when ladders either slip out or fall over.  If you quickly put a ladder up without properly checking the base and grounding, there is a good chance that you will suffer from a fall.  Anytime you are using a ladder you need to make sure that it is safe before you step on the ladder.

Wooden ladders can be especially hazardous if you are using them outside.  Having a step break while you are walking up the ladder can be very dangerous.  You need to make sure that everything is in working order and that there are no cracks on the ladder.

Using your loft space you can utilize a lot of storage.  Wooden loft ladders are excellent for giving people good access to their storage space.  These ladders are available for people who are interested in finding something that can work for them.

There are many different ladder brands that are available.  A comprehensive search for different wooden loft ladders will ensure that you can find something that can work for you.  Look online for different suppliers that offer a variety of different ladders.  This will ensure that you find something that can work for project.