How Much Weight Can A Ladder Really Hold & Ladder Types

There are many types of ladders such as portable step ladders, extension ladders, combination ladders, single ladders, and platform ladders. In this article, we will guide how much weight can a ladder really hold?

People often assume that ladder length and weight load capacity to be related to each other. Though, there is no such thing. A ladder’s length has nothing to do with its weight-bearing capacity.

Safety standards usually require a Duty Rating Sticker to be placed on the ladder. This actually helps in getting some idea about the maximum weight the ladder can hold. The weight that a ladder can bear actually depends on several factors:

• Your weight
• The weight of your protective gear and clothing etc.
• The weight of tools and stuff you will use and store on the ladder

Keeping these factors in mind, we will not discuss all the five categories of ladder duty ratings. You will get to know about each type of ladder and their weight holding capacity.

Ladder Duty Rating

1. Heavy Duty Industrial (Type-I)

The type-I ladder is mostly used by professional for the services like that of a contractors, public utilities, and other construction works. The type-I ladder are usually made in lengths from 3 to 20 feet. However, the rating for this type of ladder is as follows:

(A) Extra Heavy Duty Industrial (Type- IA)

This type of ladder can be used for extra heavy duty industrial use and they have more weight bearing capacity i.e. 300 pounds.

(B) Special Duty Industrial (Type-IAA)

This one also comes with the weight holding capability of 375 pounds and is ideal for special duty industrial use.

2. Medium Duty Commercial (Type-II)

For more commercial applications, the ladder type-II is used. If you are a painter, an interior designer, electrician, or a maintenance worker, you need this type of ladder. It actually comes with a weight-bearing capacity of 225 Lbs. and is often made out of wood, aluminum, and fiberglass. They only can hold weight up to 250 pounds, so they are recommended for medium-duty usage.

3. Light Duty Household (Type-III)

This one is simple and can often be used at homes for household purposes. They are best for light-duty use and come with the weight-bearing capacity of only 200 pounds. They are usually built-in lengths between 3 to 6 feet.

In the table below, you may have a quick look at the specified duty rating: