This post was last updated on July 26th, 2021 at 12:56 pm
Household maintenance in stairwells is often not the easiest work to do safely, especially where ladders are involved. It can be downright tricky.
Werner MT22 used in A-frame mode
If you are using a combination ladder like the one here, then by using it as an A-frame ladder and extending one side only, working on stairs is reasonably straightforward.
As your work progresses up the stairs, you can extend both sides using the telescoping feature of this kind of ladder and keep working.
However, for the main part, you'll be working sideways-on to walls, and this isn’t always desirable. Often you need to be able to face the work surface to do the job correctly and safely.
Enabling you to face your work project straight-on is where a couple of ladder accessories for stairs come into their own.
We'll be looking at the Ladder-Aide Pro and the PiViT Ladder Leg Leveler, which are both designed for extension ladders; and also the Hailo Staircase Platform for use with stepladders and step stools
Ladder-Aide Pro
Quick and easy assembly and the Ladder-Aide is ready to support an extension ladder
The Ideal Security Ladder-Aide Pro is a larger version of the original Ladder Aide, and you can use it with up to Type 1AA single or extension ladders.
It is a versatile unit that assembles in seconds and does not need to be fixed permanently to a ladder.
The three components are a base plate for the ladder leg to sit on, a base plate to locate on a lower step, and an adjustable upright fixed to both base plates to set the height difference (rise) of the stairs on which you are working
You can use Ladder Aide Pro with aluminum and fiberglass ladders rated as Types 1, 1A and 1AA.
Very easy to set up for your ladder
The component parts are easily stored together
PiViT Ladder Leg Leveler
A pair of PiViTs are used here - one as a leg leveler, and the other as a ladder jack to create a long working platform
The PiViT Ladder Leg leveler is a bit of a multipurpose-tool. You can use it as a leg leveler or a ladder jack both as shown above and is useful for ladder work on stairs. You would need to buy two of them to use in this configuration, but it is a useful tool and would come into its own if you were to renovate an entire house or did a lot of outdoor maintenance that needed a ladder standoff or where you had sloping yards.
It has no moving parts, is made of tough polypropylene, and you can also use it as a ladder standoff, ladder shelf, and tool carrier.
PiViT used here as a ladder standoff...
... and here as a ladder shelf
Hailo Staircase Work Platform for Step Ladders and Step Stools
The Hailo work platform enables you to use step ladders (up to four steps) and step stools on stairs. It is not suitable for other types of ladder.
It is fully assembled and ready to use. The surface of the platform has a non-slip coating, and the four feet have soft-grip soles.
Built-in level bubble helps you set up the platform safely
Easy to carry using carry handle slots in the work surface
Telescopic horizontal and vertical supports are adjustable to locate the platform on straight stairs or a bend in a staircase safely. A level bubble ensures the platform is set up fully horizontal before use. It is easy to carry and easy to store and weighs only 9.0 kg.
You adjust the legs for the stair height
Extending the horizontal stabilizers and legs enables you to configure the work platform for use on a bend in the stairs