It is not surprising that the ladder is one of the most commonly mislaid items in garages, sheds and basements. They are often kept in precarious positions, close to or stacked along walls and behind doors. The result is that they inevitably take a knock when something else needs to be moved. Unfortunately, this can lead to accidents when people need to use ladders in emergencies or when they are doing household chores. To avoid these accidents, it is important to plan where you will store your ladders and to find a system that works for both you and your household. These great ladder storage ideas will surely help you out!
6 Great Ladder Storage Ideas
Here are six ladder storage strategies that can help avoid any accidents and injuries, while also preventing damage to your ladder.
1. Hooks
This is an extremely simple idea. Hang a ladder on the wall using heavy duty hooks that can be purchased from any hardware store. These hooks can be easily installed by being screwed into your walls and used to hang your ladder vertically against the wall. This allows you to keep your ladder out of the way and use it when needed without having to find a safe spot for it everytime you need to store it.
2. Ceiling Rack
Another idea for storing your ladder is to purchase a steel rack that can be attached securely to the ceiling of your garage or basement. Using this method, you can store your ladder hoisted up horizontally and out of the way. A ceiling rack is designed to hold heavy loads securely, so it will easily be able to hold even your heaviest ladder for you. Typically it can hold up to two ladders at the same time. However, make sure to check the dimensions and weight limit of the product before making your purchase to ensure it is suitable for your needs. Also, mark out where you would like to place your ladder rack in advance before you start, which will help eliminate the changes of any mistakes during installation.
3. Extension Ladder Storage
An extension ladder is generally stored with the legs collapsed together. They’re larger and heavier than standard ladders. Although storage methods for both are similar, you will need to be extra careful with extension ladders to ensure they don’t fall down on passersby or any valuables placed in close range of it. You may use either hooks or ceiling racks but make sure that everything involved (the wall’s material, screws, rods) is sturdy and will be able to manage the weight load, also always check and make sure to secure the ladder properly whenever storing it back.
Also Read: How To Store Extension Ladder In Garage
4. Functional Ladder Storage
If you don’t feel confident securing your ladder simply using hooks or the brackets from the store, you may opt for making your own. All you need is some pieces of sturdy wood and hooks or rods. Just use the wood to create a base that can be secured into your ceiling above properly, then either place the hooks on the base of that wood or instead use two more wood pieces to fit a rod on the opposite side of the base. Either way you will have a strong and safe place to store your ladder above on the ceiling away from the reach of children or pets.
5. Flexible T-Rack Storage
This type of storage option combines two different types of storage spaces to offer you more options. It acts as a ladder rack, while also as an extra storage space for other items. One side of the rack features the traditional U-shaped rack for storing pipes and other items that might roll off, you may remove and place items inside from the ends. The opposite section is a horizontal rack that allows you to load and unload stable items such as wood pieces or a ladder from one of its side. The best thing about this type of storage is that it is extremely versatile and allows you to store different types of items on either sections of it.
6. Ladder Hoist Storage
This last idea is an automatic storage solution that also gives you full, easy and quick access to your ladder. A line of hook-on hangers attached to a pulley system will securely store your ladder horizontally, as well as allow you to bring it down as needed. It hangs and stores your ladder in the overhead space of your garage using straps to hold the ladder tightly in place with a connecting strap in the middle to keep your gear in place.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do you secure a ladder to the wall for storage?
An effective method for safely storing your ladder is to attach heavy-duty equipment into the wall of your garage or basement. You can find a variety of wall or ceiling mounting equipment online or at your local hardware. Also, lock the ladder into place to ensure no unwanted surprises pop up.
Do ladders need to be secured when not in use?
Yes, ladders need to be secured at all times when not in use. This will ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. Not only will this prevent unauthorised use by someone else, but it will also prevent the ladder from falling over and injuring anyone.
Is it OK to store ladders outside?
No, not at all. It doesn’t matter which material it is made of (wood, aluminium or fibreglass), how expensive it is or how ideal the climate of your region is, an outside storage solution is never recommended. The elements will damage your ladder; deteriorating it’s quality, thus compromising its performance. This will lead to a reduction in its lifespan as well as make it more prone to accidents.
Furthermore, you’ll also be leaving it exposed for thieves and vandals to allow them easy access to your or someone else’s home. So always take your ladder inside and store it properly when not in use.
Should ladders be stored horizontally?
It is recommended to store ladders horizontally on racks with enough support points to ensure stability. Also, ladders should not be kept near heat sources, in damp areas, or in the sunlight for long time periods. They should also be kept away from any sneaky materials that might damage or compromise the surface thus safety of the ladder, such as petroleum-based products or harsh chemicals.
Conclusion
Ladder storage is a necessary part of owning a ladder, fortunately it is an easy task to handle and doesn’t require a lot of time or effort. Just make sure that you follow all safety precautions as well as the recommendations from professional companies. This will prevent injury and ensure a long lifespan for your ladder. Hope this article helped you out with your ladder storage.
Feel free to leave a comment below if you tried out any of these ideas and let us know about it; we’d love to hear it.
