Stress-Free Ladder Storage Ideas and Tips for Busy Moms. We don’t often think of ladder storage until we have a huge clunky ladder and are unsure what to do with it!
Whether you own a step ladder or extension ladder, a ladder is a very useful household essential item. They are also expensive, so keeping them in good condition by storing them properly should be at the top of your list.
Another reason ladder storage ideas are important is ladders can cause an accident and hurt someone if they’re not in the right place.
It’s important to keep ladders off the floor, but you should have easy access when you want to use them. Ideally, they should be stored in a dry, well-ventilated place away from materials that may damage them.
How you store your ladder depends on your wall space and ceiling space. There are also different types of ladders with a variety of sizes and weights to consider.
For example, fiberglass ladders weigh more than comparable aluminum ladders because they’re sturdier. Similarly, longer extension ladders will weigh considerably more than small ladders such as step stools because they need to be structurally sound over a longer length.
So, you need to know the weight of your ladder because the storage options below have different weight capacity limits.
Keep in mind that the best storage areas for ladders are in the home and garage.
There are three main ways to store a ladder. You can choose wall ladder storage, ceiling storage, and outside storage.
Ladder Storage
Wall ladder storage ideas
When you store a ladder against a wall, you can do it in two ways. Either you use vertical storage with ladder hooks or horizontal storage, which takes more space, but the weight distribution on two hooks makes the ladder more secure, especially with children around.
To store a ladder on the wall, you need to install ladder simple hooks into the studs of the wall. Be sure the area fits the ladder dimensions and is in a spot where no one will bump into it.
These are the best options for storing ladders against your wall.
1. Ladder hanger
The Tetra-Teknica GMH-01-2P 4-in Steel Wall Mount Ladder hanger is among the best rock-solid garage wall hangers. They are easy to install and mount to a wall stud and are perfect for narrow spaces like behind the garage door.
These hangers’ maximum load capacity is 50 lbs., making them ideal for small and bulky ladders. You can also use them to store your small step ladders, which don’t have much weight, as well as wheelbarrows, wagons, ironing boards, and other heavy equipment- Keeping heavy items away from the little ones.
2. Tornado hooks
A tornado hook is one of the best ladder storage solutions for the garage wall. The Racor L2000 Tornado Ladder Hook is one of the best you’ll find. They sell them at home depot as well.
The hooks are easy to install with mounting screws included, sturdy, and well-made. They hold up to 40 lbs when mounted into drywall by themselves and up to 70 lbs when mounted into a wood stud by itself. I don’t know about you, but I’m here for anything that saves time!
Fiberglass ladders and extension ladders can be easily hung on these hooks as long as the ladder’s weight is evenly distributed!
3. Heavy-duty hooks
If you have a heavy ladder, you need heavy-duty hooks on your garage wall. These types of hooks are durable and made to hang your ladders for years to come.
You’ll be impressed with the super sturdy and solid CoolYeah Heavy-duty Steel Hooks. They’re able to hold 45 lbs or more when properly installed. You can mount them to drywall or into a wall stud.
It comes as a full set, ready for easy installation. The only extra equipment you need is the screwdriver.
Another great option you can buy is the Ihomepark heavy-duty hooks. The set of 6 wall-mount hooks hold 50 pounds on each hook and are made of durable and sturdy steel. A big plus is the foam cushions on the arms of the hooks which offer good protection for delicate surfaces.
These hooks hold the weight of ladders perfectly with no apparent sagging. They are durable and versatile as they can be used to hang small step ladders vertically or long heavy ladders horizontally.
I like to use these in my kid’s rooms and bathrooms to store their tiny step ladders out of the way.
Gladiator deep hooks are a good place to store your ladder vertically. They have lock tabs that keep your ladder securely in place.
4. Bike Hooks
To save costs, if you already have bike hooks, you can also use them as a ladder storage idea. They can be found in hardware stores such as Home Depot.
This wall hook is built to sustain heavy bikes, much like ladders. The way a bike hangs on its hooks is also how you hang a ladder. So, many people purchase bike hooks specifically for their ladders. They can also hang all of the kid’s other riding vehicles and gear- scooters, helmets, and more.
Bike hooks are a great way to hang the ladder vertically or horizontally. It’s important to drill the hooks into solid studs before mounting the ladder.
Use these Impresa heavy-duty bike hooks to store your ladder securely against the garage wall.
5. Ladder racks
One of the best garage ladder storage options is ladder racks. They keep your ladder secure and stable on the wall.
The Little Giant Extension Ladder Rack is heavy-duty and one of the best on the market. It can hold a maximum load capacity of 75 pounds. While it’s made of molded plastic, that doesn’t take away from its ability to function well and keep your ladder intact on the wall.
The ladder rack works perfectly with different sizes of the Little Giant ladders and other heavy-duty ladders you may own. The rack makes it easy to put the ladder on and take it off again.
Ceiling Ladder Storage Ideas
Another good place to tuck away your ladder is on the ceiling of your garage- “Elevate your ladder”. This helps to save garage wall and floor space. This method is best for long ladder types like fiberglass step ladders and fiberglass extension ladders.
6. Use a ceiling rack
A ceiling rack is one of the safest ways to store your garage. To do this, you can use a ceiling ladder like this one from StoreYourBoard. It’s well-designed and super strong. You can install it easily and adjust the height to suit your needs.
Depending on the type of ladders you have, you can definitely hold two or more ladders on the rack. It’s a high-quality and sturdy product. You can even put other items that are not used regularly like fishing rods, surfboards, and ski items on these.
7. Pulley System for your ladders
If you have limited wall space and plenty of ceiling space, this is the best way to store a long ladder.
Rope pulley systems are perfectly made and suited for extension ladders. A pulley is attached to the top of the ladder and assists with raising and lowering the operating half of the extension ladder.
The Rad Overhead Pulley system can be used for mounting your long ladders to your ceiling joists. You can count on smooth installation and a safe locking mechanism to prevent accidental release.
This easy and affordable ladder rope storage hack from Thrifty Fun gets your ladder off the ground in no time.
8. Ceiling Brackets
Using two suspended ceiling brackets can also be a simple solution to store long ladders flat along the ceiling. If you like DIY projects, this is one of the best options to embark on to save space in your garage. It’s a convenient and inexpensive storage method.
Outside Ladder Storage Ideas
If you mainly use your ladder outside, it may be best to store it outside. Besides the fact that your expensive ladder can be stolen, there are some factors to consider.
Wooden ladders can bend as they’re exposed to rainwater and direct sunlight and end up rotting.
Fiberglass step ladders and fiberglass extension ladders may be hard to move around, but it’s best if they’re stored inside. They can break down and disintegrate in a process called “fiber blooming.”
Although aluminum won’t rust, all the metal and plastic components will degrade more outside than if they were undercover.
There are a few options you can consider that will ensure your ladder is out of the elements when you store it outside.
You can store your ladder horizontally inside your barn. Use simple hooks to secure the ladder. If you have an outside shed, you can keep your ladder on the side of the shed. Ladder brackets or hooks can be used to secure the ladder in place.
Your porch is also a place to store your ladder and have easy access to it. This might not work for long extension ladders though as they may not fit on the porch. Your ladder can also be stored under your carport.
Another creative solution to storing your ladder outside is underneath your arbor if you have one. You can use hooks to hang the ladder.
While it’s technically possible to store ladders outside, it’s safer not to. Ladders are expensive, and you want to extend the life of your ladder. Keeping them indoors is the best solution.
Other Ladder storage ideas
If you stay in an apartment or a smaller house, you might not have a storage area inside the house for your ladder.
In this case, your small step stools can be stored in the laundry room if there is enough storage space. The laundry room closet can be used for this purpose.
Another great idea is to use ladder racks or hooks to store your ladder on the back wall of your laundry room.
Wall cabinets can also be used for ladder storage in your garage. They are a safe way to keep ladders locked away until they’re ready to be used. Most garage storage cabinets are elegant and lockable, too which is a bonus.
Final thoughts on ladder storage ideas
There’s a lot of emphasis on ladder safety when the ladder is in use, but very little about storing your ladder once you’re done with it. Keeping it accessible and out of reach of small children is essential. They get curious and will turn it into a toy, which could be dangerous.
No matter what type of ladder you have, the ladder should be stored flat and folded shut to avoid the risk of them falling and being a danger to your family and friends.
Both vertical and horizontal storage ideas are good options as long as the weight distribution of the ladder is properly supported.
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