Best Heavy Duty Step Stools and Ladders for 2021
The world is a crazy place right now. Hoping to bring a little calm and order to my little slice of the world, has meant cleaning and reorganizing various parts of my life. If my Facebook Feed is any indication, I am not the only one “stress organizing.” When things are scary in the world, and you have no control over them, maintaining control of your surroundings is a totally reasonable coping mechanism.
What this means though is that I've been using my rickety step stool a lot more recently. It’s weight limit is significantly under my weight. So I’m nervous every time I step on it, waiting for this to be the time it finally gives out on me. I don't need that added stress in my life right now, do you?
Which means it's time to do some research and find a new step stool, one I can trust to support my weight and not worry about. It’s hard to find any step stools that are listed at 400lbs or higher. What I've realized is that the official rating system stops at 375+. Anything that lists a capacity above that is not officially rated. There are a handful of multi-step stools or ladders that list their weight capacity at up to 500lbs, but often when you look at the comments section they are breaking on people much smaller. All companies expect a small number of defective products, so those may be the exception, but I’m wary. I’ve done my best to try to suss out the ones I think can truly carry over 300lbs. The only stools I feel comfortable recommending over 500lbs, are single step ones.
So here are the best heavy duty step stools to keep us safe and secure!
Type IAA (Extra Heavy Duty) 375 pounds
Type IA (Extra Heavy Duty) 300 pounds
Gorilla Ladders 3-Step Pro-Grade Steel Step Stool
Weight Capacity 300lbs
$25-$50
Convenient project top for tool and hardware storage
Oversized steps for comfort and stability
Heavy-duty steel construction
Folds up thin for easy storage and carrying
Limited lifetime warranty
Type IA
Little Giant Ladders 3-Step
Weight Capacity 375lbs
$100-$150
16-lbs
Stores 4.5" deep x 8.5"-wide
Slip-resistant treads
Little Giant's Limited Lifetime Warranty
Wide shoes provide traction
Available in 2, 3, and 4-step models.
Handrail
Type IAA
Louisville Ladder 3 ft. Fiberglass Step Ladder
Weight Capacity 375lbs
$50-$100
Non-conductive fiberglass
Work station top designed to increase ladder productivity
SHOX impact absorption system
Secure slip-resistant footing
Type IAA
Louisville Ladder Fiberglass Pro Platform Ladder
Weight Capacity 375lbs
$100-$150
Includes magnet and multiple tool slots
Large platform area for added comfort.
Extended handrail for added comfort and safety
Front rail is 3-feet long from top to platform.
Type IAA
HBTower 3 Step Ladder
Weight Capacity 500lbs
$50-$100
11.5 pounds
Lock and open system for easy open and fold
Folds to 1.6" Deep
Easy to carry
Indoor or outdoor
High-grade steel frame
Automatically locks in place when you use the step ladder
The back cross brace structure reinforces the basic support
Non-slip rubber handgrip
Wide pedals with non-slip rubber pattern offer heel-to-toe foot support.
Big rubber feet fully touch the ground
Drive Medical Heavy Duty Bariatric Footstool
Weight Capacity 500lbs
$50-$100
Non-skid ribbed rubber platform
Constructed of durable 1" steel tubing
Cross brace for extra strength
Nonskid feet
Built in handrail
Step Dimensions: 10"(D) x 14"(W) x 9"(H)
Handle Height: 34"
Camco Durable Step Stool
Weight Capacity 300lbs
Under $25
Textured platform to help prevent slipping
Made of a lightweight UV stabilized impact resistant resin
Platform dimensions: 10" x 16"
Overall dimensions: 21"L x 15"W x 9"H
Safety Step Brand Step Ladder
Weight Capacity 1000lbs
$50-$100
Multiple Colors
8"H x 14"W x 11"D
5lbs
Non-slip rubber leg tips.
All-aluminum welded construction
Ace Hardware Safe-T-Stool
Weight Capacity 500lbs
$25-$50
3-1/2lbs
Will not tip over when used on a flat, level surface.
Made in USA
Dual Handles
Built In Skid Resistant Foot Surface
Full Floor Skid Resistant Contact
100% Limited Lifetime Warranty
Use Indoors/Outdoors - Will Never Rust
Cramer Kik-Step Steel Step Stool
Weight Capacity 350lbs
$50-$100
Library style!
Spring-mounted casters retract when stool is stepped on.
Steel construction with nonslip vinyl treads.
Protective bumper around base.
No tools required; simple snap-together assembly
Camco Adjustable Height Aluminum Platform Step
Weight Capacity 1000lbs
$50-$100
Strong and sturdy aluminum construction
Non slip rubber feet
Platform measures 19 inch x 14. 5 inch.
Height adjusts from 7. 5 inch – 9 inch
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