10 Best 5-Foot Ladders For The Money


For the past three years of being in the construction industry, I use a ladder nearly every day. But not only have I used many for my job, but I’ve also owned different sizes and brands for work around my home.

Five-foot ladders are generally the most popular since it reaches most applications without it taking up too much space. Especially for at-home usage, most people don’t need any more than a 5-foot ladder. 

Initially, most people don’t consider the various factors each ladder has to offer. To name a few; some ladders have a top cap with holes for placing tools while others don’t have a top cap at all.  Some ladders are made with non-conductive fiberglass while others are not. Not to forget, most ladders provide a different weight capacity and weigh differently. 

For whichever reason you’re in the market for a some 5-foot ladders, you’ve come to the right place. We formulated a list of the 10 best and highest rated choices based on experience, reviews, and research. Whether you need a ladder for your job or home, you’ll surely find what you’re looking for below! 

In Short, Here Are The Highest-Rated 5-Foot Step Ladders On The Market

  • Louisville Ladder AS3005
  • DeWalt DXL3010-05
  • COSCO 20502ABL1E
  • Little Giant Ladders King Kombo
  • Louisville Ladder FS2005
  • Werner 6205
  • Louisville Ladder FS1505
  • Little Giant Ladders Flip-N-Lite
  • Louisville Ladder AS4005
  • Little Giant Ladders AirWing

1. Louisville Ladder AS3005

5-Foot Ladders

First up, the Louisville Ladder AS3005 is a dependable 5-foot ladder. Not only is it very lightweight at only 15 pounds, but you’ll also be impressed with its 300-pound weight limit. This ladder, however, is primarily made of aluminum without any fiberglass. Be sure not to get it around electricity. 

Users Say: “Some reviewers said they received the wrong item which is only rated for 225 lbs. Mine is the AS3002 model as in the description, rated at 300 lbs according to the label on the ladder. I guess I am lucky.”

Details & Specs

  • Ladder Weight: 15 Pounds
  • Meets OSHA Standards
  • Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
  • Height: 5 Feet
  • Top Cap with holes for tool placement
  • Dimensions: 62 x 21 x 7

2. DeWalt DXL3010-05

5-Foot Ladders

Next up, the DeWalt DXL3010-05 is an excellent choice with near-flawless ratings amongst users. Not only is it a reliable 5-foot ladder, but you can also get it as a 4ft, 6ft, 7ft, or 8ft. One of its beneficial features is its lightweight of 22.6 pounds while delivering an immense 300-pound weight limit. 

Made of fiberglass, this ladder is very durable and built for longevity. It can easily withstand vigorous conditions, as well. The exact measurements folded are 62H x 23W x 7D. The steps are a bit wider than usual making it more comfortable to remain standing on it for extended periods! 

Users Say: “This ladder is sturdy yet light enough for this retired old guy to haul around. I’ve used it outside to perform maintenance at the edge of my roof (ranch-style home). The feet of the ladder are knobby with rubber grips and they do not sink into the soil. I feel secure when I climb on this ladder, and I am happy to recommend it.”

Details & Specs

  • Meets OSHA and ANSI standards
  • Height: 7 Feet
  • Top Cap with holes for tools
  • Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
  • Ladder Weight: 16 pounds
  • Made with Type IA Fiberglass

3. COSCO 20502ABL1E

Like many on this list, the COSCO 20502ABL1E has stunningly high customer-reviews across the board. However, release ladders like this one have their benefits and drawbacks.

While this ladder is beneficial with the wider-than-typical top cap and easy release lock mechanism, they also don’t provide additional steps for enhanced reach. Unless you clean homes for a living, we primarily recommend this chair for at-home use. You also get peace of mind with a 1-year limited warranty. 

Users Say: “I gave away my heavy multiple widgets turn every which way ladder! That thing had several pinch points and was very heavy. This ladder is well designed and light. It has a built-in handle and this retired person can easily carry it all over my property. Very sturdy and stable – seems to be more so than other ladders. This is a great ladder and easy to carry and I have no concerns about it falling over. Recommended product.”

Details & Specs

  • Release lock mechanism 
  • Made of Aluminum 
  • Ladder Weight: 20 Pounds
  • Weight Capacity: 225 Pounds
  • Height: 5 Feet
  • Top Cap with holes for tool placement
  • ANSI Type II
  • 1-Year Limited Warranty.
  • Dimensions: 5.71 x 20.2 x 62.8

4. Little Giant Ladders King Kombo

The Little Giant Ladders King Kombo is another trustworthy ladder. Along with it coming in 5-feet, you can also get it as a 4ft, 6ft, or 8ft. One of its most impressive characteristics is the enhanced weight limit of 375 pounds. Not only that, but it’s astoundingly tough built for maximum longevity.

It’s made with non-conductor fiberglass making it more resistant to electricity. You’ll also appreciate that it meets OSHA standards. All in all, we fully endorse this ladder for both work or home.

Users Say: “This is the best of both worlds. works great as a step ladder but can also be set up as a straight ladder becoming very useful on the job site. must-have for anyone in the construction, or telecommunications industries. Great price for a great product. functions exactly as designed, I am very happy with this ladder, would gladly buy again.”

Details & Specs

  • Made with Fiberglass
  • Weight Capacity: 375 Pounds
  • Height: 5 Feet
  • Meets OSHA Standards
  • Top Cap with holes for tool placement
  • Dimensions: 73 x 24 x 6.5

5. Louisville Ladder FS2005

Weighing only 15 pounds, the Louisville Ladder FS2005 is a lightweight but sturdy option. This 5-foot ladder is made with fiberglass, provides rubber feet, and meets OSHA requirements.

Unfortunately, its weight capacity is slightly below normal at 250 pounds. Even though it’s not the most famous on this list, we believe it was surely worth mentioning. It’s also a bit more affordable than most 5-foot ladders. 

Users Say: “As someone that tends to exceed the weight limit of a lot of ladders, this was one that works for me. This ladder is very lightweight. Easy to set up and close up. The top has all sorts of tool holder spots built into the molded plastic. I felt perfectly fine climbing up it. Nice and sturdy! After looking for a tall ladder at a good price, I’m happy I found this one.”

Details & Specs

  • Ladder Weight: 15 Pounds
  • Made With Fiberglass
  • Weight Capacity: 250 Pounds
  • Height: 5 Feet
  • Top Cap with holes for tool placement
  • Rubber Feet 
  • Meets OSHA Standards 

6. Werner 6205

Back when I owned the Werner 6205, I really liked it for a multitude of reasons. The only reason I got rid of it is that I no longer required the size and need something a bit shorter. This 5-foot ladder is remarkably robust with heavy-duty construction. Not only will you be pleased with its 300-pound weight limit, but you’ll love the aluminum steps and fiberglass rails, as well. 

A very positive trait worth mentioning is its energy diffusing geometric braces for added longevity. On top of that, the fiberglass Type IA duty rating isn’t only non-electrically conductive, but extraordinarily tough, as well. You’ll also find the holes on the top cap very useful! 

Users Say: “My first modern ladder, and though pricy, it is worth it after because it does have all the little extras that make your leas on for getting up the ladder easier, as the cutouts and wholes to keep tools from falling, as well as the magnet to keep bolts, screws, and picture hangers from getting away and falling down. Thank you for the Awesome design, colors, and fantastic Price!”

Details & Specs

  • Height: 5 Feet
  • Made with Type IA Fiberglass
  • Top Cap with holes for tools
  • Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
  • Ladder Weight: 19 pounds
  • Enhanced step traction

7. Louisville Ladder FS1505

Amazingly, the Louisville Ladder FS1505 had a hefty 32% price cut off the original amount. Although we’re unsure if this discount is permanent or temporary, we believe it’s, either way, an incredible bang for the buck. 

There are a plethora of reasons why we love it. This 5-foot ladder is relatively lightweight at only 17 pounds, has a fantastic 300-pound weight limit, meets OSHA requirements, constructed with non-conductive fiber glass, and possesses holes for your tools in the top cap. It’s surely a reliable contender! 

Users Say: “Love this ladder! My husband has had two serious accidents due to having cheap and flimsy ladders. This one is awesome…..very sturdy and light at the same time. We can use this ladder without worrying it is going to bend or move unexpectedly. It’s worth the money to have a sturdy ladder so you remain safe and avoid injuries.”

Details & Specs

  • Ladder Weight: 17 Pounds
  • Meets OSHA Standards
  • Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
  • Height: 5 Feet
  • Top Cap with holes for tool placement
  • Made with Fiberglass 

8. Little Giant Ladders Flip-N-Lite

For good reasons, the Little Giant Ladders Flip-N-Lite is one of the highest-rated and wildly popular 5-foot ladders on the market. Better yet, it’s even very affordable running below $100. 

Right off the bat, you’ll notice the top step is much wider than most ladders. This adds balance and stability to the top step. Especially if you’re afraid of heights, it’s very convenient to have. 

Another positive quality worth mentioning is it’s possibly the second lightest ladder on this list at only 12 pounds. Although it doesn’t provide various holes on the top cap, it has a single compartment where you could place tools. 

Users Say: “I bought this ladder because it is the best ladder out there for me. This ladder did not disappoint me because it is the perfect ladder to do anything you cannot reach light bulbs, batteries in smoke detectors, arrange items at the top of cabinets and closets. If I could not get another one I would not sell my Little Giant for $500.00. If you buy this ladder you will not regret it. Stop wasting your money on the 2 step cheap ladders!”

Details & Specs

  • Ladder Weight: 12 Pounds
  • Weight Capacity: 300 Pounds
  • Height: 5 Feet
  • Made with Aluminum
  • Top Cap has one large hole for tools
  • Dimensions: 20L x 60H x 5.5W

9. Louisville Ladder AS4005

Next in the lineup, the Louisville Ladder AS4005 is another inexpensive 5-foot ladder. However, its weight limit is on the lower end at 225 pounds. But aside from that, it offers various benefits. This ladder meets OSHA standards and has holes in the top cap for tools. While the previous ladder was the second lightest on the list, this one places first for the absolute lightest of 11 pounds.

Users Say: “I have a project that requires a ladder and this is perfect. Bought used and saved. The ladder is a perfect size and is steady and lightweight. I am a senior citizen and light and steady is very important. I’m getting too old for rickety unstable ladders. Highly recommended. Now I don’t have to bother people so much.”

Details & Specs

  • Ladder Weight: 11 Pounds
  • Weight Capacity: 225 Pounds
  • Height: 5 Feet
  • Top Cap with holes for tool placement
  • Meets OSHA Standards
  • Dimensions: 61 x 20 x 7

10. Little Giant Ladders AirWing

Last but not least, the Little Giant Ladders AirWing is an outstanding option. This 5-foot ladder has an immense 375-pound weight limit, meets OSHA standards, and only weighs a reasonable 18.5 pounds. Not to forget, it’s also on a sizable 13% discount! 

Users Say: “Well Built! Very sturdy, very solid, very light. It folds up easily and has a side handle for carrying. I bought this for a large pantry but will use it for home improvement projects also. I had a prior pantry two-step ladder that the top plastic step cracked all the way across which is very dangerous. That will never occur with this ladder. You certainly can find less expensive ladders if you don’t care about your safety but this one is well built and worth every penny.”

Details & Specs

  • Ladder Weight: 18.5 Pounds
  • OSHA Standards 
  • Weight Capacity: 375 Pounds
  • Height: 5 Feet
  • Top Cap with holes for tool placement

Quick Recap

Here Are The Best 5-Foot Step Ladders For The Money

  • Louisville Ladder AS3005
  • DeWalt DXL3010-05
  • COSCO 20502ABL1E
  • Little Giant Ladders King Kombo
  • Louisville Ladder FS2005
  • Werner 6205
  • Louisville Ladder FS1505
  • Little Giant Ladders Flip-N-Lite
  • Louisville Ladder AS4005
  • Little Giant Ladders AirWing

What’s the difference between a step ladder and a stepping stool? 

Although both are very similar, a stepping stool has larger steps and weighs more. A step ladder is perfectly V-shaped where a step stool isn’t. For contracting and work, a step ladder is recommended. For home use, a stepping stool is safer for those with a poor balance due to the wider steps.  

How much do step ladders cost?

Most step ladders cost anywhere between $50-$150. The cost also depends on how many steps they provide. 

How much do step ladders weigh?

While the weight of a step ladder highly depends on the number of steps, most weigh anywhere between 9-20 pounds. The rough average is around 12 pounds. 

What’s the weight capacity of a step ladder?

With a few exceptions, most step ladders deliver a weight capacity between 225-375 pounds. 

Why are there holes on the top cap on a step ladder?

The top cap of step ladders has holes so you can place your tools. Especially if your working with screwdrivers, hammers, or air seal gun, the holes make it simple to set your tools with ease. 

 

If you’re looking for over-ear headphones, see our top picks here.

See the top made-in-USA sunglasses here.

Need a modern outdoor coffee table? See the top picks here.

Need an alarm clock? See the top choices here.

Check out the best bodyboards here.

Recent Posts