Ladders can be valuable in countless ways around the home, whether you're performing seasonal tasks, tackling remodeling jobs, or just needing to reach things off the top shelves in your kitchen. If you've recently moved into a new home and don't yet have a ladder, you'll want to visit a local hardware store to assess its products. These retailers generally have a wide selection of different ladder types, which means that you may wish to buy more than one during your initial visit. Here are three types of ladders that you may need to use around your home.

Step Ladder

A step ladder is often the ladder that people use the most in various tasks in their home and in their yard. Step ladders are available in different heights, and you'll recognize them by how they look like the letter "A" when they're set up. Inside of your home, a step ladder is a valuable tool if you're painting the walls, hanging curtain rods, or installing new ceiling light fixtures. Outdoors, many people use step ladders for minor tree trimming, cleaning ground floor windows, and more. You can find aluminum and fiberglass step models, and a hardware store employee can outline some of the pros and cons of each design to you.

Extension Ladder

Many people buy extension ladders for tasks outside of their home, although there are occasionally scenarios in which you may need to use such a ladder indoors, too. As its name suggests, an extension ladder is a ladder that extends to a considerable length. Unlike step ladders, extension ladders are straight — not shaped like the letter "A." An extension ladder is much longer than a step ladder, making it useful for tasks such as cleaning your gutters, hanging Christmas lights on the exterior of your home, and more.

Folding Step Stool

When you visit the ladder aisle of your local hardware store, you'll commonly find folding step stools, too. This type of small device will get you just a few feet off the ground, but can still be handy in many applications. Lots of homeowners use folding step stools to easily reach items on the top shelves of their kitchens, for example. Whereas you might store your step ladder in the garage, it's convenient to keep a folding step stool near the kitchen if you anticipate using it in this manner. Its compact size will often allow you to store it in a closet or behind a door.

For more information, reach out to a local hardware store.

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