Ladders are great tools that have been used by people for thousands of years to reach high places. Yet, they have one fatal design flaw — they are incredibly unstable on uneven surfaces. Sure, you might think that there’s no reason to use a ladder on anything other than a flat floor. But what if you want to hang a picture on a wall right next to your stairs?
That’s where ladder levels come in! These accessories can ensure that you’re not tipping over when using a ladder on an uneven surface. However, not every ladder leveler is made equal. As a result, in order to prevent accidents, you need the best of the bunch.
This article will help you do just that by checking out a few high-quality products. And to sweeten the deal, we’ll also give you some tips on how to shop for ladder levelers by yourself. Without further ado, let’s get started!
What Is a Ladder Leveler?
Generally speaking, a ladder leveler is a device that allows people to use their ladders on stairways, sloping hillsides, and other uneven surfaces. It doesn’t matter if your ladder is short or tall, installing a leveler will always make working high off the ground less worrisome, dangerous, and stressful.
Top 7 Ladder Levelers
When shopping for ladder levelers, you’ll find dozens of brands and products. However, not all of them are made using high-quality materials, meaning that they might break under heavy weight. That’s why when making this list, we’ve put a lot of emphasis on durability, usefulness, ease of use, and additional features. So let’s take a look at the top 7 best ladder levelers on the market.
1. ProVisionTools
The ProVisionTools Ladder Leveler is a well-rounded product that offers many benefits for those who regularly use ladders. For starters, it features universal fit, meaning that you can adjust the device in order to fit all types of ladders. As a result, you won’t have to purchase multiple levelers depending on how many ladders you own.
Furthermore, the ProVisionTools leveler is made out of polypropylene and is reinforced with aluminum. Therefore, it is incredibly durable and should have a long life span. In fact, it can support up to 500 lbs, which surpasses the 300 lbs of regular ladders. To put that number into perspective, this leveler can hold two adult males without any issues.
But by far, what makes this product so appealing, is its all-terrain design. In other words, you can use the ProVisionTools Ladder Leveler on any surface, including stairs, rooftops, and uneven pavement. And, thanks to its rubber gripper feet, you won’t have to worry about your ladder ever slipping.
Overall, the ProVisionTools Ladder Leveler is a great choice, especially if you are looking for a versatile and reliable product that you can use on your stairs. Durable, functional, and accessible, this leveler should help with your ladder usage, no matter what type of surface you are dealing with. And since it’s portable and doesn’t involve clamps or bolts, you can transport and change the leveler from one ladder to another quickly.
Pros
- Supports up to 500 lbs
- Portable
- Universal fit
- All-terrain design
- Safe
Cons
- Somewhat expensive
2. Xtenda-Leg Steel Extension Ladder Leveler
The runner-up is a popular ladder leveler designed by Xtenda-Leg. This product is designed for both professional and at-home usage. As a result, it includes a variety of features, such as Kraton rubber feet, adjustable handles, and more.
First, the Kraton rubber feet allow the leveler to grip the ladder for a better and more secure fit. It also prevents the leveler from slipping under a heavy load. And speaking of load, the leveler can withstand incredible amounts of weight. While the exact number is not disclosed by the manufacturer, it’s safe to assume that it will hold at least one adult male, thanks to its durable alloy steel build.
When it comes to ease of use, the Xtenda-Leg leveler is incredibly accessible. Not only can it accommodate most types of ladders, but it’s also easy to install. There’s no need for extra instructions; all you need to do is place the brackets on your ladder and secure them using the included screws. Additionally, the adjustable handle makes it possible to adjust the angle of the leveling feet depending on the surface that you place it on.
To sum it up, the Xtenda-Leg Steel Extension Ladder Leveler is a secure and safe product that’s worth every single penny. From stairs to pavement and asphalt, this leveler can help you place your ladder on an uneven surface. Affordable, adjustable, and suitable for all types of ladders, you’ll never go wrong with the Xtenda-Leg Leveler.
Pros
- Safe
- Easy to adjust
- Affordable
- Compatible with any ladder
Cons
- Not suitable for slippery surfaces
3. LeveLok Ladder Leveler (Permanent Mount Style)
Are you looking for a heavy-duty ladder leveler? Then it’s time to check out the LeveLok Ladder Leveler! This product is made specifically for professional use. However, it’s very accessible, meaning that even amateurs can benefit from it. The leveler even comes with a user-friendly manual that gives you some insight and tips on how to install the device in just a couple of minutes.
Made out of stainless steel and aluminum, the LeveLok leveler is both durable and reliable. It also features a proprietary heavy-duty locking system, which provides plenty of strength and stability to your ladder. The leveler also has an automatic backup safety lock, ensuring that your ladder stays put until manually removed. As a result, you can use it to level uneven surfaces in a safe and efficient manner.
You can also adjust the height of the leveler using the 16-d nail holes. That way, you won’t have to replace your ladder every time you want to get higher. Just change the leveler’s configuration, and voilà, your ladder just gained a couple of inches.
All things considered, the LeveLok leveler is definitely a professional product. It features dozens of safety mechanisms that are designed to protect workers. Besides that, the leveler is also compatible with most aluminum or fiberglass ladders, allowing for increased reusability. So make sure to give it a shot, particularly if you want a high-quality product that can be used on any surface.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Safety mechanisms
- Durable
- Compatible with most ladders
Cons
- Expensive
4. Werner Automatic Ladder Leveler
With a big emphasis on functionality and ease of use, Werner is offering the Automatic Ladder Leveler. Even though their idea is not new, it includes a couple of useful features that are rarely seen in these types of products. To put it simply, once installed on a ladder, the leveler can automatically level out on uneven terrain without the need for human input. And with up to 8½ inches of adjustment, you can easily use your ladder on any type of uneven surface.
Stability-wise, the Werner leveler features a locking mechanism that prevents it from wobbling. So no matter where you are and what conditions you find yourself in, the ladder will remain stable, leveled, and most importantly, safe.
It’s also worth noting that you can use the leveler with almost any type of ladder, including those made from silver, fiberglass, and aluminum. However, you need to make sure that your ladder has straight legs to be able to accommodate it.
Ultimately, if you are new to ladder levelers, there’s no better product than the Werner Automatic Ladder Leveler. It comes with a well-detailed set of instructions that make the installation process extremely easy. Thus, you’ll have your ladder up and running in less than five minutes. And while it’s true that the pricing can be a bit high, most users believe that it’s entirely worth it, especially if you want a reliable and safe product.
Pros
- Automatic adjustment
- Easy to install
- Can accommodate most ladders
- Safe
Cons
- Expensive
- Not compatible with wood ladders
5. Ladder-Aide Pro
As the name suggests, the Ladder-Aide Pro is a professional tool that helps people level even the most stubborn terrain. From the start, you’ll notice that this leveler has a unique design. As a matter of fact, it doesn’t rely on the leg extension model that every other product has. Instead, it acts as a platform on which you can place your ladder and secure it using the mounting mechanism.
At first, that might sound incredibly unsafe. However, the Ladder-Aide Pro has been thoroughly stress-tested and can hold up to 1500 lbs. So, in theory, it can withstand the weight of a fully matured cow.
Accessibility is another key aspect of this leveler. Simply put, anybody can set it up in minutes since it doesn’t require any cumbersome installation. Thus, you can move it from stair to stair without a hassle. And, due to its micro-adjustment mechanism, you can use this leveler on almost all types of stairs, regardless of their slope.
Perfect for professionals and handymen alike, the Ladder-Aide Pro is always ready to help. It’s safe, reliable, and incredibly versatile. Sure, it might take a while to get used to its design. But once you do, you’ll quickly realize just how efficient this product truly is.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Suitable for all types of stairs
- Can withstand up to 1500 lbs
- Easy to use and remove
Cons
- Expensive
6. SLIIMU Ladder Leveler
When using your ladder on stairs, you need a leveler that has solid claws and a sturdy base, such as the SLIIMU Ladder Leveler. With its non-slip rubber feet, this leveler provides increased stability and support. These feet also provide additional pressure between the ground and the ladder, further helping maintain balance. Unfortunately, the height adjustment is pretty limited and you can only increase it by up to half an inch.
When it comes to build quality, the SLIIMU leveler is definitely at the top, right next to ProVisionTool and LeveLok. Made using premium-grade alloy steel, this leveler can support a weight of up to 550 lbs. As a result, you can safely place all types of ladders on it, even those on the heavier side. The attaching mechanism is also designed to accommodate aluminum, articulating, fiberglass, sectional, and double-sided step ladders. So, you can use this leveler for all of your ladders.
In terms of design, the leveler features anti-skid patterns. These make it suitable for any type of surface. That’s because the pattern provides friction when stationary, making the leveler more firmly fixed. From stairs to the pavement, no uneven surface stands a chance against this leveler.
Without a doubt, the SLIIMU Ladder Leveler is a great and reliable product. Its great design and durable build are only outclassed by its attaching mechanism and stability pads. And while the leveler is not as feature-full as other alternatives, it makes up for it with its affordable price and ease of use.
Pros
- Affordable
- Durable
- Can support up to 550 lbs
- Compatible with all ladders
- Easy to install
Cons
- Limited height adjustment options
7. Sidasu Ladder Leveler
Last but not least, the Sidasu Ladder Leveler is a simple yet reliable product that provides a more affordable alternative to other expensive brands. Its design is similar to the SLIIMU Ladder Leveler and features non-slip silicone pads. These are able to level the terrain and help maintain balance whenever you climb on the ladder.
Similar to ProVisionTools, the Sidasu leveler takes advantage of universal fit. Thus, it is able to fit into any ladder that you own. But even if it’s incredibly versatile, this leveler doesn’t have any design compromises. In fact, it’s as durable as any of the previously talked about products.
Another interesting feature is the incredibly lightweight and portable build. You can easily assemble and disassemble it, so you will save time and effort before and after each project. However, the leveler doesn’t come with an installation manual, so you’ll have to figure it out on your own.
In the end, the Sidasu leveler is the ideal product for those who want a strong, portable, and easy-to-assemble product. With its simple design and straightforward features, this leveler can be a perfect starting point for anyone that wants to try out levelers.
Pros
- Portable
- Affordable
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Can support up to 550 lbs
Cons
- Doesn’t come with an installation manual
Buying Guide — How to Choose Your Own Ladder Levelers
There are a couple of factors that you should consider when looking to buy a leveler. From extension height to durability and price, each leveler is unique. So make sure to pay close attention to all of the following characteristics during shopping:
1. Extension Height
You might think that stairs have a standard size, but that’s not actually the case. As a matter of fact, each homeowner can modify them at will, resulting in hundreds of unique sizes and designs. That’s why you want a leveler that can adapt to any type of stairs. Most experts recommend that you choose automatic levelers that adjust themselves depending on the surface. But you can also rely on a traditional leveler as long as it features ample extension height, usually around the range of 8–10 inches.
2. Weight
High-quality levelers tend to be incredibly lightweight, so they can be carried around with ease. If you choose a heavier leveler, you might have problems balancing it on slippery surfaces due to an unequal distribution of weight and grip. Sure, most heavy levelers include non-slip features, but it’s always best to go for light levelers to avoid any accidents.
3. Safety
When climbing up the ladder, you want it to be supported by a stable and reliable leveler. As a result, you should go for products that include safety features like manual and automatic locking mechanisms. That way, you won’t have to deal with any unpleasant falls when trying to hang up a picture on your wall.
4. Product Quality
At the end of the day, every leveler has a lifespan. Over time, they get scratches, the silicone pads become brittle, and they lose their balance. However, the difference between low and high-quality levelers is the amount of time it takes for them to degrade. For instance, levelers made from good materials like stainless steel are usually better than those that rely on plastic. Therefore, you need to be careful and go for products that are known to have higher quality builds.
5. Weight Capacity
The weight capacity is defined as the maximum weight that the leveler can hold. This is an important factor to consider because ladders have varying weights depending on their material. After all, you don’t want to have your leveler break the moment you place a ladder on it, right? The best way to tackle this is to get a leveler that can withstand more than 300 lbs at a minimum.
6. Price
Price is another vital factor, especially if it’s your first purchase. While expensive levelers are usually more durable and have better safety features, you can also find some affordable and reliable products. Just avoid going for the cheapest leveler that you can find, as some are made from low-quality materials and can break easily. And since your life is at stake, you want the best and most reliable products that you can find, regardless of their price.
The Bottom Line
In the end, ladder levelers are more important than one would think. They provide you with an additional layer of safety and allow you to reach higher areas, even on rougher surfaces like stairs. And while most levelers look and function similarly, you should always do your research before choosing one. But if you can’t spare the time to do so, just pick one from our recommendations, so you can enjoy the benefits of ladder levelers in no time.