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Whether you’re painting a two-story foyer, replacing a light fixture, or cleaning high walls, one thing is certain: stairways are one of the most dangerous places to use a ladder.
At Matthews’ Painting, we’ve spent more than 25 years painting homes throughout Northern Indiana. One of the most common questions we hear is:
“How do you safely set up a ladder on stairs?”
The answer isn’t as simple as placing a ladder on different steps and climbing up. In fact, improper placement is one of the fastest ways to end up with a serious fall.
Watch owner Jason Matthews demonstrate how to safely use a ladder on stairs in this YouTube video.
Why Stairways Are So Dangerous for Ladder Use
Unlike a flat floor, stairways create uneven footing. A traditional step ladder isn’t designed to sit safely on different stair heights.
Many homeowners try to compensate by:
- Setting one side of a ladder on a higher step
- Placing boards or blocks under ladder legs which can slip
- Leaning farther than they should
- Using furniture to gain extra height creating an unstable surface
These shortcuts dramatically increase the chance of the ladder slipping, tipping, or becoming unstable.
The Right Equipment Makes All the Difference
Professional painters often use adjustable multi-position ladders (commonly called Little Giant-style ladders) because each side of the ladder can be adjusted independently. This allows the ladder to sit level while safely spanning multiple stairs. Just as important as the ladder itself is how it’s positioned.
Our crews are trained to:
- Fully lock every adjustment point before climbing.
- Position the ladder at the proper angle.
- Make sure each foot is firmly supported on the stair tread.
- Eliminate unnecessary movement or “play” before anyone climbs.
- Reposition the ladder instead of overreaching.
A ladder that’s only slightly out of position can become unstable once someone’s weight is on it.
Safely Using a Ladder on Stairs starts with Correct Positioning
One lesson we emphasize during employee training is that a ladder can appear stable until someone steps onto it. If an adjustable ladder isn’t fully extended against the stair tread or isn’t positioned correctly, it may shift unexpectedly while being climbed. Taking a few extra minutes to verify the setup is far safer than risking a fall.
Adjustable Ladders Are Heavy
Many adjustable ladders weigh significantly more than a standard household ladder. They’re designed to be durable and versatile, but that also makes them awkward and heavy to carry through homes and up staircases. Professional painters are trained to lift, carry, and position these ladders safely while protecting your walls, trim, and flooring.
Sometimes the Safest Decision Is Hiring a Professional
Painting high stairwells, foyers, and vaulted ceilings often requires specialized equipment and years of experience—not just a taller ladder.
At Matthews’ Painting, our crews are trained to work safely in challenging areas while delivering professional results. We use the proper equipment, follow proven safety procedures, and know how to access difficult spaces without putting your home—or ourselves—at unnecessary risk.
Stay Off the Ladder
Ladder safety is important for everyone, but it can be especially important for seniors and people with disabilities. That’s one reason Matthews’ Painting created our Stay Off the Ladder community service project.
Through our free Matthew 5:16 Kosciusko Community Service Project, Matthews’ Painting helps seniors age 70 and older and disabled veterans with certain household tasks that would otherwise require climbing a ladder.
From May through October, when safely accessible, our team can help remove debris and tree limbs from rooftops, clean gutters, or change outdoor flood lights. Year-round, we can help with tasks such as replacing A/C filters, smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector batteries, changing light bulbs, and cleaning ceiling fans and bathroom exhaust fans.
The goal is simple: keep our neighbors safe and off ladders whenever we can.
Serving Northern Indiana
Matthews’ Painting provides professional residential and commercial painting throughout Warsaw, Winona Lake, Syracuse, Leesburg, North Webster, Lake Wawasee, Lake Tippecanoe, Goshen, Columbia City, North Manchester, Rochester and surrounding Northern Indiana communities. Contact us today for a free estimate and let our experienced team handle the heights safely.
