We developed the Ladder-Aide because we saw a pain point that just wasn't being filled. We kept seeing questions pop up online about creating stable platforms for ladders on stairs, how to safely paint high ceilings above staircases, and the the best ladders for use on stairs. We knew there were other products on the market already, but for some reason, these products weren't satisfying peoples' needs. These questions were coming from professionals and amateurs alike, and the answers they got varied from terrible advice to just prop the ladder up on paint cans or concrete blocks (Note: Don't ever do that, it's incredibly unsafe) to extensive debates about the pros and cons of tools like the Pivit wedge, leg extenders, ladder levelers, and scaffolding.
It became clear to us that there was a need in the market for a better way to access high walls above steps, and we felt we could do it. We started by establishing some basic criteria:
- The product had to be easy and quick to set up: Scaffolding works great, but takes too much time and energy, especially if you're just hanging a picture on changing a light bulb.
- The product could not require permanent installaion: Ladder levelers and leg extenders work well, but you need to buy one for every ladder you might want to use, and make the ladder heavier and more annoying to carrier around. We wanted to develop a solution that we work with whichever ladder was right for the job at hand.
- The product had to be easy to move, so you could do a whole staircase without having to take it apart and put it back together
- Most importantly the product would have to be safe: Falls are one of the leading causes of injury and death, and ladder-related accidents account for nearly half of falls. If we were going to do this, it would have to be sturdy, stable, and idiot-proof. It would have to inspire the confidence of the user, who would have to feel just like if the ladder was sitting on solid ground.
Read more about how and why to use the Ladder-Aide on stairs.