History of the Ladder

Ladders are an essential household item, yet people don’t usually think about them until they have to climb one. Daily, millions of people worldwide use ladders to access roofs, lofts or other high areas. However, what may seem like a simple everyday tool has a storied history. Since then, ladders have undergone significant transformations. 

When Were Ladders Invented?

Ladders date back so long ago that no one knows who invented them or when. However, the earliest evidence of ladder use is in Valencia, Spain. The Spider Caves have a rock painting that is about 10,000 years old depicting the use of a type of ladder. This painting shows two men using a ladder, possibly made from grass or plant material, to access a wild honeybee nest. 

While this is the first evidence of the ladder, research suggests ladders have been around for much longer than 10,000 years. Ladder history as we understand it today traces back to ancient Hebrew and Egyptian cultures, who may have used ladders to build structures like pyramids. There are also mentions of ladders in the Bible, including Jacob's ladder in the Book of Genesis. Over the years, people have created different ladders to suit various purposes.

Who Invented the Ladder?

Because ladders have such a long history, it is hard to claim one person invented the ladder. However, John H. Balsley gets credit for inventing the modern folding ladder. Balsley was an American carpenter who obtained his patent for a folding stepladder on Jan. 7, 1862. While the well-known A-shaped ladders had been around for a while, they were bulky and hard to transport. Single ladders were also standard but needed support from a building or another solid structure.

Balsley's ladder design included a simple yet effective addition — hinges. The hinges allowed A-shaped ladders to open and close as needed, making them easier to store and transport. Another feature Balsley added was flat ladder rungs. Before this, ladder rungs were usually round. Flatter rungs are safer because they are easier to stand on. 

American inventor Henry Quackenbush took out the first patent for a type of extension ladder. The extension ladder has two single ladders overlapping each other. Pushing the top ladder up increases its reach. 

What Did People Do Before Ladders? 

We don't have much concrete information about what people used before ladders became widely available, but we can look at global cultures to get a hint of what humans may have used. For example, some people still use bamboo poles and knotted plant material to reach high areas to this day. Early humans may have used similar methods to climb trees and reach high areas until necessity forced the invention of a climbing method that left hands open to hold items like honey. 

Modern Ladders

Today, ladders are invaluable equipment with nearly endless combinations. Modern ladders are available in various materials, sizes and shapes to suit almost any function. Multiple industries use ladders, from firefighters and roofing professionals to arborists and construction workers. Modern ladders are also lighter and safer. The increased availability of materials like aluminum and Fiberglas has allowed ladder manufacturers to develop lightweight ladders that are easier to transport. 

Kinds of Ladders

Some modern ladders are small and easily transported, while others are large and take time to assemble. Ladders fall into two broad categories — rigid and flexible. Each kind of ladder is well-suited to different functions.

• Flexible ladders: These usually consist of rope, cord, grass and other flexible materials. They’re more convenient to carry and use but can be challenging to climb. Flexible ladders will bend under your weight, making them hard to scale without any practice. Usually, they play roles in combat situations and can be excellent during emergencies.

• Rigid ladders: Unlike flexible ladders, rigid ones feel more secure under your feet and are easy to use. However, their rigid nature can make larger ladders challenging to transport. Small ladders are convenient, while some giant ladders require special transport and help. Several kinds of rigid ladders are available, including bridge ladders, telescopic ladders, fixed ladders, roof ladders, stepladders and A or X frame ladders.