There are as many types of ladders as there are jobs that require them. They range from small single-step ladders to long extension ladders for hard-to-get-to places. They are made of wood, metal, fiberglass or a combination of the three.

We recommend that you not be frugal when purchasing a ladder. Regard it as any other tool that you acquire. Spend a bit more up front for a better product and it will pay dividends in the long run in safety and lasting quality.

A 6-foot wood or aluminum stepladder is a must for any homeowner. For the average home with 8-foot ceilings, it's sufficient for improvement and repair projects. You can change light bulbs at ceiling mounted fixtures, paint ceilings and walls and use it when cleaning dirty rain gutters.

You'll need an 8-foot ladder if your ceilings are 10 feet or higher. Anything less may tempt you to use the top platform as a step. That's the part of the ladder that rightly proclaims "THIS IS NOT A STEP!"

Another important factor to consider when purchasing a ladder is the amount of anticipated use. If the ladder is to be used frequently, you'll want to spend a bit more for an upgraded model that will take wear and tear. If it's for occasional use, something less elaborate will do.

Be sensitive to weight ratings. If you're tall and-or heavy, you should look for a ladder with a rating greater than the load which will be placed on it.

Wood stepladders are adequate for the average homeowner. Aluminum ones tend to be popular with do-it-yourselfers because they are light and easy to haul around. However, in many cases, they don't offer the strength and stability of their wood counterparts. On the other hand, an inexpensive aluminum ladder is a far better choice than a cheaply constructed wooden one that is nothing more than a stack of scrap lumber stapled together.

Be on the lookout for secure connections, metal-supported wood steps and superior hinges when ladder shopping. Anything less will eventually end up failing.

When using a stepladder, make sure that the legs are fully extended and that all four feet are placed securely on the surface that supports them. If that happens to be dirt or turf you might need to stabilize the ladder by placing the feet on fence boards or a sheet of plywood to prevent them from sinking into the ground and causing a fall. Also, stepladders are not designed to be worked from in a leaning position.

Extension ladders are not as widely used as stepladders, but are essential for anyone with a multi-story dwelling. Extension ladders of yesteryear were made primarily of wood wooden rails and rungs. Sometimes you'd find a mix of wood rails and metal rungs. Most modern extension ladders have aluminum or steel rails and rungs. A rung is another word for step.

As with the stepladder, spend a bit more for a unit that is constructed from heavier gauge material with sturdy welded connections.

Metal extension ladders are rated for weight just as are wooden ones. It's always better to buy a heftier ladder, for added support and durability.

The surface that the ladder is placed on is as important as the construction of the ladder. Even though most quality-built extension ladders have self adjusting feet with non-skid rubber soles, it's essential that the working surface be solid. If the surface is dirt or turf you'll want to place a solid piece of material like a fence board under the feet.

For added stability, the feet should be placed one quarter of the ladder's length from the base of the house. That is, if the ladder extends sixteen feet up the side of the house, the feet should be planted about four feet from the base of that wall.

When you are working on the roof, your ladder should extend a minimum of two feet above the edge of the roof. Never climb onto a roof from the gable end.

Before using the ladder, check it for loose rungs and cracked side rails. Don't attempt to extend the ladder until you have placed it where you'll be using it. Once in place, pull the rope to raise it to the desired height.

Proper balance is of prime importance when working on an extension ladder. Always keep hips between the rails when climbing the ladder or when reaching out. Keep one hand on the ladder and the other free for work.