From Vintage Charm to Modern Must-Haves: The Evolution of Step Ladders

It’s easy to take the humble step ladder for granted, but it’s an important invention that has an interesting history and evolution. The step ladder has been around for a long time, and Putnam Rolling Ladders offers handcrafted, wood versions of this household essential. Our collection includes a traditional-style painter’s ladder as well as a classic folding pivot ladder. We’ve preserved original American wood design styles, keeping the vintage charm of these modern must-haves.

Who Invented the Wood Step Ladder?

Believe it or not, we can trace the existence of the ladder as we know it all the way back to the Mesolithic era—about 10,000 years ago. They were depicted in cave paintings in Spain, and were likely made from rope or grass. The straight wooden ladder came later: Thomas Jefferson wrote of seeing one in Germany in 1788. Its usefulness and practicality so impressed Jefferson that the soon-to-be-President had one built for the inside of his home. Cultures around the world, from Pueblo Indians in New Mexico and Arizona to the Chinese Warring States of 475 BC, used ladders as important tools for everyday life.

A critical moment for the evolution of the standard ladder happened in the early 1860s, in Dayton, Ohio. Master carpenter John H. Balsley got fed up with bulky, heavy, fixed ladders getting in his way as he worked in people’s homes. So, he invented a smaller ladder with hinges at the top that could be folded and easily propped against a wall. In 1862, he was awarded a patent for this design, and voilà, the folding wooden step ladder was born. Balsley also changed the round, rod-style step with a flat step, which greatly improved the safety of the ladder, as well. Balsley’s portable shorter ladder design revolutionized American homes and businesses, giving everyone safer access to medium-height spaces.

Painters Ladders and Pivot Ladders: What’s the Difference?

The step ladders at Putnam Rolling Ladders preserve the historic look of the early wood step ladders. We offer simple, cleanly-designed wood painters ladders as well as elegant folding pivot ladders. Both of these classic wood styles add a sophisticated touch to your home or office.

A painters ladder, as the name indicates, is the iconic wood step ladder style associated with house painters. The ladder opens and closes with side spreader braces. It’s an instantly recognizable design. We offer a three-step painters ladder in sturdy red oak that’s a convenient 36” counter height.

Unlike the painters ladder, our folding pivot ladder squeezes open and closed with magnetic catches, instead of spreader braces. The pivot ladder is a two-step design, but it has a more detailed construction than the minimalist painters ladder. Our folding pivot ladders feature a beautiful finish and embellished hardware. They’re the perfect height to help you reach upper cabinets or higher shelves in your home.

Getting Your Wood Step Ladder from Putnam Rolling Ladders

Whether you prefer the simple style of a painters ladder or the more vintage vibe of a folding pivot ladder, we have exactly what you want at Putnam Rolling Ladders. If you’d like more information, or need to speak with a Ladder Specialist, book a phone call through our handy Talk to an Expert scheduling tool. Or, contact us at 800-882-0009. Also, if you need a boost reaching things but don’t need a full step ladder, browse our options in kitchen stools and wood step stools. For a useful ladder inside your home (just like Thomas Jefferson), browse our rolling ladder collection.