How to Hang a Ladder from the Ceiling

Last Updated: August 10, 2021

Ladders are an essential piece of equipment to have, even if you only use them a few times a year. Whether you’re cleaning out the gutters or need to reach a high place, there are many occasions when a ladder comes in handy. However, they do take up a lot of space. Hanging your ladder from the ceiling may be a good option for you to save space for the times when you aren’t using it.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Hooks to Hang Your Ladder

1
Pick hooks that can handle the weight of your ladder.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Christopher Lanier
Handyman
Expert Interview. 25 August 2020.} Find out how much your ladder weighs. The weight of a ladder can vary (generally 10 lbs to 50 lbs). Ladder hooks should display the weight capacity information on the packaging.
- You can choose to use 2 hooks or 4.
- If you choose to use 2 hooks, the ladder hangs from the hooks on one of its sides, which makes the ladder parallel to the wall.
- If you choose to use 4 hooks, 2 hooks go on both ends of the ladder, which makes it hang parallel to the ceiling.
2
Measure the length of the ladder. If you're using 2 hooks, they should be placed next to the second to last rung on both ends of the ladder. Measure this distance and write it down.

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3
Measure the width of the ladder on both ends. Each set of hooks should be placed within the width of the ladder. Measure the length of the ladder to determine how far apart both sets of hooks should be on either end of the ladder.^{[2]
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- If your ladder is wider at the bottom, you will get different measurements for the top and bottom.
4
Find ceiling joists. Using a stud finder, look for the ceiling joist in the area you want to hang the ladder.^{[3]
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Expert Source

Christopher Lanier
Handyman
Expert Interview. 25 August 2020.} Mark these spots. Now that you know where the joists are, you can take the measurements you made for the hooks and line them up to where there are joists.
- Get a step ladder if you cannot reach the ceiling.
5
Install hooks in the ceiling. Pilot holes with a drill in the spots on the ceiling you’ve marked for your hooks.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Christopher Lanier
Handyman
Expert Interview. 25 August 2020.} Screw in the ceiling hooks. One side at a time, hook each end of the ladder onto the hooks.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Building a Ladder Lift to Hang Your Ladder

1
Cut wood for your frame. The first piece of 2x4 that you cut needs to be a couple of inches longer than the width of your ladder, around 18". This is the part of the frame that the ladder will rest on.
- Cut 2 pieces of 2x4 wood into 16” pieces. These are the pieces of wood that will extend down from the ceiling and attach to the 18” piece of 2x4 you just cut.
2
Assemble the lift frame. Using a drill and screws, attach the 2 16” pieces of wood to the 18” piece. The 16" pieces will be perpendicular to the 18" piece. It should look like a wooden frame with only 3 sides. ^{[5]
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3
Attach corner braces to the frame. Drill the braces to the 16” pieces of wood, so that the braces point inwards. The braces should both look like an upside down ‘L’, once attached to the wood.
4
Install the lift onto the ceiling. Use a stud finder to locate a ceiling joist, this is where you attach the lift. Once you find one, secure the lift to the ceiling by screwing the open sides of the corner braces to the ceiling.
5
Measure the length of your ladder. When it's finished, the top of the ladder will rest on the lift, and the bottom of the ladder will rest on a hook. The distance between the lift and hook should be about 12” less than the length of your ladder.
6
Attach a ladder hook to the ceiling. Find a ceiling joist with a stud finder. Using your ladder measurements, place the hook close enough to the lift for the ladder to reach it. Drill a hole and install the hook. ^{[6]
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7
Hang your ladder. Slide the top of the ladder into the lift and then lift the bottom of the ladder onto the hook.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you hang a ladder in a garage?

Christopher Lanier
Handyman
Christopher Lanier is a handyman and the owner and operator of Watson & Company Handiworks, a handyman business in Austin, Texas. With over three years of experience, Christopher specializes in outdoor light installation, furniture assembly, TV mounting, and window treatment installation. Christopher holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin. Watson & Company Handiworks is rated as a Top Pro by Thumbtack.

Christopher Lanier

Handyman

Expert Answer

I recommend using J hooks and attaching them to your ceiling joists.