Are you renovating your house? I know how tough it is to scrape off the wallpaper above the bathtub ceiling and paint that wall. You’re probably thinking of using a ladder to do the job.
But is it possible to set a ladder in bathtub?
Yes, it’s possible to set a ladder in the bathtub. But you need to use a ladder that stays stable on the tub surface. Taking some extra measures like placing a rug or drop cloth under the ladder makes a ladder easy to use. However, it’s not recommended to use a ladder in a bathtub as it’s risky.
You’ll get to know more about using ladders in the bathtub from this article. So, stay tuned and give this article a good read.
Can You Put a Ladder in a Bathtub?
Yes, you can put a ladder in a bathtub. But it’s not recommended at all unless you absolutely have to.
By putting a ladder in a bathtub, you may poke holes in it. This happens especially when the ladder is made of metal and doesn’t have any rubber grips on the end.
When you start climbing the ladder, it puts pressure on the bathtub floor. Your weight presses against the ladder. As a result, the ladder legs poke holes in the bathtub due to extra weight and gravitational force.
So, by putting on a ladder, you risk damaging the bathtub surface.
Is it Safe to Put a Ladder in a Bathtub?
The safety of a ladder in bathtub depends on the quality of the ladder. Since most bathtubs have a curvy surface, it’s hard to keep the ladder steady. So, there’s a chance of slipping from the ladder and hurting yourself if the ladder doesn’t have the perfect grip. But using a high-quality ladder is safe to put in a bathtub.
But this doesn’t mean you can’t stand on a ladder in a bathtub. By taking some safety measures, you can use a ladder. For example, if you use ladders with a rubber grip at the end or a rug underneath that keeps the ladder steady, you’ll be able to stand on the ladder.
Mostly, it becomes useful for painting the ceiling or tearing down the wallpaper above the bathtub.
How to Put a Ladder in Bathtub Safely?
Since safety is a major issue when it comes to using a ladder in a bathtub, I’ve discussed two successful ways you can make the ladder safe.
Using a Drop Cloth:
You can take a drop cloth and place it under the ladder. A drop cloth is usually made of cotton. As cotton doesn’t have any slippery component, the drop cloth will provide support to the ladder legs.
Using an Old Yoga Mat
Another good option is to use an old yoga mat. Usually, yoga mats are made of PVC or vinyl material. They are approximately half to one inch thick and don’t move too much.
So, if you lay down an old yoga mat under the ladder in a bathtub, you’ll be able to keep the ladder stable.
Can You Use Any Type of Ladder in the Bathtub?
No, you can’t use any type of ladder in the bathtub. There are different kinds of ladders with different characteristics. For example, an A-frame ladder has support to place the ladder independently.
| Ladder | Suitable or Not |
| A-Frame Ladder | Yes |
| Floor Ladder | No |
| Kitchen Ladder | No |
| Attic Ladder | No |
| Step Ladder | Yes |
But you can’t keep a floor ladder vertically without any support. For using it vertically, you have to find a supporting wall so that the ladder can lean on it. However, it’s not safe to use a ladder extension in this case.
So, the best fit is the A-frame ladder to use in the bathtub. If you use an A-frame ladder, you’ll have to worry less about slipping issues.
You can also use a metal ladder. But you must ensure it has rubber grips at the end of the ladder legs. Otherwise, the ladder will damage the porcelain of the bathtub.
Now, floor ladders, kitchen ladders, attic ladders, and vertical ladders are a big no in this case. It’s because these ladders will require external support to stay stable. As the bathtub surface isn’t plain, these ladders become wobbly when they’re leaned on the surrounding wall.
There’s an additional problem with the attic ladders. The attic ladders can bent arms which will worsen the situation.
So, it’s best to avoid kitchen ladders, floor ladders, attic ladders, and vertical ladders to use in the bathtub.
Is There Any Alternative Way to Use A Ladder in Bathtubs?
Yes, there’s an alternative way to use a ladder in a bathtub if you’re not feeling safe using the ladder. It’s a DIY method that will help you to replace the ladder with blankets and a stepstool – a less risky option.
Tools and Materials:
So, for this, you’ll need the following tools.
- A Plywood
- One heavy blanket.
- A rug or drop cloth
- A step stool.
Step-by-Step Process:
Here are the steps you need to follow.
- First, cut the plywood and take a ½’’ or a ¾’’ piece from it. The measurement is appropriate for a 27” by 51 ⅞” bathtub. After cutting the piece of plywood, set it aside.
- Then, place a heavy blanket on the tub surface.
- After that, put a drop cloth or a rug on top of the blanket. The blanket and the rug will save the bathtub from any scratches or damage.
- Finally, put the stepstool on the rug or drop cloth to add extra height. This will help you to reach the ceiling easily.
So, by applying this method, you’ll be able to lessen the risk of using a ladder in the bathtub.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Which size ladder is best for your bathtub?
The size of the ladder for your bathtub depends on the height of the ceiling from the bathtub. The ladder should be 4 feet lesser than the height you want to reach. For example, if the ceiling above your bathtub is 14 feet, you’ll need a 10-foot ladder.
Can you use a step ladder in the bathtub?
Yes, you can use a step ladder in the bathtub. It’s because a step ladder has a support system just like an A-frame ladder. It keeps the ladder stable on the ground. So, there’s less chance of slipping if you use a step ladder in the bathtub.
Final Words
So, now you know how safe it is to have a ladder in bathtub for any purpose.
The risk factor here actually depends on you. If you can take the appropriate measures, using a ladder in a bathtub won’t be much dangerous for you. Hopefully, this article also helps you in applying the alternative method. Good luck!