Features
- 375 lb. load capacity (ANSI Type 1AA)
- Mega step with approximately 25% greater standing surface
- Accessory top with magnet tray, hardware/tool slots, drill/tool slots, paint bucket holder and pipe/2x4 holder
- Impact absorption system / impact-absorbing bottom bracing
- Non-marring, slip-resistant boot-style feet with extra-wide foot pad
- Double-rivet step construction with angle braces and semi-tubular steel rivets
- Wrap-around internal spreader braces (pinch resistant)
- Full-channel nonconductive rails with polyester veil
- Ribbed step tread
Specifications
Ladder Rating | Type 1AA - 375 lbs. |
Load Capacity (Lb.) | 375 lb |
Material | Fiberglass |
Number Of Steps | 5 |
Product Weight (Lb.) | 27 lb |
Rung/Step Material | Aluminum |
Step Tread | Ribbed |
Industry Standard Ladder Height (Ft.) | 6 |
Reach Height (Ft.) | 10.43 |
Rung/Step Depth (In.) | 3 in |
Step Rise (In.) | 12 |
Base Spread (In.) | 40.50 in |
Storage Width (In.) | 24.19 in |
Storage Depth (In.) | 6.66 in |
Step Ladder Maximum Height Closed (Ft.) | 3.84 |
Step Ladder Minimum Height Open (Ft.) | 6 |
Certifications And Listings | ANSI Compliant, CSA Listed, OSHA Compliant |
Manufacturer Warranty | 1 Year Limited |
Returnable | 90-Day |
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Non-conductive fiberglass step ladder rated for a 375 lb load. Features enlarged step surfaces, an accessory top with magnet and tool slots, impact-absorbing bottom bracing, and non-marring slip-resistant boots. Construction includes double-rivet steps with angle braces and semi-tubular steel rivets, full-channel rails with a protective polyester veil, and internal spreader braces for added durability.
DeWalt 6 ft. Fiberglass Step Ladder (10.4 ft. reach) Review
I spend a lot of my day on a 6‑foot stepladder—running cable, hanging fixtures, and touching up paint—so I notice the little things that make a ladder feel confident underfoot. The DeWalt 6‑foot fiberglass stepladder hits the right notes for everyday pro use: stout under load, thoughtfully organized up top, and friendly to finished floors. It’s not the lightest option you can buy, but the security it provides makes the extra pound or two worth carrying.
Build and first impressions
Right out of the wrap, the ladder feels substantial. At 27 lb, it’s heavier than bargain 6‑footers, but it carries its weight in the rails and bracing where it matters. The fiberglass side rails are full‑channel and finished with a polyester veil, which does a good job keeping fibers from fuzzing and makes the rails easier to wipe down. All the steps are double‑riveted with angle braces, and you can see the semi‑tubular steel rivets seated consistently—no loose or proud heads. The bottom bracing is designed to absorb impacts; after a week of going in and out of a work van and a few less‑than‑gentle drops, nothing rattled loose and the ladder remained square.
DeWalt includes wrap‑around internal spreaders. They’re pinch‑resistant and tucking them inside the rails means less to snag on material or straps in the truck. The spread is generous at about 40.5 inches, which gives this ladder a wide, planted stance on level ground.
Comfort and standing room
The steps are ribbed aluminum with a “mega step” profile—roughly 25% more standing surface than a standard tread. On a long day painting crown or installing a ceiling fan, that extra width reduces foot fatigue. The step depth is 3 inches with a 12‑inch rise, which feels natural climbing and descending without hunting for footing. On the recommended highest standing level (two steps down from the top cap), I felt stable without needing to hug the rails.
The feet deserve mention. The boot‑style caps are slip‑resistant and non‑marring, with a broad contact patch that grips tile and sealed concrete well. I tested on finished hardwood and didn’t see any gray scuffs. In dusty conditions, a quick wipe with a rag restores traction.
Accessory top that actually earns its keep
A lot of ladder tops look clever until you’re up there with a drill in one hand and a handful of fasteners in the other. This one is genuinely useful. The magnet tray keeps screws from migrating when you bump the ladder, and the molded slots fit a cordless drill/driver securely without pinching the trigger. There’s a paint bucket hook, plus shaped recesses that hold small fittings and even a short length of pipe or a 2x4 for layout. It saves trips up and down because you can stage a surprising amount of hardware within reach without clutter.
One practical note: never stand on the top cap. It’s designed for tools, not feet, and the ladder’s labeling makes that clear.
Stability and feel under load
This ladder carries an ANSI Type IAA rating, meaning a 375 lb load capacity. That’s not just about the person on it; it includes your tool belt and whatever you’re lifting. With a fully loaded tool pouch and a 12 lb light fixture, there was no creaking or perceptible flex in the rails. The center of gravity feels low because of the wide base and beefy bracing. Even with minor side loads—nudging a conduit into a strap or pushing trim into place—the ladder doesn’t twist.
On uneven surfaces, like a garage slab with a shallow drain slope, you’ll still want to use leveling feet or shims because this model doesn’t have adjustable legs. On flat surfaces, the combination of wide stance and sticky feet inspires confidence.
Electrical work and fiberglass rails
Fiberglass rails are non‑conductive, and that’s one reason I keep a fiberglass stepladder on the truck. This model’s rails are rated non‑conductive, which is appropriate for work near electrical components when the ladder is dry and clean. The steps themselves are aluminum, so I still treat it with the usual respect around live circuits: de‑energize when possible, keep the ladder clean and dry, and don’t let metal tools bridge energized parts. Bottom line: the ladder gives you the right materials for the job, but safety practices still matter.
Transport and storage
At 6 feet tall, it lives comfortably in a standard van or garage without creative packing. Folded, it’s about 24.2 inches wide and just under 7 inches thick, so it slides into a rack or against a wall without hogging space. The internal spreaders don’t snag straps, and the top cap is flat enough to stack a couple of sheets or drop cloths on top in a pinch. If you’re carrying it one‑handed up a flight of stairs, you’ll notice the weight, but the balance point is predictable and the rails have enough flat surface to grip securely with gloves.
Durability checkpoints
- Rivets and steps: After several setups on concrete and a few roof‑truss carries, I checked all the step rivets. No elongation, no loose hardware.
- Boots and braces: The foot boots stayed seated and didn’t loosen, which is a common annoyance on lower‑end ladders. The bottom brace took a couple of knocks without deforming.
- Rails and veil: The polyester veil does its job. No fiber bloom, and adhesive residue from tape came off with a mild cleaner without clouding the finish.
With a one‑year limited warranty and ANSI/CSA/OSHA compliance, it aligns with commercial expectations. I’d still recommend your own routine inspections: look for cracks at the top cap, check the spreader rivets, and wipe rails clean after drywall work.
Where it shines
- Residential ceilings and light commercial installs: The 10.4‑foot reach height covers 8–10 foot ceilings comfortably for fixture changes, smoke detectors, and tape/texture work.
- Painting and carpentry: The mega steps and sturdy stance let you spend time on the ladder without feeling wobbly, and the top cap keeps essentials handy.
- Mixed‑floor environments: Non‑marring feet make it safe to bring onto finished floors without floor protection in most cases.
Limitations to consider
- Weight: At 27 lb, it’s not the lightest 6‑footer. If you carry a ladder up multiple flights all day, a lower‑capacity model may feel easier, but you’ll trade load rating and rigidity.
- No adjustable feet: On uneven ground or landscaping, you’ll need levelers or another ladder designed for that terrain.
- Aluminum steps with fiberglass rails: A sensible blend for strength and cost, but it’s worth remembering the aluminum treads if you often work near energized components.
Tips from use
- Mark the highest standing level with a strip of colored tape on both rails; it’s a good visual reminder when you’re focused on the task.
- Keep a dedicated microfiber rag clipped to the top cap for quick foot cleaning. Dusty feet can compromise grip dramatically.
- If you transport it on a roof rack, position it rails‑down to protect the step edges and top cap from UV and stone hits.
Specs that matter in practice
- Rating and capacity: Type IAA, 375 lb. More than enough for a tech plus tools and materials.
- Height and reach: 6 ft ladder with approximately 10.4 ft reach; ideal for most interior work.
- Step geometry: 3 in deep, ribbed treads with 12 in rise; comfortable climbing and standing.
- Footprint and storage: 40.5 in base spread, 24.19 in folded width, 6.66 in folded depth; easy to store yet very stable in use.
The bottom line
The DeWalt 6‑foot fiberglass stepladder is a workhorse. It prioritizes stability, standing comfort, and practical organization at the top—exactly what a pro or serious DIYer needs day to day. The weight is the trade‑off for the Type IAA build, but the payoff is a ladder that feels planted and confidence‑inspiring under real loads. I appreciate the details: internal spreaders that don’t pinch, non‑marring boots that really don’t scuff, and a top tray that keeps screws where you put them.
Recommendation: I recommend this ladder for anyone who wants a sturdy, pro‑grade 6‑footer with a high load rating and useful top‑cap organization. It’s especially good for electricians, HVAC techs, finish carpenters, and painters working on typical 8–10 foot ceilings. If your priority is ultralight carry over ultimate stability, you might opt for a lower‑capacity model, but for most jobs, this DeWalt’s blend of rigidity, comfort, and thoughtful features is the better long‑term choice.
Project Ideas
Business
High-Reach Quick Fix Service
Offer a mobile service for bulb swaps, smoke/CO detector battery changes, vent filter replacements, and loose fixture tightening. Bundle into monthly or quarterly plans for seniors, landlords, and small offices. The non-marring feet and 10.4 ft reach make it ideal for most interiors.
Retail Sign & Display Installs
Provide on-demand installation of window signage, banners, and seasonal displays for boutiques and cafes. The accessory top organizes drivers, clips, and hardware for faster turnover. Market as OSHA-compliant, insured, and after-hours capable to avoid business disruption.
Holiday Lighting Setup & Removal
Seasonal service to hang and remove lights for homes and small storefronts, plus storage and maintenance. The ladder’s nonconductive rails and sturdy 375 lb rating support safe tool staging. Offer tiered packages: roofline trims (single-story), patio string lights, and porch decor.
Photo/Video Studio Overhead Prep
Niche service to install ceiling hooks, cable runs, and lightweight backdrops for home studios and classrooms. Use the drill slot and magnet tray for efficient hardware handling. Upsell layout planning and equipment labeling for repeat clients.
Rental with Pro Assist
Rent the ladder to DIYers with an optional trained assistant for spotting and safe setup. Include a curated accessory kit (bits, anchors, hooks, zip ties). Offer weekend bundles and delivery/pickup, targeting apartment managers and event planners.
Creative
Ceiling Constellation Install
Create a glow-in-the-dark star map or fiber-optic constellation on a bedroom ceiling. The ladder’s mega step and ribbed treads keep you steady while the magnetic tray holds pins and tacks. Use the drill slot to safely stage a cordless drill when installing tiny ceiling clips.
Indoor Canopy & Plant Trellis
Build an overhead fabric canopy or macrame plant grid in a living room or patio. Non-marring, slip-resistant boots protect floors while you place ceiling hooks and anchors. The 2x4/pipe holder in the accessory top helps measure and align rods for a clean, symmetrical install.
Pop-Up Mural & Accent Wall
Paint a high-reach accent wall or temporary mural for events or photoshoots. The paint bucket holder and enlarged step surface reduce fatigue for detailed brushwork, and the magnetic tray keeps screws and edge guides within reach to mount stencils or trim.
Holiday Light Art
Design a sculptural light display along interior beams, porch ceilings, or single-story eaves. Nonconductive fiberglass rails add peace of mind around existing wiring, and the accessory top organizes clips, zip ties, and a driver for quick clip placement.
Ceiling Acoustic Panel Upgrade
Install lightweight acoustic panels or baffles in a studio or home theater. Use the drill/tool slots to stage a driver and bits, and rely on the impact-absorbing bracing for stability while aligning panel grids and mounting anchors overhead.