DeWalt 22' Aluminum Multi-Purpose Ladder

Why I reached for this ladder

A week of interior paint, a leaky exterior gutter, and a light fixture over a stairwell—one ladder had to do it all. That’s what prompted me to put the DeWalt 22-foot multi-purpose ladder to work. I’ve used plenty of A-frames and standard extensions over the years, but the promise here is a single platform that reconfigures to fit the task instead of forcing the task to fit the ladder. After multiple days on jobsites and around the house, I came away impressed with its versatility and overall stability, with a few caveats worth noting.

Setup and first impressions

Out of the box, the ladder is ready to go—no assembly required. The aluminum rails feel stout without being unwieldy, and the wider base inspires confidence before you even climb a rung. Mine arrived with a couple of cosmetic scuffs on the rails. They didn’t affect performance, and aluminum shows marks easily, but it’s something to be aware of if pristine looks matter.

The patented tri-lock hinges are the heart of the design. They’re large, easy to identify by feel, and they lock with a clear tactile and audible click. The learning curve is brief: push to release, rotate to your target position, and verify all locks are engaged before stepping on. Early on, they were a touch stiff, which I prefer to sloppy—hinge play on a ladder is a nonstarter.

Five positions, one frame

• Step ladder (A-frame): This was my default for interior work. In this position, the ladder feels rock-solid, thanks to that wider footprint. The spreaders and hinge locks create a reassuringly rigid triangle.

• Stairway: The adjustable legs made working over a stairwell far safer than my previous semi-heroic balancing acts. Once I dialed in the leg lengths, the setup felt secure and allowed me to keep proper body alignment while painting.

• Extension: For exterior chores, I ran it to full extension for gutter work and a soffit repair. Like any aluminum ladder near its max reach, you’ll feel some flex, but it stayed within what I consider normal for Type IA gear. The rungs remained sure underfoot, and I never detected hinge creep or unexpected movement.

• 90-degree: This position is excellent for working flush to walls and corners. I used it to cut in around a tall foyer window; being able to stand close to the work made a noticeable difference.

• Scaffold: You can separate the halves to create trestles. You’ll need your own plank; none is included. With a suitable platform, the setup makes long, repetitive runs (like painting a hallway or installing a ceiling) go faster.

Switching between configurations gets natural after a session or two. The most important habit is to build in a lock check—visually confirm each hinge and rung lock before climbing. It’s easy to get excited and skip this step; don’t.

Stability and safety

This ladder is rated ANSI Type IA with a 300 lb capacity, and it behaves like it. I’m roughly 200 lbs with a tool belt and paint, and I never hit a stability concern on solid ground. The feet did a good job of staying put on both concrete and hardwood. On slick surfaces, I still recommend a mat or anti-slip pads, but the baseline grip is solid.

The wider footprint is a noticeable improvement over narrower multi-position designs. Side-to-side sway is well-controlled in A-frame and stairway modes. At full extension, like any ladder this tall, precise foot placement and maintaining the correct climbing angle (about 75 degrees) matters. If you routinely work on uneven ground outdoors, consider adding levelers or using a stabilizer; they’re not built-in, but the ladder accommodates those accessories.

Compliance with OSHA and ANSI standards is table stakes for pro job sites, and this ladder checks those boxes along with CSA. It’s peace of mind I appreciate when I’m working overhead or asking crew to trust the platform.

Portability and storage

“Lightweight” is relative with a 22-foot multi-position ladder. It’s not featherlight, but it’s manageable for one person who knows how to handle ladders. The tilt-and-roll wheels are genuinely useful: tilt the ladder, and you can move it down a hallway or garage without a deadlift. On rough surfaces like gravel, the small wheels are less effective; it’s easier to shoulder-carry it a short distance.

Folded, it stores in a footprint smaller than a comparable traditional extension ladder and a separate A-frame, which is the whole point. If you have limited shop space or a service vehicle where every inch counts, this is a practical consolidation.

Real-world performance

• Interior paint: In A-frame, it’s fast to deploy and steady on hardwood and tile. The 90-degree position let me work right up against an accent wall without contorting.

• Stairwell wiring: The stairway configuration is the standout. Being able to level the ladder on steps with the hinges locked tight made what is typically a tricky, slightly nerve-wracking job feel routine.

• Exterior gutters: Fully extended, I set the angle, tied off the top for extra security, and had no drama cleaning and re-sealing a leaky joint. There’s some flex at max height, but not enough to translate into shimmy.

• Quick scaffold: With a proper plank, I ran a row of crown molding and later masked a long hallway. It’s not a substitute for a dedicated rolling scaffold, but for short runs it saves time.

Durability and build quality

The aluminum rails and hardware have held up well to transport and jobsite bumps. Hinges remain tight after multiple reconfigurations, and the locking mechanisms haven’t loosened or developed slop. Expect normal cosmetic wear over time—aluminum shows scuffs—but I haven’t seen anything that hints at structural concerns.

One small gripe: the hinge release buttons can be a little pinchy if you’re careless. Gloves help, and developing a deliberate two-hand routine keeps your fingers out of harm’s way.

DeWalt backs the ladder with a 3-year limited warranty, 1 year of free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. It’s a solid safety net if your unit has a defect or you discover it’s not a fit for your workflow.

What could be better

• Weight and bulk: It’s still a big ladder. If you only ever need an 8-foot A-frame, this will feel like overkill.

• Wheels on rough terrain: Great on smooth floors; less so on gravel or lawn.

• Scaffold mode requires extras: You’ll need to supply your own rated plank or platform and use appropriate caution.

• Hinge stiffness out of the box: It eases with use, but initial operation takes a firm hand.

None of these are deal-breakers, but they’re worth planning around.

Tips for safer, smoother use

• Make lock checks a habit. Verify hinges and rung locks before stepping on.

• Mind the angle in extension mode. Roughly a 4:1 ratio of height to base distance is a good rule.

• Protect floors. Place a mat under the feet on delicate surfaces.

• Keep hinges clean. A quick wipe to remove dust and a light dry lubricant go a long way.

• Don’t overreach. Climb down and reposition—easier with the wheels, safer for your back.

Who it’s for

Tradespeople and serious DIYers who need one ladder to cover interior and exterior tasks will get the most value here. If you move between step-ladder tasks, stairwells, and occasional extension work, this is a capable, jobsite-ready tool that reduces the number of ladders you need to carry. If your tasks are narrowly focused—say, only low-height indoor work—you can save money and weight with a single-purpose ladder.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt 22-foot multi-purpose ladder. It earns that recommendation on the strength of its stability, genuinely useful configurations, and jobsite-ready Type IA rating, all supported by compliant safety standards and a practical wheel system for transport. It isn’t the lightest or the cheapest way to touch every height, and you’ll need a plank for scaffold work, but as a single ladder that covers most tasks well, it’s a smart, reliable choice.