A double cleat ladder is similar in every way to a single cleat ladder except for the fact that a double cleat ladder has double sides that can be used simultaneously by two people, as in the case of a twin step ladder.
A twin-step ladder is a passable example of a double cleat ladder.
A double cleat ladder has a center rail that allows more than one person to use the ladder at the same time on both sides of the ladder.
In this article, we will look in detail at the double cleat ladder and its requirements. We will also talk about how it differs from the single cleat ladder.
What Is a Double Cleat Ladder?
A cleat is a rectangular rung that is sectioned across either end of the ladder’s long bar. The cleats are a very important component of a ladder.
Like I already explained, a double cleat ladder is a ladder with a long rail in its center that allows the ladder to be used equally on either side simultaneously.
Remember I mentioned a twin step ladder as a passable example, an extension ladder is a perfect example of what a double cleat ladder is.
There are three ladder bars and the rungs in-between then, the middle rail or bar gives it the sturdiness and strength it needs to carry two users at the same time.
The double cleat ladder spreads out side by side and can be used to ascend or descend from a height.
What Is the Maximum Height of A Double Cleat Ladder?
A double cleat is a necessary ladder for a job that requires a lot of workers around, it is easy to use, convenient, and gets the job done faster because it can accommodate more users all at once.
According to the Job-Made ladders, a double cleat ladder should not be more than 24 feet in length. This is significantly different from single cleat ladders that are mandated to have a maximum length of 30 feet.
Double cleat ladders with a length of 12 feet should be equipped with a 2 by 4-inch lumbar support for its sides and the center rail.
Double cleat ladders with a length of 24 feet should have a 2 by 6-inch lumbar support for their sides and the center rail as well.
There are other criteria that the cleats themselves have to pass, like, the cleat should be clear and its grains should be straight and knot-free.
These guidelines are provided to keep users safe and protected while using the ladder. You would do well to check out for them and abide by them.
What Is a Single Cleat Ladder?
A single cleat ladder is simple in every way to a double cleat ladder except that it doesn’t have a center rail that allows the double cleat ladder to have a second side ladder to be used simultaneously.
The single cleat ladder has two side rails with cleats in between them as you’d seen in most conventional extension ladders.
This ladder has a higher limit compared to the double cleat ladder. It has a 30 feet maximum length and other criteria that the ladder must pass, like distance in inch and cleat criteria.
For example, the single cleat ladder that has a length of 30 feet should have a 3 by 6-inch lumbar support. This is applicable to single cleat ladders that vary between 16 – 30 feet.
Single cleat ladders that have a height of 16 feet should have lumbar support of 2 by 4-inch. These lumbar supports are usually located on the side and center rails.
Difference Between the Single Cleat and Double Cleat Ladder
If you have been reading through this article, then you must have already spotted some interesting differences between these two ladders. Some of the common examples are;
| S/N | SINGLE CLEAT LADDERS | DOUBLE CLEAT LADDERS |
| 1 | 30 feet maximum length | 24 feet maximum length |
| 2 | It has a center rail | Center rail absent |
| 3 | Can be used simultaneously by 2 workers at the same time | A very limited number of users. 1 user per time. |
| 4 | 2 by 4-inch lumber for 16 feet ladders | 2 by 4-inch lumber for 12 feet ladders |
| 5 | 3 by 6-inch lumber for 16 – 30 feet ladders | 2 by 6-inch lumber for 12 – 24 feet ladders |
| 6 | Has 2 rails and 1 side of ladder cleats or rungs | Has 3 ladder rails and 2 sides of ladder cleats or rungs |
| 7 | Narrow | Wider to accommodate two users per time |
| 8 | Heavy duty ladder (Type I) | Extra heavy-duty ladder (Type IA & Type IAA) |
| 9 | Used when the workers or users are limited in number and the ascending/descending traffic will not collide | Used when several workers are working simultaneously and more than one person will need to use a ladder at the same time |
| 10 | More common around households | More common in construction sites |
When Should You Use a Double Cleat Ladder?
I don’t want to bore you by giving you unnecessary details that you do not need, I’ll just go right in and say it.
A double cleat ladder should be used when the work environment has more than 25 workers working together.
Using a single cleat ladder could get quite frustrating in such a situation especially when several people need to use the same ladder at the same time.
Advantages of A Double Cleat Ladder
The reason I gave for using a double cleat ladder is its major advantage over other ladder types. The fact that it can be used by several workers at the same time.
Joseph is the owner of LadderGeek. He is a home remodeling enthusiast. He has created this blog to share some of his knowledge on Ladder and accessories.
