Not being a wise guy here!
We have taller ceilings than I am used to. I went out and got a 6-foot ladder to work inside our house and inside our entryway. Well, guess what!?!
A six-foot ladder is not all that it is suppose to be!
Here are the “acceptable highest standing heights”* for the different ladders I have measured:
5-foot ladder: 2 feet, 10 inches
6-foot ladder: 3 feet, 10 inches
8-foot ladder: 5 feet, 9 inches
So, use the info above, add your height and add a little bit more for reaching with your arms. I found that after bringing home my 6 foot ladder, I am able to change /clean lights in my house. However, I need to borrow my neighbors’ 8 foot ladder to clean my entryway light and if I wanted to change that fixture I would probably need to buy a 10 foot ladder!! ... or hire it out.
By the way, for storing ladders, use the fact plate info (an 8 foot ladder needs 8 feet of space).
This is all based upon a regular freestanding folding ladder, not extension ladders, that one leans against a wall.
* - these are indicated on the ladder as the highest rung on which the manufacturer recommends you use. Going higher has an unacceptable elevated risk of tipping.
Hope this helps. Be safe out there!
