How can I safely paint the high ceiling beam above the stairway in my 3rd story bedroom loft with an extension ladder?
Asked by Isabel Herrero 
3 months ago
Last Updated: June 13, 2024
I’m in the process of repainting our 3rd story bedroom loft and I’m almost finished with cutting in the borders. However, I’ve hit a snag above the stairway. The ceiling beam is so high that I can’t safely get close enough to trim or cut in. I do have another extension ladder, but I’m not sure what to do next. Any suggestions or words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated! I could also take more photos from different angles if that would help. 
I’m in the same boat. Can’t wait to see the responses.
Bakers scaffolds are great for staircases and cost around $300…
Place a step ladder on the higher level, then lay a plank across the ladders or lean a ladder against the wall with the railing.
Maybe consider renting some scaffolding instead?
The scaffolding I’ve seen is about 4 ft wide. Do they make scaffolds narrow enough to fit on stairs?
I believe so. I am familiar with a few rental places in this area that carry items measuring 2’x5′ with legs that can be adjusted…
Yes, , it is commonly referred to as “bakers scaffold”
I stumbled upon a rental center close by that offers bakers scaffold. It seems like it could be a good fit! It measures 29 inches wide. I plan to go take a look tomorrow. Appreciate the suggestion!!
As someone who used to work as a trauma nurse, I would suggest bringing in a professional without hesitation. When a mishap occurs, there’s no way to reverse it.
I totally agree. Having been a safety instructor at a major car factory, one of the toughest challenges is getting employees to stop taking unnecessary risks.
Homeowners can pay $1000 to hire a painter and if they expect the paint job to last for 10 years, it works out to $1.92 per week.
Is it worth the gamble?
As someone who used to teach safety for a big car company, I’d recommend the same thing.
Spreading out the cost of hiring a professional ($1000) over 6.5 years (the typical lifespan of a good paint job) comes to less than $3 per week, which is roughly the price of one Starbucks coffee.
You might want to consider something like this that connects to a paint pole, or alternatively, you could hire a local painter to finish the remaining work.
Absolutely, couldn’t agree more!
I connected a brush (or an edger tool, unpopular opinion but I really like those for cutting in over a brush) to an extension pole. It worked really well!
Sure thing, Sarah! Use whatever method works best for you, but just remember to roll AFTER you’ve edged with a pad.
If needed, you can rent a ladder with adjustable legs for your project.
When painting at a height, try using a pole and brush with your current setup. The color has to be just right to look good haha. Keep a second pole with a wet rag or sponge attached handy for any accidents on that ridge.
To start, create a platform using a big board the width of your stairs and a sturdy/flat object by the wall. Place a smaller ladder on top of that. They also have ladders with adjustable legs like the little giant ladders. Consider these options to make it work. Even a “professional” would do the same. If all else fails, you can use scaffolding, but you’ll still need to improvise a platform without a flat surface.
You can also try using tape and a broomstick!
We have tried various approaches, including using scaffolding, ladders, and platforms made from 2x stock. You could also consider using a durable paintbrush extension and a steady hand.
This is the situation I’m facing
Wow, my issues seem trivial! 😊 Is that a baker’s scaffold? I discovered a rental place, planning to stop by tomorrow. Any tips on securing the scaffold to prevent tipping and slipping?
If you observe closely, it’s actually attached to a larger scaffold. However, for the issue in your photo, I recommend using a leveling tool to adjust the stairs and an extension ladder. You could also consider using a Little Giant ladder.
When using them on your staircase, there’s no need to stack them as you might not even have enough space for that. A single bakers scaffold on a set of stairs doesn’t require outriggers.
Also, if my bakers scaffold isn’t tall enough, I sometimes place my 2-step stool or work platform on top to gain extra height.
Could you make the ladder straight and prop it against the wall? Similar to the picture?
Is not approved by OSHA
Your situation is a bit more manageable as I’d opt for a pivot tool on the stairs to even things out followed by an extension ladder
Get rid of that dangerous ladder immediately. I can’t stand those things
I really like using them on stairs, I would just add another ladder against the wall and lay a plank on them
THANK YOU! I can’t stand those things. They’re too heavy and not very user-friendly.
A friend of mine had an accident with one of those recently (it collapsed). He ended up with a shattered heel, fractured fibula and tibia on one side, and a few broken ribs.
He mentioned that he might have set it up incorrectly, but also admitted that he never faced any issues with regular ladders.
Position the extension ladder above the window, move the existing ladder to the upper part of the stairs, and place doubled-up 2×10 or larger boards on the rungs between them to use as steps.
JP’s Painting & Coatings
1st – Extend ladder next to the window wall. Cut out as much as you can.
2nd – Place the ladder on the opposite stair set. Adjust it for comfort. You should be able to finish cutting the beam. Move the ladder up as you progress if necessary.
Another suggestion would be to use tape and an extension pole. Attach the brush at a slight angle. Not too tight, leave a little room for movement, and it will work like your wrist. It may be a slow process, but you will get great results!
For my staircase with a tall ceiling, I purchased a rectangular paint pad that I attached to an extension pole. It worked really well.
You might need a ladder jack to stabilize it on the stairs. Alternatively, you could lean it against the stairs for the specific area you need to work on.
Is that OSHA approved, ?
How about constructing a little platform on the stairs to give your ladder some extra support against the wall?
I hate to say this, but that ladder seems kinda wobbly right now. I wouldn’t recommend putting anything on it. It’s just too risky. I’ve witnessed someone fracture their pelvis after falling off a regular ladder at a normal height, no extensions. Can you really afford to be out of work for half a year? 🤷♀️
I know what you mean. I once had to prop up an extension ladder on a beam. I managed to secure it by bracing the feet against the wall. Hopefully you can do the same
Not OSHA certified 😂
Playing shoots and ladders never fails to make me laugh 🤣
I opted for a flat pad attached to a lengthy extension pole. It wasn’t flawless, but it did the job well.
Place the extension ladder against the paneled wall. Position the little giant on the next set of stairs and place a plank across the two so that it runs parallel to the ceiling beam. This will allow you to walk across the plank.
You can easily set up a bakers scaffold on any staircase that is 3 feet or wider for around $300. It allows you to reach heights of up to 6 feet, and I personally feel comfortable working at 13 feet. When dealing with ceilings up to 19 feet, I stack 2 of these scaffolds (although be cautious of tipping when stacked, outriggers can help with stability – but remember they’re not suitable for staircases narrower than 6 feet).
This is how we do it!
You know you can rent scaffolding from , right? I’d totally go for that option if I can’t reach a high spot with just a brush on a long pole. I had a bad fall from a 2-step stool once and it really scared me, so ladders are a big no for me.
When I can’t quite reach, I sometimes put my 2’x4′ workbench on top of my scaffold.
Avoid using additional ladders! Instead, construct some stair platforms. Grab 2 sheets of 3/4” plywood cut slightly narrower than the stairway. Put together a 2×4 deck “frame” from the top stair extending to the outer wall with the window ac. Then place the plywood on top and secure it with around a dozen screws. Install a few 2×4 columns down to the stairs. Secure it in position and create a safe work platform. Remember to add a railing. I have experience as both a contractor and an ICU nurse.
Consider renting two baker’s scaffolding units or just one along with a ladder. This way, you can position them on stairs to create a level platform.
I attach a brush or small roller to a paint roller extension pole using duct tape. It’s safer than using a ladder in that situation!
Do you think that would be beneficial?
Used a Pivit tool on the stairs and then you can bring an extension ladder up there
I used a paint pad and a small trim brush attached to a long extension pole. Ladders make me nervous.
For those suggesting hiring a professional, it’s true that professionals can work safely because they have the right equipment. Safety starts with having the proper tools, but it’s not the only thing you need. Make sure to check with local rental stores for suitable ladders or staging. Never take chances with improvisation in situations like this. Alternatively, consider working from the ground with tools attached to an extension pole.
Over the past five days, I’ve had several conversations and seen posts on social media about 5-6 people injuring themselves falling off ladders, including one fatality. Despite taking risks in the past without any injuries, it’s definitely making me think twice now that I’m older. I really value my bones as they are.
Back in the day, I spent a month working with a crew painting a church. The buildings were all brick, but the eaves and gables were made of wood. What they did was have three guys go around each building spraying the eaves. One guy was on a ladder, another guy was on the roof holding a spray shield, and the third guy was on the ground holding the ladders – yup, ladders, plural. They had two extension ladders side by side. When the guy on one ladder finished spraying, he just moved on to the other ladder. The guy on the ground would then move the first ladder to the other side. The spray guy never had to climb down – he just kept moving from ladder to ladder.
The tricky part was when they reached the back end of the building. The lot sloped down toward the back, and the grade behind the building sloped downward. So, halfway down the side of the building, they had to swap the 24′ ladders for 40′ ladders. However, the back end of the building was narrower and had a gable. So, even though the 40′ ladder was tall enough at the corner, it wasn’t tall enough for the gable. They had to rent a 60′ ladder. The guy had to climb from the 40′ to the 60′ all the way across the back end of the building…
Then there’s this tragic incident I know of – a guy was descending a Little Giant ladder that had an unknown recall. He reached the third rung from the bottom, and it gave way, trapping his foot. He only fell about 3-4 feet, but because his foot was stuck, he couldn’t prevent hitting his head on the concrete, which ended up killing him.
Ladders can be really unpredictable…
Yet another ladder is needed to lay 2 by 12s across them
Join 2 2x12s together…
Wow, now my 9-foot ceilings feel so short haha
Some people actually have ceilings that are over 26 feet high.
Wow, reacted to the story with amazement and humor, imagining a funny conversation about forgetting the light bulb.
Mentioned that they were stenciling designs on the beams.
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