This ladder by Werner is easily the best ladder I've ever owned! The construction show a lot of forethought--internal pinch proof spreaders, "traction-tred" steps and even a space for a medium size paint can on the top rung of the ladder! Excellent!

Moreover, whenever I position the folded up ladder up against a wall or any other surface I always get the sense that it will stay. This could be mostly due to the strong rubber pads at the very base of each leg of the ladder. The steps of the ladder give you the sense that as long as you're careful you won't fall off the ladder, either--great!

Although this ladder seems exceptionally sturdy, I would not put more than 275 or even 250 pounds of weight on it--just to make sure it holds the weight well. If you need a ladder to hold more weight Werner or other companies make other ladders for just that purpose.

In addition, one more caveat: don't sit or stand on the very top rung of the ladder (the place where there's the space for the paint can). This may cause the ladder to be unsafe.

Overall, this 4 foot ladder by Werner can take a lickin' and keep on tickin'! If you're in the market for a ladder this size, I highly recommend this one.

Very expensive, but it also does what is says it was going to do. Very stable, plus the 8' is ideal. It is worth the extra.