Which Is the Best Werner Telescoping Ladder?
Werner is one of the best-known ladder makers in the US, and its MT series is what most people mean when they search for a Werner telescoping ladder. Werner calls these multi-position ladders with an adjustable telescoping design. The series has four models: the MT-13, MT-17, MT-22 and MT-26. All four are still sold in 2026.
The four ladders share the same design and differ mainly in size: reach, weight, number of positions, and folded length. In this article, we cover each one, point out what sets it apart, and help you decide which size fits your jobs.
Updated September 2026: product availability, specs and prices re-checked.
Werner Telescoping Ladders: Description of Models
wernerco.com
Every MT ladder converts into five setups: a twin step ladder, a stairway step ladder, an extension ladder, a 90-degree wall ladder, and two scaffold bases. Each one telescopes in three sections, so you can set different heights within each setup.
All four models carry a Type IA duty rating of 300 pounds. In step ladder mode, Werner rates them at 300 pounds per side, so two people can work at once, one on each side. They are made of aluminum and are ANSI certified and OSHA compliant.
Werner lists the same safety features across the range:
- Slip-resistant feet and an extra-wide flared bottom for firm support
- Double-riveted steps for durability
- Shatter-proof J-Locks that hold each section in place
- Smooth, curved rails for more comfortable climbing
The MT series suits both home and professional use. Werner also says the ladders are lighter than earlier versions. The main question is which size you need, so here are the four models.
MT-13 Werner Telescoping Ladder
The MT-13 is the smallest model, with a maximum reach height of about 14 feet. It offers 16 positions and 15 height adjustments. Folded, it measures about 43 x 22 x 8.4 inches and weighs about 27 pounds, which makes it the easiest of the four to carry and store.
As an extension ladder, it adjusts from 7 to 11 feet, with a highest standing level of 7 feet 8 inches. As a step ladder, it opens from 3 to 5 feet tall. The rails measure 2.9 inches.
Buyer reviews on Werner’s own site are mixed for this model, with an average of 2.8 out of 5 stars from a small number of reviews at the time of writing. Read a few before you order.
Pros of MT-13
- The lightest of the four, at about 27 pounds
- Shortest folded length of the four, at about 43 inches
- Same five setups as the bigger models
Cons of MT-13
- Limited reach for second-story or roofline work
- Mixed owner reviews on Werner’s site
MT-17 Werner Telescoping Ladder
The MT-17 is the next size up, with a reach height of about 18 feet. It has 24 positions and 23 height adjustments. It carries the same 300-pound rating as the MT-13.
Folded, it measures about 55 x 25.2 x 8.4 inches and weighs about 33 pounds. As an extension ladder, it adjusts from 9 to 15 feet, and as a step ladder it opens from 4 to 7 feet. The rails are slightly larger at 3.1 inches.
For most homeowners, the MT-17 is a good middle ground. It should cover high ceilings and a lot of first-floor exterior work, while still being light enough for one person to move.
Pros of MT-17
- More reach than the MT-13 for only 6 extra pounds
- Wider rails for a more secure grip
Cons of MT-17
- Heavier and longer than the MT-13, so harder to carry and store
MT-22 Werner Telescoping Ladder
The MT-22 reaches about 22 feet and has 33 positions and 33 height adjustments. Folded, it measures about 72 x 27 x 8.4 inches, so it needs noticeably more storage space than the smaller two. It weighs about 42 pounds.
As an extension ladder, it adjusts from 11 to 19 feet, with a highest standing level of 15 feet 5 inches. As a step ladder, it opens from 5 to 9 feet, with a highest standing level of 6 feet 8 inches. The rails measure 3.3 inches.
This model makes sense when the MT-13 or MT-17 cannot reach, such as gutters, second-story windows, or stairwells with high ceilings. The trade-off is weight. At 42 pounds, it is a real effort to carry, and at 6 feet long when folded it may not fit in a small car.
Pros of MT-22
- Enough reach for many second-story jobs
- Handles stairways and uneven ground well, according to Werner
Cons of MT-22
- Heavy and long, so harder to carry and move around
MT-26 Werner Telescoping Ladder
The MT-26 is the largest in the series, with a reach height of about 26 feet. It has 43 positions and 43 height adjustments. Folded, it measures about 79 x 31 x 8.4 inches and weighs about 58 pounds.
As an extension ladder, it adjusts from 13 to 23 feet, with a highest standing level of 18 feet 5 inches. As a step ladder, it opens from 6 to 11 feet, with a highest standing level of 8 feet 7 inches. The rails measure 3.3 inches, the same as the MT-22.
Despite its size, it has the same 300-pound rating as the rest of the series. It is aluminum like the others. This is the one to buy if you regularly work on high exterior walls, two-story foyers, or large commercial spaces.
Pros of MT-26
- The most reach of any MT model
- The most positions and height settings
Cons of MT-26
- At about 58 pounds, the heaviest of the four
- Hard to transport and store because of its length
Also Worth a Look: Werner Multi-Position Pro
Werner now sells a newer line alongside the MT series, called the Multi-Position Pro. It comes in four sizes (MT-14IAA, MT-18IAA, MT-22IAA and MT-26IAA). These models have a higher 375-pound Type IAA rating and use Werner’s PowerLite rails to save weight. For example, the MT-18IAA weighs about 31.5 pounds, compared with 33 pounds for the MT-17, and the MT-14IAA weighs about 23.5 pounds, compared with 27 pounds for the MT-13. Werner also offers versions with built-in hands-free leveling for uneven ground. If you need a higher load rating, compare these before you buy.
Which Is Better?
It depends on what you will use the ladder for. Start with the highest point you need to reach, then pick the smallest model that gets you there. If the MT-13 does the job, you do not need a bigger one. You will likely save money, and the ladder will be much easier to move around the house and take to other sites.
If you often work on second-story exteriors or tall ceilings, go for the MT-22 or MT-26, as long as you have the space to store it and a way to transport it.
Related reading
Conclusion
Werner’s MT series is still on sale in 2026, and it suits both home and professional use. All four models share the same design and safety features, so the choice comes down to reach, weight and storage. With the specs above, you can pick the one that fits your jobs best.
Featured image: wernerco.com
