Want to build tall structures in Minecraft that are a breeze to climb? Then, it’s time to learn how to make a ladder in Minecraft. This nifty item not only saves space but also makes climbing floors almost effortless. Plus, the ladders even help you reduce fall damage on the best Minecraft servers. So, without further ado, let’s get down to business!

How to Make a Ladder in Minecraft (2023)

Our guide covers all the basics of ladders in Minecraft along with the process of obtaining, crafting, and using them.

What is a Ladder in Minecraft

The ladder is a solid block in Minecraft that you can place on the side of other blocks. With the help of a ladder, you can stick yourself on a block and climb it. Each ladder occupies one block space vertically and can only be attached to the side of another block.

So, if you want to climb a tall structure you need a bunch of ladders for the job. This makes it vital to learn how to make a ladder in Minecraft. Moreover, keep in mind that if the block to which the ladder is attached breaks, the ladder also breaks and drops as an item. Fortunately, you can easily pick up the ladder and reuse it on any other block.

Differences Between Stairs and Ladders

In terms of functionality, both stairs and ladders allow you to climb on top of structures. But both of them have a bunch of core differences. These include:

• Dependency: The ladders can only be placed on the side of other blocks. But, you can place stairs as independent blocks and even use them to create structures.
• Types: While there is only one type of ladder in Minecraft, you can get 47 variants of stairs.
• Crafting: As you learn how to make a ladder in Minecraft, you will notice that it only requires sticks for crafting. On the other hand, crafting stairs in Minecraft requires more specific solid blocks.

Where Do Ladders Spawn

You can find ladders naturally spawning in the following structures of Minecraft:

• Stronghold (library)
• Village (temples, churches, and small houses)
• Igloo (basement)
• End Ship
• Woodland Mansion (rail rooms)
• Ancient City
• Trail Ruins

Once you find a ladder in your world, you can break it using any tool or by hand. Though, the axe is the fastest way to break the ladders in Minecraft.

How to Make a Ladder in Minecraft

Follow these simple steps to make a ladder in Minecraft:

1. First, find a tree and break its log by hand or using any tool to pick it up. Alternatively, you can also use pieces of bamboo to make a block of bamboo wood.

2. Then, place the log inside your crafting grid to turn it into four planks.

3. Next, place two planks vertically next to each other to transform them into four sticks. You need a total of 7 sticks to craft a ladder.

4. Finally, fill up your entire crafting grid with sticks, leaving only the middle cells of the top and the bottom row empty. With that, your ladder is ready. This crafting recipe gives out four ladders at once.

How to Use Ladders

Using a ladder is as easy as crafting it. Simply equip the ladder in your hand and then right-click on another block to place it. Once placed, walk up to it and you will automatically start climbing. However, to prevent yourself from falling off the ladder, you must press and hold the sneak key while you are climbing.

It is important to keep in mind that any mob, including hostile mobs, can climb ladders in Minecraft. So, you have to be extremely strategic about placing them in and around your base. A good workaround for the same is placing the ladder a few blocks above the ground. Players can jump to climb the ladders but mobs cannot.

Ladders in Lava and Water

Ladders can be placed in both lava and water, but they behave differently in each liquid. If you place a ladder inside lava, it displaces lava. This allows you to safely navigate through lava, as long as you stay within the air pocket. It is extremely useful within the Nether dimension of Minecraft.

However, if you place a ladder inside the water it becomes waterlogged. You can use this mechanic to make your ladders completely immune to fire. This can be extremely vital during thunderstorms which can set items on fire through lightning strikes.

Make and Use a Ladder in Minecraft

Now that you know how to make a ladder in Minecraft, you can aim to create truly high structures in the game. Once you are able to reach such a high spot, the next step is to take flight. But, for that, you need to get an Elytra in Minecraft. The same also helps you prevent fall damage in the game, similar to the Potion of Slow Falling. With a little creativity, you can use ladders to add a touch of personality to your Minecraft structures. But, don't forget how will you integrate ladders in your builds and discover what everything else is making on our Discord server!