Minecraft Forums

Which one do you prefer? I like stairs better, because they look way better than ladders. Ladders though are compact whereas stairs take more space.

Well this all depends on what I am building, and where. Stairs are more dominant in my buildings as roofs on the surface, but ladders I can see being used in combination with stairs/slabs to make a sort of mining community. Ladders used as decor can give an interesting look to a build as well. Fences don't always have the all catch look in all builds.

So I would say probably a mixture of both depending on what I do.:D

I tend to make water drops into my mines, so ladders there, but almost never use ladders in home design....

Quote from unraisedholy

i always do spiral stairs in houses i know they take up space 3x3 but i always build with that in mind

you can do one in a 2x2 area, though it's a little disorienting at first.

i prefer ladders though i usually use stairs

I use both but i prefer using stairs for big staircases to fill up space.

I have started using 2 wide stairs so my doggies can come with me but i use to use ladders mostly.

I use stairs when there's room for them, but most of the time I find myself using ladders in my house to save space.

stairs......... look better... and we all need the excersise

I tend to fall off ladders for some reason, so I prefer making stairs wherever I can.

Minecarts=UP
WaterBlock=Down

stairs in houses or any build for sure...

ladders for quick access to a mine, or occaisonally a roof hatch or a secret basement access or something.

Quote from OverlookeDEnT

Minecarts=UP
WaterBlock=Down

if you keep the levels 3 blocks of open air, you can still go down your minecart elevator, just get out of the minecart and you'll slide down the ladder, and can catch the next one before you take damage. it may take a bit of practice, but you can get out at any level you want.

Quote from DMSiafu

if you keep the levels 3 blocks of open air, you can still go down your minecart elevator, just get out of the minecart and you'll slide down the ladder, and can catch the next one before you take damage. it may take a bit of practice, but you can get out at any level you want.

I'll try that normally I just have the set levels I need to get out with with the additional minecart. So ill try that, and save on resources!

just remember on which block you set your ladder on (or place it facing the doorway to get out of the elevator) and just run in the direction of the ladder, you'll stand on the top of it (if there's no opening tall enough to allow you exit), and you can just jump right out of the elevater

In mines, ladders have the added advantage of not being highways for mobs.

Ladders if I'm playing on another friend's server and they have griefing allowed or griefers on the server. Ladders are more discreet and easier to hide for your base.
Other than that, I'd prefer stairs because it looks much more aesthetically pleasing.

I use either depending on what is needed and/or how it will look. Function usually trumps looks, but when building my abode, I almost always use stairs. Mining and spelunking I usually use ladders.