Abstract: A lightweight, folding ladder having steps that fold together and lie flat within the frame, when the legs of the frame are collapsed into a fold-away position. The steps each have an edge recess that allows a person climbing the ladder to laterally draw closer to an object or supporting wall when the ladder is in a legs-expanded, open-frame, operative position.

Abstract: A fold-up step ladder having individually and independently fold-down steps that are deep recessed in their fold-down position, so that a person standing on the ladder can lean into and between the ladder frame defined by front and rear side rails and reach closer, with less obstruction and likelihood of injury, to an adjacent vertical wall or work object. Each step is supported upon the side rails of the ladder by an extension arm and a pair of right-angle flanges attached to respective side rails of the ladder frame. The flange bracing allows for support of over-sized steps, which in turn provides the standing person with a greater support and sure-footed feeling, as well as reduced fatigue upon the ladder.