1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
   
We consent to the reference of our firm under the caption "Experts" and to the
use of our report on the consolidated financial statements of Werner Holding Co.
(PA), Inc. dated February 10, 1998, in Amendment No. 3 to the Registration
Statement (Form S-4 No. 333-46607) and related Prospectus of Werner Holding Co.
(DE), Inc. for the registration of $135,000,000 in Senior Subordinated Notes due
2007.
    
 
                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
Cleveland, Ohio
   
May 13, 1998