This step by step diy woodworking project is about how to build ladder shelves. If you want to make decorative and unique storage shelves, we recommend you to check out this project. This project comes with detailed instructions and step by step diagrams, so all you have to do is to gather the required tools and to buy the right materials for this woodworking venture.
There are many thins that you should know before building the components for the ladder shelves, such as the designs you should choose or the best materials for the job. Therefore, we recommend you to take a look over the alternatives before starting the construction project, as there are many design options. Don’t forget to check out the rest of the projects featured on this website, as there are many other projects that could suit your needs.
It is essential to invest in thigh quality lumber, especially if you aim for a professional result. Therefore, we recommend you to use pine, cedar or redwood, as they have a nice finish and are highly durable. Drill pocket holes before locking the supports to the legs of ladder, in order to prevent the wood from splitting. Work with attention and adjust the design of the project according to your needs and budget. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.
Made from this plan
How to build ladder shelves
Materials
- A – 4 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 69 1/2” long LEGS
- B – 10 pieces of 2×4 – 11 1/2″ long SUPPORTS
- C – 5 pieces of 1×12 lumber – 48″ long SHELVES
- 1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 10 ft
- 4 pieces of 1×4 lumber – 8 ft
- 3 pieces of 1×12 lumber – 8 ft
- 2 1/2″ screws
- 1 1/4″ screws
- glue, stain
- wood filler
Tools
- Safety gloves, glasses
- Miter saw, jigsaw
- Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
- Drill machinery and drill bits
Tips
- Apply several coats of wood stain to the wooden components
- Fill the holes with wood filler and smooth the surface
Time
- One Day
Related
Building ladder shelves
The first step of the woodworking project is to build the legs of the ladder shelves. As you can easily notice in the plans, we recommend you to cut both ends of the legs at 10 degrees, by using a good saw with a sharp blade. Smooth the cut edges with a piece of sandpaper if you want to get a professional result.
The next step of the woodworking project is to attach the supports between the legs of the ladder, as shown in the plans. Cut the components at the right size and lock the to the legs with pocket screws, after aligning them properly. Add waterproof glue to the joints, if you want to get a rigid structure.
It is essential to place the supports equally spaced, especially if you want to get a symmetrical look. Afterwards, attach the 1×12 shelves into place and lock them tightly by inserting screws through the supports.
You can see the ladder shelves form another angle, in order to get a proper idea about the way the project would look. Make sure you check if the shelves are perfectly horizontal before locking them into place with screws. Moreover, make sure the legs of the ladder shelves are plumb and work on a level surface.
Last but not least, we recommend you to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood filler and let it to dry out for several hours. Afterwards, smooth the wooden surface with fine-grit sandpaper and vacuum the residues. Round the edges with fine-grit sandpaper.
Thank you for reading our project about how to build ladder shelves and we recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to share our projects with your friends and LIKE us, by using the social media widgets, if you want to be the first that gets our latest articles.
EXPLORE MORE IDEAS: