How to Make Ladder Shelves That Lean Against the Wall
Ladder shelves are a practical and fun way of fitting some of your library into a small area of wall space. You build the bookshelf similarly to how you would construct a simple ladder. However, since your ladder shelves only need to accommodate the weight of your books, the project is less exacting than constructing a real ladder. Since the structure is designed to permanently lean at an angle, you'll also have to cut its base and top to lean securely against the wall. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 3/4-inch wooden boards (such as poplar or red oak), 2
- 3/4-inch plywood
- Finishing nails
- Screws
- Circular saw
- Router
- Hammer
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Sandpaper
- Paint or stain
Instructions
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Shelves
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1
Use a circular saw to cut the shelves out of plywood. Keep the better looking side of the boards facing downwards to keep the wood from splintering where it will show. Sand each of the boards on all sides to a smooth finish.
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2
Use the circular saw to cut the shelf depths or "backsplashes," the strips of wood that stand upright along the back and side edges of each shelf. Use a router to cut a groove in each backsplash along its bottom edge, roughly 3/4 inches, or the width of the plywood.
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3
Glue and nail the rear and side backsplashes together. Apply wood glue into the grooves in each backsplash. Insert the shelf bottoms into the grooves. Let the shelves dry completely.
Uprights and Assembly
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4
Cut the boards to size for your two upright pieces with your circular saw. Cut a 78-degree angle at the bottom edge of each upright. Cut a 12-degree angle at the top of each upright. Set the uprights against the wall to check that they lean snugly. Sand the entire surface of each upright until smooth.
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5
Lay out your uprights on the floor and set the shelves between them, spacing them evenly. Adjust as necessary, leaving more space at the bottom or top, until you find an aesthetically pleasing arrangement. Check that the spacing provides sufficient storage for all your display items.
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6
Apply wood glue to the sides of each shelf, where it should join with the uprights. Drill pilot holes and screw each shelf to the uprights. Check that all angles are 90 degrees with a level, as you work.
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7
Paint or stain the entire structure to a shade that complements your room decor. Apply multiple coats if necessary for an even color. Let each coat dry thoroughly, per manufacturer's instructions, before applying another coat.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have small children or live in an earthquake-prone location, affix the ladder bookshelf to your wall for maximum safety. Use a stud-finder to locate vertical studs in the wall and screw the shelves to the wall where the upper ends of the upright pieces make contact with the wall.
