DIY How to Make a Wooden Bookshelf Ladder

A bookcase that mimics the design of a ladder is an alternative to a traditional version for small rooms.

A ladder bookcase leans against the wall with different sized shelves, making it an ideal way to display books and decorative knickknacks in one place. This type of bookshelf is available at most furniture stores, but building your own is an economical way to add an interesting piece to a room on a tight budget. The materials are available at home improvement or hardware stores. The project will take a couple of hours, making it one to do on the weekend if you want to finish the entire bookcase at one time.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Sander
• Fine-grit sandpaper
• Saw
• Drill
• Screwdriver
• 2-inch wood screws
• Two 2-by-6-foot pieces of wood
• 1-by-6-foot wood pieces
• Wood stain
• Staining supplies
• Wood glue (optional)

Instructions

1. Measure the area where you will put the ladder bookshelf. This allows you to create shelves that aren't too large or too small for the space. Write down measurements so that you are able to refer to them as you cut the shelves.

2. Cut the end pieces of the ladder bookshelf. Trim two 2-by-6-foot boards to the desired height using a saw.

3. Create the shelves using 1-by-6-foot pieces of wood. They should be deeper on the bottom of the unit, so cut gradually thinner pieces. The shelves should all the be same length. Shelves that are 12 inches wide are ideal for a bookshelf and won't require support in the middle. Saw the long edge 1 to 2 inches smaller as you move up the bookshelf. For example, the bottom shelf could be 2 feet deep and the next could be 1 foot 10 inches deep. Continue trimming a similar amount on each shelf as you continue to the top of the bookshelf. The number of shelves you need depends on the height of your ladder bookshelf. Leave enough space in between each shelf to display books and decorative items.

4. Position the shelves and use a level to make sure they are level. When you are sure they are level, mark the locations where you will drill pilot holes to secure each shelf to the side pieces.

5. Drill pilot holes through the side pieces and into the sides of the shelves. The drill bit should be slightly smaller than the size of your screw.

6. Insert the screws to connect the shelves to the side pieces. Glue the pieces in place with wood glue first if you have difficulty keeping the shelves level. Once the glue dries, secure the shelves with the screws

7. Sand and stain the ladder bookshelf. Follow the directions on the stain regarding how many coats to use and what tools to apply it with. This varies by brand and type of stain. Allow the stain to dry completely before placing books or other items on the shelves.

Tips & Warnings

• An electric or circular saw provides a cleaner cut and allows you to create the pieces of the bookshelf more quickly.

• Place the nails or screws under the shelves or on the back of the bookshelf to disguise them.