How to Make Ladder Bookshelves

Turn an old ladder into a handsome set of bookshelves.

Ladder bookshelves utilize old ladders to create a shelving unit that can appeal to a variety of design themes. They are a really simple way to give life to an old double-sided ladder and are somewhat novel in their A-frame shape. Pair a worn wooden ladder with reclaimed lumber shelves for a really rustic feel, or take the ladder apart and place shelves between the uptight legs for a more conventional rectangular set of shelves.

Things You'll Need

• Double-sided wooden stepladder
• Measuring tape
• Plywood, 3/4 inch
• Saw
• Drill
• Wood screws, 1 5/8 inch
• Wood finish

Instructions

1. Open the legs of a double-sided wooden stepladder until you reach the desired frame shape of your ladder bookshelves. This will look like an "A" shape.

2. Measure the distance between each pair of ladder rungs. Cut out shelves from 3/4-inch plywood that are the distance between the ladder rungs plus 2 inches, by the length of the rungs minus 1/2 inch. For example, if the top rungs are 12 inches apart and the rungs are 15 inches long, then the top shelf should be cut to 14 by 14.5 inches. The shelves will get longer as they go down the ladder.

3. Place each shelf over its corresponding ladder rungs with 1 inch over each rung at the end. Secure to the rungs with 1 5/8-inch wood screws driven every 5 inches or so along the ends of the shelves into the rungs.

4. Finish the ladder bookshelves with your desired wood finish. If you want to keep a rustic feel, leave the bookshelves untreated or apply a wax polish. For a shabby chic vibe, paint them white, then sand them back in places to "distress" the bookshelves.

References

• Skill Tools: Ladder Shelf
• "Mother Earth News"; Build a Ladder Bookshelf; Mariah Zabriskie; 2006

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish