How to Turn your old wooden step ladder into shelving

A lot of us have those old wooden step ladders laying around. There are several uses for them when they are no longer good for climbing. You can find them fairly easy at yardsales as well.

Things You'll Need

• Old wooden step ladder
• tape measure
• 1-2x2, 8 foot
• cordless drill
• 1/2" drill bit
• 3/8 drill bit
• 1/2 dowel rod
• 1/2"x1 5/8" wood screws
• wood glue
• 2 or 4 foot level
• 1 sheet plywood

Instructions

1. Start by removing the metal hinges in the center of the ladder. You can fill the holes where these were with a little wood putty.

2. On the back portion of the ladder where there are no ladder rungs You want to use a level. Place the level on the rung and level it with the back side of the ladder where there are no rungs. Once you have it level, mark your hole just below the bottom side of the level.

3. Drill through the side of the ladder where you have placed your mark using the 3/8 drill bit.

4. 

   After you have done this, measure your 2x2's to fit between the sides on the back of the ladder. Place the 2x2's between there even with the top of the ladder rungs on the front and then drill into the 2x2 through the holes you have previously drilled using the 3/8 drill bit. After you have done this you can screw the 2x2's into place using the 1/2" by 1 5/8 wood screws. Make sure you countersink your screws far enough so that you can fill the holes with your wood dowel rod. Cut the wood dowel to length, glue and push it firmly into the hole and let dry.

5. 

   Measure your plywood and cut to fit between the ladder rung and the 2x2's . Fasten the plywood using the wood glue and voila you have a nice shelf for your plants, knick-knacks, books or whatever your imagination holds. You can also stain it to match existing furniture, hardwood floors etc. Looking at the pic next to this step, you can see where holes have been cut in the plywood shelf to inset plant pots.

Tips & Warnings

• Always be careful when using power tools