How to Build a Slanted Ladder Bookshelf

Instead of using a ladder to reach books, use one to store them instead.

An old double-sided step ladder can find new life as a ladder bookcase. Slanted A-frame ladder bookcases are rustic-looking, humble and unusual pieces of décor, and building one is pretty uncomplicated. To carry through the rustic feel, you can use reclaimed lumber for the shelves and leave both the ladder and shelves unpainted, or for a shabby-chic feel, paint the bookshelves and then distress the paint by sanding it back in places.

Things You'll Need

• A-frame double-sided step ladder
• Measuring tape
• Reclaimed lumber or 3/4-inch-thick plywood
• Saw
• Drill
• 1-inch wood screws

Instructions

1. Open the ladder legs into an "A" shape. Measure the distance between each set of rungs, as well as the length of the rungs.

2. Cut a piece of reclaimed lumber or plywood to 10 inches longer than the distance between each set of rungs, and a half-inch smaller than the length of the rungs. For example, if the bottom set of rungs are 40 inches apart, and the rungs on your ladder are 15 inches long, cut a shelf of 14.5-by-50 inches. The shelves will get progressively shorter as they go up the ladder, but will remain the same width.

3. Place each shelf on top of its pair of rungs, with 5 inches over at each end. Drill four evenly spaced pilot holes, sized to fit 1-inch wood screws through the top of each end of the shelves, into each rung.

4. Drive a 1-inch wood screw into each pilot hole to secure the shelves to the ladder. The secured shelves will also keep the ladder open at the desired angle, creating a sturdy, slanted ladder bookshelf.

References

• Skil Tools: Ladder Shelves
• Mother Earth News; Build A Ladder Bookshelf; Mariah Zabriskie; June 2006