Ladder Redo Into Shelf for Deck

Lisa Cain
by Lisa Cain
5 Materials
$25
1 Day
Easy
So I had a space on my deck (gas meter) that I wanted to cover up and a ladder that I wanted to redo...and then it ALL came together!!
Here is my ladder. Bought at a farm sale...sturdy, good bones, and perfect price. Time to sand it a bit and get it washed up and ready to paint.
I knew I wanted grey to go with my home's exterior, but not too grey. So I mixed some pink with it. The grey is Heirloom Traditions "Repose" is the color, and the pink was a Valspar paint, not sure of the color's name. Use what you have, right!!!
I got the ladder painted and it only took one coat. Thank goodness I mixed up just the right amount and used it all.
Next I decided to sand it with just a sanding block. I just did bits here and there to bring out some of the wood.
Here is a close up on one of the parts, to show you what the sanding did. I love it, looks distressed and used but in a good way.
Another shot.
Now this was the space I needed to cover up or hide somehow. Big eyesore, and always bugged me.
So I leaned the ladder up over the eye sore area and did what all good DIY'ers do, started looking through my own stuff to decorate it. I also added the bbq tools to the bottom rung as this sits right next to my gas grill. Not only pretty but purposeful too!
We live on a golf course, so had to put the golf picture on top shelf!
This is the 2nd and 3rd shelf with a plant and sign that I made.
Next shelf was fun. The words COOK OUT above the BBQ tools along with a cute vase I had. Found also a cute picture frame from my daughter that ended up sitting on TOP of the meter, and looked so cute.
Last but not least, the important shelf. The wrung on the ladder really worked out in this case too! So go find yourself a ladder, and have a little fun. Didn't take much time, mostly just fun finding shelf fillers!
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  3 questions
  • Laura Glass Laura Glass on Jun 02, 2018

    How easy will it be to access the breaker box and the phone line box? Also what does the meter reader think about you covering the meter? Otherwise a cute idea.

  • Theresa Theresa on Jun 02, 2018

    What did you use for shelves? Did you cut out size for each? This is such s great idea. I have an old latter. Can’t wait to try this.

  • Sarah Sarah on Nov 15, 2018

    Our meter is read electronically offsite, so that ladder is not a problem. The meter is set much. Higher up on wall, but this would still work. Also our outdoor faucet is under the meter but down on ground. This would still work! What height ladder did you use? I really like this idea!

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