DIY Stocking Ladder
- 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws
- 1 3/4″ wood screws
- Wood glue
- Stainable wood filler
- 2-2×4@8′
- Hooks
Cut List:
- 2-2×4@48″
- 3-2×4@16″
Start by using a miter saw to cut the two rails to 48″ and three ladder rungs to 16″.
Adjust the miter saw to 10 degrees and cut both of the feet. Save the little 10-degree sliver for the next cuts.
Now take that sliver and use it as a guide for how much to cut off the tops of both rails.
Make the cuts for the top of the rails. These angled cuts help your ladder sit more securely against the wall.
Adjust the Kreg Jig to the 1 1/2″ setting and drill pocket holes in each end of the three ladder rungs.
Measure 12″ from the bottom of the rail and mark. This is how far up the rungs will begin. Lay the ladder face down and put a piece of 1×4 scrap under each rung while attaching. This ensures all the rungs are placed evenly along the rails so you don’t end up with a crooked ladder that doesn’t sit evenly on the wall.
Use wood glue and 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws to attach the first rung.
Mark another 10″ up from the last rung and repeat the same steps for attaching the next two rungs. After all three rungs are attached, grab the second rail and attach it the same way as the first rail.
Sand the entire ladder using an orbital sander and 120-grit sandpaper to get it ready for stain.
I used Early American by Minwax for the stain but you can use whatever stain you choose.
Once the stain has had time to dry completely, use an orbital sander and 120-grit sandpaper to distress the entire ladder as little or as much as you want. Now add the hooks. I got these from Amazon. Follow the manufacturer’s directions to attach. I only used two of the hooks but you could certainly attach more depending on how many stockings you want to display.
Your stocking ladder is complete! When the holidays are over, I use mine as a blanket ladder for the rest of the year!
Frequently asked questions
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