From Ladder to Super Storage

6 Materials
$50
2 Hours
Easy

Sometimes you really just need some extra storage. This easy DIY not only turns a ladder into super storage, it creates a lovely focal point in your home! Double Win!icon


All you need is a ladder – old or new, a few extra timber battens, wooden planks for the shelves and paint for a fun twist.

STEP 1:


Remove the hardware from one side of the ladder, using a chisel and hammer. The remaining arm will be enough to stabilise the shelf.

STEP 2:


Add the shelf supports: measure the height of the existing rungs and install a batten on the opposite side of the ladder at the corresponding height.

STEP 3:


If your ladder consists of treated wood, then first prime the ladder before painting it. I painted it in a deep charcoal after the primer had dried.

STEP 4:


I painted the shelves in varying colours of blue to create a graded effect. See how I got the dreamy ombre effect here.

STEP 5:


Once they’ve dried, screw-fix the shelves to the supports from underneath the shelves.


And that's super storage done!


So go on – turn that old broken ladder into something awesome!



Happy DIY-ing!icon

Resources for this project:
Wood battens for support struts
5 pine shelves to fit the inner width of the ladder
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Frequently asked questions
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  2 questions
  • LaReda Robbins LaReda Robbins on Aug 01, 2017

    love this. What are the differences in the shelf lengths going from bottom to top?

  • Shuganne Shuganne on Aug 18, 2017

    Would you have to screw the shelves to the ladder? I'm wondering about taking it apart and moving it to another room, up the stairs, etc. I also don't see the individual shelf supports, but I'll jump over to your website to see what I can see there. I love the graduated colors on the shelves! Keep styling!!

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4 of 32 comments
  • Jerri Jerri on Aug 16, 2018

    Love it! Great colors

  • Sandra Miller Sandra Miller on Feb 07, 2021

    How to make post instructions please I’ve saved my daddy’s old wooden ladder. & stoped putting up my Christmas village years ago. Would love to turn Daddy’s ladder into Christmas village. ❤️🐝

    • See 1 previous
    • Sandra Miller Sandra Miller on Feb 17, 2021

      Thanks from Louisville Kentucky ❤️🐝

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