Unique Ladder Shelves | DIY Storage

Ladder shelves are a great way to create usable space in a tight spot, like a corner or a narrow space. So, if you want to magically make storage out of thin air, here’s your next DIY weekend project!

How To Build Your Own Unique Ladder Shelves

This unique shelving unit will be an interesting piece to add to your home, and its function is marvelous. It’s all about creativity and function rolled into one. The angles and structure of ladder shelves seem to be a hard DIY project, but it actually isn’t! Besides, any and all effort is worth it when you consider the function and aesthetic it adds to your space. Just like any other DIY, all you need are your basic tools, good quality wood and some time to spare, and you are good to start.

 

What You’ll Need:

Tools:

• Screwdriver
• Tape Measure
• Hammer
• Plane
• Level
• Drill
• Combination square
• Sliding Bevel

Supplies:

• Wood (European Waney Edge Oak is used in this project, but you can choose yours) for:
  • Legs (1″ x 4″ x 80″)
  • Shelves (1″ x 7″ x 20″, 1″ x 9″ x 20″, 1″ x 11″ 20″, 1″ x 13″ x 20″)
  • Shelf Supports (1″ x 1″ x 6″, 1″ x 1″ x 8, 1″ x 1″ x 10″, 1″ x 12″ x 20″)

• Screws
• Wood Glue
• Drill bits
• Sandpaper
• Countersink bits

 

How To Build Your Own Unique Ladder Shelves:

Step 1: Determine The Angle Of The Shelf Unit

 

Lean one of the legs against the wall. Use a sliding bevel and slide it onto the floor and lock it, that will be the angle for the bottom. This will also be the angle for all the shelves.

Step 2: Mark And Cut

 

Take the measured leg and mark it to the other leg. Cut it so it will be the same.

Step 3: Determine Where To Place The Shelves

 

Determine which spots you place the shelves. You can do what you want with the spacing but for this project, we decided to go for uniformity, and even spacing.

Step 4: Work Out The Length Of the Shelf Supports

 

Position the legs on the wall with the marked shelf positions. Have the shelf supports sit underneath those marked lines for the shelves. To find out its length, measure the distance from the wall to the front of the leg. Transfer the measurements to the wood (preferably inch by inch) chosen for the support.

Step 5: Fix The Shelf Support To The Legs

 

Pre-drill holes on the shelf supports. This is where you will screw it to the leg. Use countersink bits to countersink the hole to avoid the risk of the wood splitting. Countersink and drill pilot holes through the bottom where the screws will go to fix the shelf on the supports. Apply wood glue and screw them into place.

 

What a beautiful way to store wine and other bottles for easy access and aesthetic purposes! We recommend you do this project one of these days, crafters. It’s definitely a must, and a perfect conversation starter. Happy crafting! || 📷: @christopher0602_insta

A post shared by DIY Projects (@diyprojectsdotcom) on Jun 29, 2017 at 5:13am PDT

 

Step 6: Determine The Size Of The Shelves

 

In this project, we decided to give it a little bit room at about 25mm. To do this, measure the bottom shelf and 25mm more for an overlap. Again, you can have whatever measurements you want when doing this project.

Step 7: Join Two Shelves To Form The Bottom Shelf

 

Start off by planning the edge of the shelf to make it smooth. Fill the end with wood glue. Then, screw two scraps at the surface and clamp them in order to get the two pieces of wood tighter and closer. Sand it and you’ll have your seamless joint.

Step 8: Install Shelves To The Shelving Unit

 

First, apply wood glue. Place the shelves and screw them into place. Check if the shelves are level.

Step 9: Attach An Angle Bracket

 

For safety and to avoid the ladder shelves from sliding off, attach an angle bracket under the shelf. To do this, first put a mark on the wall. Place the ladder away and screw the angle bracket to the wall. Put the ladder in place and screw the angle bracket to the top shelf.

Step 10: You Now Have A New Ladder Shelf

Get creative with your new shelf — you can leave it unfinished or opt for a coat of stain, varnish, or a splash of color.

 

Here is the full video tutorial for this awesome DIY ladder shelves from B&Q:

Now you have a unique way to install shelves in your house, be it in your bedroom or the living room. It’s a great way to utilize space! Just be reminded you can also have your custom dimensions for this project, considering the height you would want your ladder shelves to have, and its width, given your available space.

What do you think of these ladder shelves? Will you make one for your home? Let us know what your thoughts are on this ladder shelves in the comments section below.

Up Next: DIY Kitchen Storage Ideas – The Sneaky Knife Drawer

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Editor’s Note – This post was originally published in September 2016 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.