DIY Wood & Metal Pipe Blanket Ladder

DIY wood and metal pipe blanket ladder are perfect for hanging your extra blankets in the bedroom or living room. This wood and pipe ladder is functional blanket storage and pretty decor all in one!

In this post, we’re going to show you how to make blanket ladder DIY by using wood and pipe rungs. Believe me; this project is super simple. You won’t need screws or any prior woodworking experience to make it.

The addition of metal pipes for the rungs will add a little more character than any all-wood ladder. This type of ladder is complete after drilling the holes and attaching the pipes (rungs) and caps. So, making wood and metal pipe blanket ladder is easier than making a full-wood version.

How To Assemble A Pipe Ladder- Step By Step Guidelines

Step 1: Grab the supplies and tools mentioned below.

Step 2: Cut the 2 X 4 studs to size

Cut the studs at your desired length. For this project, we’ve used every 5ft or 60-inch long studs. If your studs are more than 60-inch, cut each stud at 60-inch or 5 ft. For example, if you buy a 10 ft. stud, cut it in half.

Hint:

You can cut the bottom end of the studs at a slight angle. It’ll help the blanket ladder more easily lean against the wall.

Step 3: Measure out the spacing for the rungs

In this project, we’ll add four metal pipes (as rungs) to this blanket ladder. At this step, you need to measure out the spacing for each rung placement. Make sure there is enough space between the rungs to hang your blanket. 

We measure up to 16-inch from the bottom end of both 2 x 4 studs. Make a mark at this point with a pencil for the bottom rung placement. Then, measure up every 13-inch up from the bottom rung position and mark for all the subsequent rungs. There should be a left 5-inch from the top of the studs.

Step 4: Make the holes

Once you’ve made the marks for each rung, by using the Forstner bit and drill, make the holes at every mark. For this project, you’ll need to drill four holes at each stud.

Your Forstner bit needs to be the same size or slightly bigger than the outer diameter of your metal pipes. In this project, we’ve used the 7/8-inch bit.

Clamp the wood rails (2 x 4 studs) down to a workbench or table on a separate scrap of wood. Run the Forstner bit all the way through the studs and into the scrap piece of wood. This will help you to keep the edges you cut smooth and nice. It’s important to be precise on the measurements here.

If your drilling isn’t straight, it would be hard to get the metal pipes to fit through the holes and align them properly. So, drill slowly and make the holes a little wider until the pipes fit flush.

Hint:

If you make the holes too large than the diameter of the pipe, it’s wise to use Teflon tape to wrap around the pipe. You can also fill the gap around the pipe by using hot glue for a perfect fit. It also works well, if you fail to make the hole quite straight.

Step 5: Sand the wooden studs

With the help of sandpaper sand thoroughly the wood pieces and around the holes to make them smooth as much as possible.

Step 6: Stain the 2 x 4 studs

Once you finished, stain the wooden pieces. You may also use paint instead of stain.

It’s wise to apply a pre-conditioner which is mainly like the premier for stain that helps the stain from being blotchy. Don’t forget to read and follow the direction printed on the can of stain or paint for details instructions.

Brush the stain and then use a wiping cloth or an old rag to remove all the excess. Leave it to dry thoroughly.

If the first coat is not dark enough, you can apply a second coat. But before applying the second coat of stain or paint, let the first coat dry for at least 4 to 6 hours first.

Leave it to dry thoroughly.

** Wear rubber gloves when painting or staining.

Step 7: Assemble the blanket ladder

Once the stain or paint dried completely, it’s time to attach the pipes to the wood rails as rungs!

As mentioned above, we take each metal pipe of 18-inch long with a threaded end. Each has a ½-inch inside diameter about 7/8″ outside diameter.

But you can use any size pipe with any diameter you want! Feed one pipe in each set of holes. Let the threaded end of each pipe stick out over the edge.

Hint:

You can buy a long pipe and have them cut to your desired length. Buying a long pipe and cut them according to your desired length is cheaper than buying small pieces.

Remember that you’ve to thread each end of the cut pipes for you.

Step 8: Screw the caps on

Lastly, screw the metal caps over the threaded edges outside of the metal pipes.

Step 9: Add Rubber to the Feet

If you’re concerned about sliding your ladder on the floor, attach a rubbery piece or a couple of little non-skid tabs to each foot of the ladder. A piece of the thin rug pad or cushioned drawer liner will also work well.

Step 10: Adorn the ladder With Blankets.

Store the blankets on the ladder to have them ready to use. No more wrinkles on your favorite blanket!

You can take out any without messing up the whole stack. Additionally, your bedroom or living room will come together nicely!

This wood and metal blanket ladder looks super cute and you can move it to any room in the home. Hope, you’ll love this trend of using metal or plumbing pipes for DIY blanket ladder rack.

This wooden and metal ladder is not designed for step use or climbing.

Give this DIY wood and metal pipe blanket ladder a try!

Undoubtedly, your living or bedroom will get an extra cozy feel with this cute blanket ladder.

Thanks a lot for stopping by today!