How To Build A Blanket Ladder: The Simplest Method

Does your living room have blankets scattered all over the chair and couches? Looking for an inexpensive way to display them stylishly?

Blanket ladders are cozy, cute, and functional for space. They’re great to store and have your blankets on hand attractively and practically. Moreover, they’ll provide a cozier feel to your living room.

Fortunately, making a DIY blanket ladder is on-trend and straightforward. You can quickly and easily build this high-end-looking ladder for a blanket without spending a fortune.

Check out the instructions below to learn how to build a blanket ladder with inexpensive materials. But the finished piece looks expensive than what it costs to build!

It’s an easy DIY project that anyone can do.

How To Build A Blanket Ladder: Step by Step Guidelines

Step 1: Figure out your preferred design

There are many designs for making an easy DIY quilt rack. Most of the designs are cool and stylish. Out there, it’s somewhat tough to decide on which one to do. However, we’ll discuss here a very simple design that requires 2 X 4’s. Your measurements will depend on how tall you like your wooden blanket ladder will be.

Step 2: Get together the materials and tools needed

First, make a list of required materials and headed to your local store to get all of these things. Lining up the necessary materials and tools before you start will remove your frustration and save time.

You will need the following materials and tools for this project:

Step 3: Cut the lumbers for vertical parts (legs/ rails)

For the vertical sections (rails) of the ladder, you need to cut two 2” x 4” x 8’ lumbers down to your desired length of the blanket hanging ladder. These two pieces will serve as the rails to your blanket ladder rack. You can use a circular saw or hand saw to cut the lumbers. Make sure that these two legs/parts are the same length.

Step 4: Cut the horizontal slats/ rungs

Then, cut one 2” x 4” x 8’ board for the middle rungs, each down to 15”. For this project, you’ll need to cut the board into four pieces. These will be the slats or rungs across the ladder blanket rack.

Step 5: Sand all the cut pieces

Once you cut the vertical legs (2x4s) and slats (2x4s), sand them thoroughly, especially all the sharp edges from around the edges of the planks. Make sure that all the cut pieces are smooth so that your blanket won’t tear or snag.

Using an electric sander is the easiest way to get the job done. But sandpaper would also work. If you use an electric sander, don’t put too much pressure while sanding or you’ll down into the boards. Use a damp rag to wipe away any dust.

Step 6: Measure and mark

Next, measure the placements for the horizontal rungs. Layout all vertical (rails) and horizontal parts (rungs) on a flat surface and position it like a ladder.

You should leave at least 2-inch from the top end of the rails when placing the first rung. Draw a line with a pencil across the width of the ladder. This is the point where you start to place the rungs.

Mark the placement of each rung and mark their positions. Make sure that you keep all gaps the same between the rungs/ steps. Keep a minimum 14-inch gap at the bottom.

Step 7: Pre-drill

Pre-drill both the vertical parts from the inner side of the draw-lines through to the other side of the 2 x 4. Follow up 2.5” screws. You should drill straightly.

 Don’t be afraid to use the necessary power tools!

Step 8: Attach the slats to the rails of the ladder

The next step is- attach the rungs of the ladder to hang the blanket on.

Position the slats/ rungs into the rails of the ladder. Secure them by using 2.5” wood screws from the outside of the rails. Take the help of others or a long clamp to hold the slats/ rungs in place. Run at least two 2.5 screws through the vertical legs into the horizontal rungs.

Repeat until all the rungs are attached. You can also attach the slat at 45-degree angles. It’ll give a different look.

Step 9: Erase marking and smooth the edges

Erase the pencil marks. Take time to smooth out the rough areas around the screws. Sand them entirely with sandpaper.

Step 10:  Apply stain or paint

And lastly, apply the wood stain or paint.

Apply a couple of coats of stain or paints to your liking. Follow the directions printed on the paint/ stain can. If you apply stain, wipe the excess stain by using a rag. Turn your DIY ladder rack and stain/ paint the other side.

Allow the paint/stain to dry completely before loading it up with your blankets.

Step 11: Attach the felt pads (optional)

To protect the wall against which the ladder leans, you can use felt pads to the backside of the top end of the ladder. Felts pads are not expensive.

You may also add a couple of little non-skid tabs to the bottom of the legs of the ladder rack to give your floor a little extra protection.

Your leaning DIY quilt ladder is ready. Don’t forget to admire your easy Blanket Ladder!

You can personalize this design in a variety of ways to fit it in your home settings or decor. For example, if your living room features very high ceilings, you can make a taller ladder with more steps or wider spacing between the rungs.
Modern design DIY blanket racks are slightly narrower at the top end than at the bottom. If you want to make this design, cut each horizontal part at a slightly different length.

This project of making a DIY blanket ladder is pretty simple.

Hope, this article on how to build a blanket ladder will help you a lot to make your own.

Give it a try and keep your living room stylish – and tidy – this winter!

Happy DIY-ing!