Is your regular bookshelf not big enough to accommodate all of your books? Looking for additional shelving for your books at lessened expenses?
No worry!
If you have a ladder (of course the old one!), just make your own old ladder bookshelf, and it’s really super easy!
So, are you interested to learn how to turn an old ladder into a bookshelf?
Let’s get started!
How to Turn an old ladder into a bookshelf – step by step
Method 1 : Freestanding bookshelf with an old step ladder
You can make a wonderful slanted ladder bookshelf with a step ladder. Here are our step-by-step guidelines to make your own ladder shelf.
The things you’ll need
- Slanted shape stepladder
- Wood for shelves
- Sandpaper/ palm sander
- Paint brush
- Paint
Step 1: Clean your old step ladder if there is any dust, mud, and anything else.
Step 2: Sand the ladder entirely to remove any rough patches, nicks, or old paint. It’ll also make the surface smooth. You can use sandpaper or a palm sander for doing this.
Step 3: Measure the steps of the ladder and mark the long pieces of driftwood accordingly. Use a measuring tape to mark the correct size on the wooden plank or pieces.
Be precise while taking measurements. In any project, always be sure to measure precisely before you do anything, to be sure it will fit.
Step 4: Cut the wooden pieces or wooden plank according to the measurement of each step. Use a saw to do this. Sand the edges of wood pieces by using sandpaper.
Step 5: Settle the shelves on each step, starting from the bottom to the top. It’s wise to use screws to attach them to the rungs of the ladder.
Step 6: Your book self is ready to use. You can leave it without paint to add a rustic look to your home, or you can paint it. With primer paint and paintbrush, paint the ladder and all the wooden shelves.
Step 7: Keep it in an open place for several hours to dry.
Step 8: Place your ladder bookshelf at any corner of your room where you like.
Final Step: Just step back and don’t forget to admire your DIY work.
Before start making your DIY ladder-turned-bookshelf, make sure your ladder is in usable condition, and it wouldn’t collapse due to the weight of the books.
Method 2 : Wall bookshelf with old straight ladder
You can transform your old ladder into a smart, space-saving wall-mounted bookshelf. In fact, it’s one of the bookshelf ideas for small rooms.
Here’s how you can make it.
Things you will need
- Wood ladder (straight)
- Sandpaper
- Stud finder
- L brackets (8 pieces, 6-inch-by-1⅛-inch size )
- Drill
- 3-inch screws, ½-inch screws
- Paint
- Paint brush
Step 1: As it’s an old ladder, there may be dust, mud, old paint. So, the first step is cleaning all of the grime and paint from the ladder surface.
Step 2: Sand it by using sandpaper for making its surface smooth.
Step 3: Measure and cut it at any portion to get your preferred size. If you want to mount it at any corner of the wall, cut the ladder in half to wrap around the corner.
Step 4: This step is to detect the point on the wall where to hang the brackets to mount the ladder bookshelf. By using a stud finder, detect the studs in the wall. And mark all the points where you want to hang the ladder.
Step 5: Using a drill mount all the eight L-brackets with 3″ screws.
Step 6: Hang your ladder. Secure it with half-inch screws to the brackets.
Step 7: You can paint the ladder and brackets if you like. Or you may leave it to its original appearance to bring a rustic look to your home.
Final Step: Fill your wall-mounted ladder-turned-bookshelf with books and enjoy!
Before keeping heavy books to the shelf, be very sure that your DIY bookshelf is securely attached to the wall.
What are great ways of turning an old ladder into a bookshelf! Aren’t they?
These two old ladder ideas are not only fairly simple but also economical.
So, are you excited about trying to make any of this beautiful old ladder bookshelf?
Go ahead and rescue that old ladder from your garage, trash, or attic and make it beautiful and useful.
Happy building your ladder shelf for books!
Thanks for Reading!