Thursday, November 19, 2009

Make A Decorative Ladder

Make a Decorative Ladder


Instead of throwing away old ladders, turn them into decorative book shelves or shelving units. Wooden ladders can be used as shelves to house books, plants, or any other decorative ornament for the household, serving both functional and decorative purposes. Larger ladders can be used to make bigger book shelves, whereas smaller ladders are more useful for end table shelves. Either one is a fun and easy way to make a decorative ladder shelf. Does this Spark an idea?


Instructions


Shelving Unit


1. Sand two ladders of the same height. If using old ladders, sand away any rough or rotten spots with coarse sandpaper. Fill any holes or gaps with wood putty and sand after drying.


2. Paint your ladders with regular interior paint. Apply multiple coats. Add finish for a glossy look.


3. Paint closet doors. Use bi-fold closet doors for a more decorative feel. Color with house paint and add finish.


4. Set the ladders up with the steps facing each other. Lay the bi-fold doors on corresponding steps on the two ladders. The finished product is a shelving unit that requires no fasteners or screws for attachment.


Bookshelf


5. Paint a single ladder. Use a small ladder for a small book shelf. Seal for a glossy finish.


6. Measure cutting boards and cut them to fit them into the rungs of the ladder. They can be cut for you at the hardware store, if you prefer.


7. Paint the cutting boards any color you like. Finish them once the paint is dry.


8. Attach the cutting boards. Fix them into the rungs of the ladder by drilling screws through the sides of the ladder and into the boards. This will make the screws less noticeable.







Tags: cutting boards, them into, boards them, book shelves, closet doors, cutting boards them