Decorating DIY Home Decor DIY Home Accents How to Build an A-Frame Ladder Shelf for Stylish DIY Storage Follow our simple instructions to learn how to make this A-frame ladder shelf in just one day. By Jessica Bennett Jessica Bennett Instagram Jessica Bennett is an editor, writer, and former digital assistant home editor at BHG. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process and Jenny Bradley Pfeffer Jenny Bradley Pfeffer Instagram Website Jenny Bradley Pfeffer is a content creator and contributor to BHG, covering interior design. She was the senior design and lifestyle editor for Traditional Home for 18 years, producing and writing lifestyle, design, and style features. Her work has also been featured in Luxe Interiors + Design and House & Garden UK. In 2019, she launched Domicile Creative, a business focused on media consulting and project management in the travel and design space. Jenny holds a degree from Drake University and is currently based in Des Moines, IA. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on May 9, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email Project Overview Working Time: 2 hours Total Time: 1 day Skill Level: Intermediate With its A-frame shape, this DIY ladder shelf provides a modern alternative to a traditional bookcase. The A-frame bookshelf is both decorative and utilitarian, and it's perfect for flanking a sofa or tucking into an empty corner. Style the shelving unit with books, decor, artwork, houseplants, and other accessories. If you need to move the shelf or pack it up for storage, it's as simple as removing the shelves and folding it up like a traditional ladder. The project comes together using wood boards in various lengths, wood glue, nails, and hinges, and it takes about a day to complete, including drying time. You can customize your ladder shelf with paint for a colorful accent or highlight the wood's texture with a stained finish. Learn how to make this DIY A-frame ladder shelf using our step-by-step instructions below. Carson Downing What You'll Need Equipment / Tools Pencil Measuring tape Saw -20 sandpaper Sanding block and/or pad sander Hammer or power nailer Paint brush Materials 1x2-inch boards 1x10-inch boards 3/4-inch square dowel Wood glue 2 hinges Primer and paint or sealer Instructions Make Cuts Cut your wood to the below dimensions. Cuts Piece Dimensions Quantity A-frame structure 1x2x69-inch boards 4 Bottom shelf (shelf #5) 1x10x37-inch board 1 Shelf #4 1x10x31-inch board 1 Shelf #3 1x10x25-inch board 1 Shelf #2 1x10x20-inch board 1 Top shelf #1 1x10x13-inch board 1 Ladder rungs 1x2x9-1/2-inch boards 6 per ladder; 12 total Cleats on bottom shelf 3/4x3/4x9-1/2-inch square dowels 2 Prepare the Wood Measure and cut the wood as specified in the cut list. Lightly sand the pieces to smooth rough edges. On a flat surface, arrange two of the 1×2×69-inch pieces parallel to each other, with the narrow sides facing up. Mark ladder posts, starting at the top: 3/4”12 3/4”13 1/2”24 3/4”25 1/2”36 3/4”37 1/2”48 3/4”49 1/2”60 3/4”61 1/2” PHOTO: Dera Burreson PHOTO: Dera Burreson Attach the Rungs Start by nailing the first rung flush at the top between two long side pieces. Position remaining rungs between markings using an L-square and a nailer. Glue and pin-nail the rungs between the two lengths. Allow the glue to dry. Repeat with the remaining lengths and rungs to create the second ladder. Dera Burreson Connect the Ladders Stack the ladders on top of each other horizontally. Attach two hinges to connect the two ladders at the top to form the A-frame. Set the shelf up vertically and slide the two ladders slightly apart. Dera Burreson Attach Cleats to Bottom Shelf Put the bottom shelf on a flat surface and arrange the two cleats parallel to each other, 1 inch from either end. Secure using glue and pin nails. These will help keep the ladder from sliding open too far. Allow the glue to dry. Dera Burreson Finish A-Frame Ladder Shelf With the ladder shelf standing upright, lay the bottom shelf on the bottom rungs with the cleats resting outside the rungs. Set all of the other shelves in place. If desired, cover nail holes with wood filler and paint, stain, or simply seal your A-frame ladder shelf. 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