Decorating DIY Home Decor DIY Home Accents Build This 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 the digital assistant home editor at Better Homes & Gardens. With a knack for writing and editing, she covers decorating, home improvement, cleaning, organizing, and more for BHG.com. With nearly five years of combined experience in digital and magazine journalism, she has contributed over 800 articles for BHG.com to date, and her writing on interior design and decorating has been featured in 16 national print magazines, including Do It Yourself, Country Home, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, Secrets of Getting Organized, and more. Jessica received a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism and mass communication from Iowa State University. She also completed a secondary major in French language studies. Prior to graduation, she was inducted into the Kappa Tau Alpha honor society, which recognizes academic excellence in the field of journalism. She is currently pursuing an interior design certificate from the New York Institute of Art + Design. 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 July 5, 2022 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Carson Downing 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. What You'll Need Equipment / Tools 1 Pencil 1 Measuring tape 1 Saw -20 Sandpaper 1 Sanding block and/or pad sander 1 Hammer or power nailer 1 Paint brush Materials 1 1x2-inch boards 1 1x10-inch boards 1 3/4-inch square dowel 1 Wood glue 2 Hinges 1 Primer and paint or sealer Instructions Make Cuts 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 10 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 each piece at the following measurements from the bottom: 17-1/4 inches, 18 inches, 28-1/4 inches, 29 inches, 39-1/4 inches, 40 inches, 50-1/4 inches, 51 inches, 62-1/4 inches, and 63 inches. PHOTO: Dera Burreson PHOTO: Dera Burreson Attach the Rungs Lay five of the rung pieces between the two frame pieces and line them up between the five pairs of measured marks. Glue and pin nail the rungs between the two 69-inch 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 The 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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