How to make a DIY blanket ladder the easy way for under $20! This step-by-step tutorial is great for beginners.
We’re back with another #DupeItOut project!
If you’re not familiar, Jessica with The Martin Nest and I find high-end projects to re-create for less and share with on Instagram every Wednesday! Last week I created this Cloud Fringe Mirror for 1/5 of the retail price tag at Pottery Barn.
This week I decided to take on a DIY that has been on my mind for quite a while – a blanket ladder! Perfect timing too since fall = cozy season and blankets!
I still consider myself a beginner when it comes to building, so this project is 100% beginner friendly!
How to Make an Easy Blanket Ladder
Supplies:
- 2 – 1x3x8 Select Pine
- 2 – 3/4 in x 48 in Round Dowel
- miter saw
- wood glue
- stain/paint
- painter’s tape
- sand paper/block
- tape measure
- finishing nails
Step 1: Cut your wood.
Cut the 8′ pieces of select pine for your ladder down to 78″.
Set your miter saw to 10° and cut one side of each of your boards so that your blanket ladder will lean nicely against the wall.
Cut your dowels down to 15 in. You should be able to get 3 rungs out of one 48 in. dowel. Cut a total of 5 dowels.
Step 2: Sand your wood.
Smooth out the edges and sand down your wood pieces in order for stain to adhere better.
Step 3: (Optional) Recess holes.
For added stability, recess holes in your 6.5 ft ladder pieces where you will insert the dowels.
To do this, you can use a 3/4″ fortsner bit or spade bit.
Tip: Use painter’s tape to mark the depth on your bit so that all recessed holes will be the same.
Step 4: Glue.
Using your tape measure, mark every 12 inches on your long pieces
Apply wood glue to your dowels before nailing to the 6.5 ft. boards.
If you created recessed holes you shouldn’t need to clamp. If not, clamp to dry.
Step 5: Paint or Stain.
I loved the look of this blanket ladder and decided to use it as inspiration.
I taped off the lower half my blanket ladder and spray painted it with Rust-Oleum Metallic Dark Copper. The top portion was left natural.
I just loved the finished styled look of this Blanket Ladder! It didn’t take much time at all and now I want to make a few more for around the house. They would be really cute in a bathroom as well to hang towels and a bath caddy.
