How to Build a DIY Wood Ladder Shelf
Updated: Mar. 14, 2024
If you're in need of a bookcase or a space to display your growing number of plants, this ladder shelf makes a fun weekend project.
Time 2 to 3 days
ComplexityBeginner
Cost$100 - $200
Introduction
If you're in need of a bookcase or a space to display your growing number of plants, this ladder shelf makes a fun weekend project.
Tools Required
- 1-1/4” Brad nails
- 3” Wood screws
- Clamps
- Clothes iron
- Sandpaper
- Stain / finish
- Table saw or Circular saw
- Wood glue
Materials Required
- 1 – 3/4” x 4’ x 8’ plywood
- 4 – 3/4” x 3-1/2” x 8’ Hardwood lumber
- Iron on Edge Banding
Introduction
I built a shelf like this one about 25 years ago. I made mine by cutting dadoes instead of “building” them like you see here. The method shown here adds strength and stability and simplifies the build.
While the shelf appears light, it’s capable of holding a lot of decor or even indoor plants. Mine lacks a nailer strip like this one to fasten it to the wall, so I can place it anywhere I want without locating the studs. Fastening it to the studs is safer, though.
The shelf can be made of any species wood you like, as long as you can find it in plywood and iron-on edgebanding. The dimensions and shelf spacing are given for this project, but all of it can be customized to suit your preferences.
Cutting List
| KEY | QTY. | PART | DIMENSIONS |
| A | 2 | Uprights | 3/4″ x 3-1/2″ x 76-1/2″ |
| B | 2 | Foot shelf blocks | 3/4″ x 3-1/2″ x 3″ |
| C | 4 | Tall shelf blocks | 3/4″ x 3-1/2″ x 14-1/4″ |
| D | 4 | Medium shelf blocks | 3/4″ x 3-1/2″ x 12-1/2″ |
| E | 2 | Short shelf blocks | 3/4″ x 3-1/2″ x 10-1/2″ |
| F | 2 | Top shelf blocks | 3/4″ x 3-1/2″ x 5-1/2″ |
| G | 1 | Shelf 1 | 3/4″ x 16-5/8″ x 30″ |
| H | 1 | Shelf 2 | 3/4″ x 14″ x 30″ |
| J | 1 | Shelf 3 | 3/4″ x 11-1/2″ x 30″ |
| K | 1 | Shelf 4 | 3/4″ x 9-1/4″ x 30″ |
| L | 1 | Shelf 5 | 3/4″ x 7″ x 30″ |
| M | 1 | Shelf 6 | 3/4″ x 5″ x 30″ |
| N | 1 | Nailer strip | 3/4″ x 1-1/2″ x 28-1/2″ |
| P | 1 | Support block | 1-1/2″ x 3″ x 10″ |
Overall dimensions: 75-in. H x 31-1/2-in. W x 16-1/2-in. D
Project step-by-step (5)
Make the Uprights
Cut the uprights (A) by making parallel 80-degree cuts at both ends. Make a 10-degree cut at the top of both uprights, about 5-1/2-inches down from the top.
Add the Shelf Blocks
Cut shelf blocks B — E. Like the uprights, cut all the blocks to facilitate the unit’s 10-degree lean.
Starting at the bottom, attach each block with wood glue, finish nails and clamps to squeeze the joints tight. Use a scrap of the shelf plywood as a spacer between the blocks. When you get to the top shelf block (E), cut it to fit. When the glue dries, sand the assembled uprights up to 180-grit.
Make the Shelves
Cut the shelves (G – M) to final dimension. Apply matching species iron-on edgebanding (you’ll need about 30 feet) to the ends and front edge of all the shelves. Trim the edgebanding waste with a special edgebanding trimmer or a sharp chisel.
Sand the shelves up to 180-grit. You may need to adjust the depth of the bottom shelf for your baseboard.
Assemble the Shelf Unit
Apply glue in each shelf notch and insert the shelves. Squeeze the unit together with pipe clamps. You can use finish nails from the outside of the uprights if you prefer, or if you don’t have clamps. While you wait for the glue to dry, glue on the nailer strip (N) to the underside of the top shelf.
Add Support
Since the bottom shelf is deep, it’s best to put a support block (P) underneath to keep it from sagging if you put something heavy on it. Fasten the support block with wood glue and finish nails.
Fill any nail holes, sand off the excess wood filler when it’s dry, then apply a finish of your choice. When the finish dries, fasten the unit to the wall by driving screws through the nailer strip into your wall studs.
Originally Published: March 16, 2023
