Learn how to build a blanket ladder with 3 basic tools, $15 in lumber, free plans and a step-by-step tutorial. Perfect project for beginners.
I love making my home feel comfortable but chic 😉 for the holidays, whether it be for my own family or our guests! I’ve seen a lot of ladders for blanket storage in the past but, I wanted a specific “shanty” look! My favorite part of this ladder is the 2×6’s! They give it a solid, chunky look! I’m totally in love with it 🙂 It was so easy to build and only cost me about $10!!!
CLICK HERE TO JUMP TO THE FREE PRINTABLE Easy DIY Blanket Ladder plansHere’s how I did it!
Table of Contents
How to Build a DIY Blanket Ladder
Supplies:
- 2 – 2x4x8 pine boards or framing lumber
- 1 2x6x8 pine boards or framing lumber
- 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws
- Wood Glue
- Finish of your choice
Tools:
- Miter Saw (or hand saw or circular saw)
- Drill
- Kreg Jig
Step 1: Make the Cuts
I cut two 2×4’s at 5′ long and 4 2×6 at 17″ long. I just made up my own measurements and I love how big and chunky the ladder is.
Step 2: Drill Pocket Holes in the Rungs
Next, I used my Kreg Jig to drill 1 1/2″ pocket holes into the ends of each 2×6. (You can find the Kreg Jig HERE on Amazon). If you do not own a Kreg Jig, you can pre drill from the sides of the 2×4’s into the 2×6’s and follow up with 2 1/2″ wood screws.
You can see that I circled where I drilled my Kreg pocket holes.
Step 3: Attach the Ladder Rungs
I set the 2×6 boards so that the front corner touched the front of the 2×4 and the back corner of the 2×6 touched the back of the 2×4. I placed the top rung 3″ from the top of the ladder and spaced the other rungs 12″ apart from each other. I measured from the front corner of each 2×6.
Make sure your Kreg pocket holes are facing the back. I used 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws to attach the 2×6 boards.
Next, just attach the other 2×4 to the other side of the 2×6’s the same way.
Step 4: Add a Finish
To finish this cutie off, I used applied one coat of my favorite stain, Rust-Oleum Dark Walnut, with a foam brush. Wait about 5 minutes and then blend the stain with a clean cloth.
- You can find the Dark Walnut stain HERE on Amazon
Step 5: Distressing the Finish
To give it the worn look that we love so much, I used my Ryobi Corner Cat Sander to distress the wood all over. This sander is perfect for sanding this piece because of all of the angles.
Once it was dry, I added a few cute and soft throw blankets!
$15 Blanket Ladder
I can’t decide whereI love the form and function of this blanket ladder! It’s a beautiful way to store blankets and also serves as the perfect decor for any space! I think my next ladder might be for towel storage in the bathroom or outside by the pool.
I just love getting my home ready for Christmas! We have so much more to come over the next 11 days! This is just the beginning! We always appreciate your pins and shares 🙂
Check Out Our Other Free Blanket Ladder Plans!
- Barn Door Pull Blanket Ladder
- DIY Rustic Blanket Ladder for $7
- DIY Modern Blanket Ladder
- Blanket Ladder with Wood and Metal Pipe
Here are a few projects that we have recently done to help you get your home holiday ready!
Free Printable Merry Christmas Banner
Thanks so much for stopping by!!!
Happy Building!
DIY Blanket Ladder
Supply List
- 2 2x4x8 Pine or Whitewood Boards
- 1 2x6x8 Pine or Whitewood Boards
- 2 1/2″ Pocket Hole Screws
- Finish of Choice
Instructions
- Cut List
- Dill 1 1/2″ pocket holes into the 2×6 boards. Attach the 2×6 pieces to one of the 2×4 pieces according to the diagram. The top 2×6 piece is 3″ away from the top of the 2×4. The rest of the pieces are spaced 12″ apart measuring from the front most corner of each 2×6. They are angled so that the opposite corners are flush with the opposite sides of the 2×4 as shown.
- Attach the other 2×4 side in the same way. Sand and finish as you wish! Make sure to share your builds with us on social media and use #shanty2chic so we can share them too!
