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Wide Painter’s Ladder Shelf

diy ladder shelf
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Difficulty
Intermediate
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Build your own ladder shelf with free plans from Ana-White.com

This plan is for a free standing storage tower, with varying size shelves, good for different size objects, in narrower spaces or for tiered organization.  We love it in bathrooms, entryways, kids rooms and more!

Photos by The Little Red Craftsman

Dimensions
painters ladder shelf free plans
54" tall x 24" wide x 16" deep (approximate)

Preparation

Shopping List

1 – 24" x 48" 3/4" thick plywood panel, prefer hardwood plywood (ie Purebond)

4 – 1×2 boards, 8 feet long

4 – 1×3 boards, 8 feet long

2" and 1-1/4" brad nails (can also use pocket holes or screws, the brad nails are the simplest and easiest, but not the strongest)

Wood Glue

Finishing Supplies

Cut List

2 – 1×2 @ 55 3/8″ (Front Legs, ends cut at 15 degrees off square)

2 – 1×2 @ 53 1/2″ (Back Legs)

8 – 1×3 @ 25 1/2″ (Fronts and Backs of shelves)

1 – 1×2 @ 25 1/2″ (Top)

1 – 24″ x 4 3/4″ (Top Shelf cut from 24″ wide shelf)*

2 – 1×3 @ 4 3/4″ (Top Shelf Side Trim)

1 – 24″ x 8 1/2″ (Second Shelf)*

2 – 1×3 @ 8 1/2″ (Second Shelf Trim)

1 – 24″ x 12 1/4″ (Third Shelf)*

2 – 1×3 @ 12 1/4″ (Third Shelf Trim)

1 – 24″ x 16″ (Bottom Shelf)*

2 – 1×3 @ 16″ (Bottom Shelf Trim)

Cutting Instructions

* Cut the 3/4" thick plywood panel into two pieces, each 24" x 24" using a table saw or circular saw.  Then from there, cut the pieces into the shelf bottom sections with a table saw or circular saw. Cut largest pieces first to make sure you can fit all your cuts on the materials.

Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Circular Saw
Miter Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander
Drill Bit Set
General Instructions

For the instruction for the smaller width tower, please visit my post on HGTV here.

Instructions

Step 1

Legs Cut the legs as directed in the cut list. See step 2 for cutting the top corner of the front legs.

Step 2

Tops of Legs

Cut the top of the front legs as shown. Join the front leg to the back leg with screws and glue. I used pocket hole screws, but a 2" trim screw or brad nail and glue from the back does the trick too. This joint will be reinforced in later steps.

Step 3

Top

Now attach the top to the legs as shown above. Again, I used pocket holes, but 2 1/2″ trim screws would do the trick. I layed the whole thing on it’s back on the garage floor to make things easier. Set the whole thing aside.

Step 4

Shelf Sides

Measure and cut the side trim for the shelves.  Attach with 1-1/4" brad nails and glue.

Step 5

Measure and cut the trim for the sides of the shelves.  Attach with glue and 1-1/4" brad nails. Make sure you also attach 1x3s together at corners.

Step 6

Assembly

Take time to carefully prepare by cleaning your workspace free of sawdust. Now measure the legs and mark the shelf locations, as shown in the diagram above. Then mark each of the shelves 2″ in from the top front corners. This is the point where the shelves meet the marks you made on the legs. Lay the legs with the back down on the floor. Then start with the bottom shelf, screwing through the legs into the side trim for the bottom shelf with 1 1/4″ screws. Then work your way up. Check all the shelves and back legs for level – I did have to adjust mine.

Project Type
Bookshelf and Bookcase Plans
Room
Bathroom
Style
Cottage Style Furniture Plans

Comments

Leah (not verified)

Sun, 10/24/2010 - 19:16

Perfect! I loved the bakery wall shelf thingy, but we have a very smal area to fill. Thanks! =)

michelle (not verified)

Sun, 10/24/2010 - 19:17

I am soooooo making that. Have been looking for something for a small-ish spot and now I found it. Thanks Ana.....I will post a pic when I make it. :)

Barrett (not verified)

Mon, 10/25/2010 - 02:44

Thanks Anna... I think one or two of these could be useful to fill a spot in my workshop, especially since they're free standing. A couple casters on the bottom would be a great addition!

Mary Anne (not verified)

Mon, 10/25/2010 - 02:50

Ana, first of all, is there nothing you can't do? Secondly, I see these posts from you talking about HGTV and some other things you're involved in, but where do I find more details? Are you going to be on an HGTV show or something? Not only do I love your plans, I love to follow where your career is taking you! I love it when good things happen to good people!

Robin E. (not verified)

Mon, 10/25/2010 - 05:14

Did you come into my hall bathroom and see that I have an empty spot right next to the counter that is PERFECT for this project, a spot that I was at a loss for what to put there? This is soooooo on my to-do list now and down here on the Mexican border the weather has finally become cool enough for such projects.

Nan Tovar (not verified)

Mon, 10/25/2010 - 10:18

Ooohhhhh, I can see one of these on each side of my bed! Thanks, Ana!
I would also like to know how to get to your HGTV items, and better yet, see you in action :)

Tsu Dho Nimh (not verified)

Mon, 10/25/2010 - 11:27

I can definitely see this made of redwood and exterior grade materials as a patio piece.

Or ... fill the compartments with padding and call it a cat storage unit.

Vanessa Fuson (not verified)

Mon, 10/25/2010 - 13:46

I think this would be great for my front room/office to store all books!! It's hard to find space for a full time mom & college student's things when you have little ones taking over!!

Melissa M (not verified)

Wed, 11/03/2010 - 14:51

So awesome! I really want to make the smaller one... Are the plans up on HGTV? The HGTV site is really hard to search. Can you let us know when they go up and where Ana? Thanks!!

Kristen (not verified)

Fri, 11/19/2010 - 00:01

Hi everyone
Im confident with power tools - but Im terrible with wood - can someone tell me what type of wood I should buy to make this - I am searching on our local hardware store for the above wood (pine panel or 1/4 plywood etc)... but Im too unco to figure out what Im meant to be buying for (just so I can budget the project).

This is the website for the local hardware store - can someone tell me what type of wood I should be getting??
Hope thats okay Ana... I just thought it might be easier the someone trying to explain it in more detail and me still not knowing what to get. Feel free to remove my comment if this is not okay!

Lauren (not verified)

Fri, 12/03/2010 - 09:28

Hi, Ana.

I've been puttering around your site looking for ideas for a tiny bit of extra nursery storage, and something like this could definitely work...

Quick question, though -- If I make a shorter version of this (like, changing table height), how does it affect the cut angles on the legs? Does it affect the angles?

As always, thank you so much for your creativity, plans, and inspiration. This is seriously becoming my "go to" blog for the house. :)

NichyB (not verified)

Tue, 12/21/2010 - 06:57

Has this posted to HGTV yet? I couldn't find it on their site and I'd really like the plans for the smaller one.

SingleMomThriving

Tue, 05/17/2011 - 17:01

I have been looking for something I could put on the covered patio to hold pool towels, sunscreen and swim goggles and this fits the bill perfectly.

I found the original plan on HGTV website, but was very confused by the materials list on that site.... so I found your link and found exactly the information that I needed.

I have a weekend project and I am so excited. I will let you know how it goes!

I'm so glad that I found you.

Guest (not verified)

Thu, 03/15/2012 - 19:29

I can't believe no one else has said this...I followed the link you posted, and the cut lengths that HGTV gives and the quantities of wood are wrong!
They took your shelf and made it 12" wide instead of 24", which I actually like. My space is small and the smaller size is great, but they told me to cut 8 - 24" long pieces for the front and back of the shelves. I ended up buying way too much of those pieces and now I have nothing I can do with them because I wasted a bunch of time cutting them. By the way are they 1 x 3 or 1 x 4? Because they say 2 different things in the instructions. And lastly they tell you to only by 1 - 1x2. So I had to go back to the store and get more. Because 2 - 6 ft lengths of wood doesn't make all 4 legs.
I love your design, but could they have messed up the plan any more? I don't think so.

Heather Sitton (not verified)

Wed, 10/17/2012 - 08:43

Yes, I was just looking at that too! The HGTV plans for the smaller shelf are incorrect for the materials and cut list. It appears as though the larger shelf was mixed up with the smaller shelf. Ana, maybe you can correct it for them. I figured it out in the mean time. The diagrams are correct though.
If anyone's interesetd in the corrections (smaller shelf):
Materials--- 1x2 6ft (4) legs, 1x3 8ft (2) trim
Cut list--- 1x3 cut 13 1/2" long (8), not 25 1/2"
Cut list--- 1x2 cut 13 1/2" long (1), not 25 1/2"
I'm starting today! Looks fun! This will be perfect for my small bathrooom. Thank you, Ana.

Best Kratom (not verified)

Thu, 01/03/2013 - 21:26

I actually found a pic searching google images and I'm pretty sure it's from here. Thanks for the great post. ;)

Regards,
Gage

Guest - Chris (not verified)

Sun, 01/20/2013 - 20:19

The cust list shows "1 – 1×2 @ 25 1/2″ (Top)", but Step 3 shows a 26" trim piece connecting the legs, I believe the 25 1/2" piece to be the correct dimension, since a 26" piece is not in the cut list.

Did anyone else catch that ?

Andreasaunders2

Tue, 11/25/2014 - 06:41

Ana,

 I absolutely love this, but I need it at least one more level taller!  Can you tell me what changes  you would do?  I know the front and back legs would be longer, but does that change any cuts?  And what size would you make that bottom piece?  18 inches?

thanks!

Andrea Saunders

snuzal

Sun, 01/03/2016 - 01:34

I just came to see if anyone had ntoiced just how badly the HGTV plans are. Totally stuffed up. They've kept a lot of cut measurements from the full size, for the smaller sized plans. Ridiculous. Im making the small one now, after making the large one a few months ago.

benjaminrogers

Mon, 03/07/2016 - 07:56

Ana,

On the front leg measurement of 55 3/8, I'm assuming this is a long end to short end since the ends are 15 degrees and parallel.  Is this correct?

Thanks,

Ben

BrookeKithcart

Fri, 07/31/2020 - 08:03

I would love to build the smaller shelf but the HGTV website the plans are incorrect, it says its smaller but its the same measurements as above and the materials list is also wrong; any help would be appreciated!

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!