Decorative Orchard Ladder Building Plan

Hi, it’s Amy from Hertoolbelt back with another build plan.  (If you missed the cute Playhouse Reading Nook last week, you can check it out here.)  A little while back, there was a ‘Get This Look’ post on Remodelaholic:  7 Tips for a Bold and Beautiful Study.  The inspirational office is via Better Homes & Gardens, to die for right!

Build a Decorative Orchard Ladder

Click Here to Get a Free Printable Version of this Building Plan

Note:  This ladder plan is for decorative purposes only, do not use for climbing!

Materials Needed – lumber cost ~$7

• 3 – 1″ x 4″ x 8′ boards (furring strips are cheap, around $2.18 each, look for the straightest boards)
• wood glue
• 1 1/2″ – 2″ brad nails or wood screws
• wood filler
• paint or stain
• sand paper

Step 1

This step is optional, the purpose of these cuts is to help the ladder rest against the wall.

On 2 of the 1″ x 4″ x 8′ boards (actual dimensions 3/4″ x 3 1/2″) make the following cuts on each end.  Make a cut at 5 deg angle from the corner of the board end, this is the bottom of the ladder leg.  On the top end, measure over and mark at 3″, make a cut at 85 degree down from the 3″ mark.

Step 2

Next rip the 3rd board into 1 1/2″ wide x 8′ strips for the ladder rungs.  (If you don’t have the tools to rip the board into 1 1/2″ strips, you may leave the rungs at 3 1/2″ wide but you’ll need a 4th board.)

Each end of the rung is cut at a 5 degree angle as shown.

Cut 8 rungs to the following lengths:

Step 3

On one of the ladder legs, mark a line 1″ in from the front edge.  Measure and mark the following places for the bottom corner of the ladder rungs.  Repeat for the opposite leg.

Brad nails should be sufficient for ladder display purposes.  However if you anticipate displaying heavy objects on the ladder, you may want to use screws instead.

Apply wood glue on the end of each rung.  Glue and nail (from the outside of the ladder leg into the rung) each rung onto the ladder leg.  Repeat for the other ladder leg.

Allow the wood glue to dry sufficiently.

Step 4

Once the glue is dry, fill holes and gaps with wood filler as necessary.  Once the wood filler is dry.  Lightly sand the ladder until smooth.  Next stain or paint the wood according to your preferences.

Now you have a great decorating accent piece to help you go vertical!

Rotating Shoe Rack

Playhouse Frame Reading Nook

Published: August 30, 2014Filed Under: Contributor, DIY Project Plans, Living Rooms, Sketches/Renderings, Tutorials Tagged: building plans, Decorating, living room, Organization, Sketches/Renderings, Tutorials

About Amy Baesler

Amy is the tool lover at Hertoolbelt. On Hertoolbelt, Amy shares DIY furniture plans, handyman tutorials, and craft patterns. She has two pint sized 'helpers' that help fix things around the house and build fun projects.