How To Make a Blanket Ladder | 12 Days of DIY
"Whether you're sprucing up your living room, or wanting to make someone a special DIY gift, this blanket ladder is the perfect solution."
Materials
Blankets—we love them! They are warm, cozy, and a winter essential. However no matter how hard I try to keep them organized, blankets inevitably end up in a pile on the floor, crumpled, and messy. But not anymore, thanks to this lovely blanket ladder! Whether you're sprucing up your living room, or wanting to make someone a special DIY gift, this blanket ladder is the perfect solution.
Step 1: Cut the legs
Begin by cutting the two-by-four in half with a hand saw and miter box. This will give you two four-foot lengths that will serve as the legs to your blanket ladder. Keep in mind this length is approximate. It’s more important that the two pieces are the same length than being exactly four feet, and this gives you the freedom to trim any rough mill edges as necessary. Sand pieces smooth.
Step 2: Cut the rungs
Next, cut your one-by-three board into four 16" pieces. These will be the slats across your blanket ladder. Sand each slat to ensure they are smooth (so your blankets won't snag and tear).
Step 3: Measure the rung placement
Lay out legs and rungs on a flat surface and position like a ladder. On the face of the two-by-fours, measure and mark the position of the rungs. From the “top” of the ladder measure 2" and draw a line across the width of the board with a square. Measure down another 2" and draw a line. Measure down 8" from that line and mark. Continue this pattern so that are four 2" spaces for the rungs, with 8" gaps in between and approximately 14" left at the bottom. Repeat with the opposite two-by-four.
Step 4: Position and trace Rungs
Position the rungs within the pencil lines, angling them up towards the front and top of the ladder. The corners of the one-by-three should be just touching the pencil lines on either side. The back corner should be flush with the edge of the 2x4, and the front corner should have about a 1/2" gap. Trace a line around the end of the rung. Repeat with remaining rungs.
Step 5: Pre-drill legs
Pre-drill with a 3/32” bit inside of the pencil lines and through to the other side of the two-by-four. Be careful to drill straight so as not to break through the one-by-three when you're driving the screws.
Step 6: Attach rungs to legs
Position the one-by-three in place, and secure with 3” screws from the outside of the two-by-four leg. A helper to hold the one-by-three in place, or a long clamp will make this part a lot easier. Work your way down one 2x4 and attach all the rungs before moving over to the other side. This will help ensure everything fits together smoothly.
Step 7: Smooth edges and erase markings
Smooth out rough areas around screws with a piece of sandpaper or a sanding sponge. Take the time to erase the pencil marks or sand them down.
Step 8: Apply stain
Following the directions on the can, apply a coat of wood stain. We used Varathane's Dark Walnut stain for a dark, cozy vibe. Wipe off excess. Now turn the ladder over and stain the other side. Allow stain to fully dry before using your blanket ladder.
Now comes the fun part! Organize your blankets on your new blanket rack! Or, gift wrap the blanket rack and check one more gift off your list.
Looking for other ways to spruce up your home while adding more organization or storage? Check out this wooden shoe storage bench or learn how to build your own nightstand.
