Tools and Materials
Items may be Special Order in some stores. Product costs, availability, and item numbers may vary online or by market. Paint colors may vary slightly from those shown. Availability varies by market for lumber species and sizes.
Instructions
Now that you have your materials together, let start assembling your blanket ladder.
For this ladder, cut two of the 2x4s down to 6-1/2 feet or 78 inches. For most rooms this is a good height for your ladder. A room with higher ceilings can accommodate a taller piece.
Next, cut your five rungs at a length of 15 inches each from the remaining 2x4. If you would like a wider look for your ladder, then four rungs at 18 inches each is a good option.
Place the cut rails on their edge and then place the rungs in between, eyeballing them an equal distance apart. Placing the rungs in a vertical position will help provide a more decorative look, rather than going horizontal with the rungs and looking like a true wooden ladder.
Take your tape measure and begin to get each rung an even distance apart. For this size ladder the bottom of the first or lowest rung should be about two feet from the end of the rails. A space of 18 inches between the center of a lower rung and the center of the next rung is a good measure.
With your rungs now properly spaced, gently turn your rails flat on the wide side. Using a speed square, mark the edges of the rung on the 2x4s to show their position. This will also help you mark the center to position your wood screws.
Turn the rails back onto their edge, with the rung markings facing you. With the center point of the rung position marked, your can now place the rung on the inside of the rail for attachment. For the vertical rung, each inner edge of the rung is one inch from the edge of the rail for centering.
Using your drill and wood screws, drive the screw from the center point through the rail into the center of the rung. Continue on one side until all rungs are attached securely. Repeat this process on the opposite side until all rungs have been securely attached.
Using a hammer and nail to mark the center location will also help as a screw starter point.
Once your blanket ladder is fully assembled, test it out against the wall you have chosen. Make sure it sits securely and doesn’t slide on your floor. If it does or seems unsteady, you can trim the bottom of the two rails on a slight 10 degree angle for better footing.
Using 220-grit sandpaper and your hand sander, go all over your ladder to smooth out any rough edges or patches on the rails and rungs. Once you have an even surface, wipe it down with a rag to remove any dust that may remaining.
Now that you have a ready surface, the choice of finish is up to you. You can use a wood finish stain, apply a clear polyacrylic sealer or paint with a furniture paint to accent your current room colors. Be sure to wear your protective gloves before applying any treatment.
If you are staining your ladder, this can be done by dipping your rags into the stain and wiping the wood. Be sure to go slow and apply evenly to guard against too heavy a coat in areas. You may have to apply more than one coat. Poly sealers can be applied with a paint brush. Furniture paints are available in a wide variety of colors and can be applied with either brush or spray paint. Make sure that whichever finish you decide on, they need to be applied in a well-ventilated area where any spills will not cause any damage.
After your finish has dried, your new ladder is ready for you to dress up with blankets, quilts and décor to compliment your home.
As a final step, you can add a small piece of rubber drawer liner or rubber pads to the bottom of the rails to keep them from sliding. Avoid using felt pads for this as they will not be as secure.