Here’s How to Build a Bathroom Ladder

Blog written by: Chantelle Lourens       ​

Storage is an important element of any bathroom. When storage can also be aesthetically pleasing it’s a huge bonus. This bathroom ladder shelf is the perfect combination of storage and style and a great addition to any bathroom. Here’s How to create a traditional bathroom ladder.

Here’s How:

• Legs: 2” x 3” x 8’ cut to 6’
• Top of leg post angle: 7/8” on the end grain and 5 1/4" down
• Bottom of leg post angle: 1/2” in down to nothing (bottom of post)

Using the 1" x 6" x 6' make the following cuts:

• Bottom of middle shelf: 22 1/2”
• Sides of middle shelf: 2- 2 5/8” x 6 1/4”
• Back of middle shelf: 2 5/8” x 22 1/2”

Using the 1” x 10” x 8’ cut to:

• Bottom of lower shelf: 1” x 8” x 22 1/2”
• Sides of lower shelf: 2- 2 5/8" x 8”
• Back of lower shelf: 2 5/8" x 22 1/2”

Once the cuts are finished, sand and smooth each piece of wood.

Secure the back of the shelves to the bottom, first with glue to set in place and then use a pin nailer to fasten with pin nails.

Next, add the sides of the shelves and again secure with glue and pin nails.

Set the ladder legs up against the wall and attach the lower shelf approximately 40” from the ground. It’s best to check your work with a level to ensure you have straight shelves.

Secure the shelf with two 1½” screws on each side to prevent the shelves from moving.

Use 8” cut-offs as a spacer to find the height of your next shelf. Measure from the top of the back piece to the bottom of the shelf above.

Secure the second shelf in the same manner as the first shelf and repeat this process to add the final top shelf.

Use a 7/8” forstner bit to drill through the side of the legs, 35” from the bottom. This is where you will insert the dowel. On one leg drill the entire way through, on the other leg drill only ½” for the dowel to rest.

Apply a wood conditioner pre-stain to your ladder shelf before applying your favourite stain. I chose the Minwax shade Pickled Oak. I’m loving natural woods lately and this shade was just the perfect touch to take some of the yellowness out of the spruce.

This is a freestanding ladder, but we choose to secure it to the wall to add extra stability. To do this, simply add a screw to each side of the back of the shelves.