How to Build a Wooden Blanket Ladder

Learn how to build a wooden blanket ladder without power tools for just under $30 to add a beautiful piece of functional decor to your home!

For months I’ve been staring at a blank spot in the corner of my living room wondering what to place there that’s not only functional, but pretty to look at too. That’s where the idea of a wooden blanket ladder came to mind! The problem was, I don’t really have any wood working skills, or power tools for that matter, and I didn’t want to spend a fortune on one online. So the thought just stayed in the back of my mind for a while until I came across a photo on Pinterest that gave me some inspiration and the push to make my own!

This particular ladder used some sort of a bracket to attach the rungs to the front of the boards instead of screwing or gluing the rungs to the inside of the boards, which was a big hang up for me and something I didn’t think I could do on my own. With a little more research and some planning, I came up with this blanket ladder plan. This blanket ladder is super easy to make and requires no power tools (although they do make it a bit quicker) and if I can do it, so can you. You just need a couple 2 x 4s, some tube clamps and dowels. You can also, of course, customize the height and look to fit your space and style. Check out the video below if you want to see it come together in video form!

PIN FOR LATER!

VIDEO TUTORIAL

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TOOLS YOU MAY NEED

• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Speed square
• Saw (I used a hand saw)
• Foam brushes
• Hammer

MATERIALS YOU MAY NEED

• (2) 2 x 4 x 8 pieces of lumber
• (2) 1.25″ x 48″ dowels
• Sand paper (180, 220, 400 grit)
• Wood stain (Varathane Early American)
• Polyurethane
• Spray primer
• Spray paint (Behr Gingham Matte Chalk)
• (8) 1” tube clamps
• 1.5″ roofing nails

HOW TO BUILD A WOODEN BLANKET LADDER

Measure and cut (2) 2 x 4 x 8 boards to 64″.

Place one board upright on the wall at the angle you like most, then take a speed square or level object and draw a line across the bottom. Note: The side of the board should be facing forward, not the face of the board or the wider part.

Cut the angle off the bottom of both boards so they will stay upright nicely without sliding or falling over.

Measure and cut (2) 1.25″ dowels into (4) 18″ pieces.

Sand the boards and dowels starting at 180 grit sandpaper and working up to 220.

Stain the wooden pieces using your favorite stain and allow them to dry.

Apply two coats of poly to all pieces and allow them to dry again.

Sand the boards and dowels with 400 grit sandpaper, gently, until smooth.

Prime and paint the tube clamps (optional) and allow them to dry fully.

For the first tube clamp, measure 6″ from the top of the board and make a mark. Align the top of the tube clamp with that mark and center it on the board, then nail in place.

Measure 12″ from the bottom of the first tube clamp and make a mark. Align the top of that tube clamp with that mark and center it on the board, then nail in place. Repeat the process with the last two tube clamps. Repeat for the other board.

Once all the tube clamps are in place, stand the boards up on the wall, then insert the dowels to connect the two boards and finish your wooden blanket ladder.

Add the blankets as a final touch.

NOTES

• This blanket ladder can be customized to fit your space. Adjust the measurements higher or lower to fit your needs.
• Choose boards that are not bowed and fit the look you’re going for.
• You can either prime and paint the tube clamps or leave them raw metal.
• Instead of dowels, try using branches for a more rustic look.
• Cut no-slip rug pad to size and place under the boards to prevent slipping, especially on wood floors.

LOOKING FOR MORE DIY PROJECT IDEAS?

Looking for more DIY project ideas like this? Check these out:

• Easy DIY Barstool Makeover
• How to Refinish a Wooden Chair
• How to Refinish a Vintage Side Table
• How to Paint a Laminate Dresser

Did you build a wooden blanket ladder like this? If you did, I’d love to see how it turned out! Tag me on Instagram (@thesimplehomeplace) to show me your own recreation of this recipe!