Build your own Pottery Barn Kids-inspired small ladder bookshelf with our free plans! This budget-friendly DIY project is perfect for storing books, toys, or decor in a kid’s room, playroom, or nursery. Designed to look like high-end furniture but easy enough for beginners to build with just a few tools. Includes step-by-step diagrams, cut list, shopping list, and a full video tutorial.
This sturdy ladder bookshelf is easy to build and costs about $25 in wood - or if you have scraps, might even be free.
The Small Ladder Bookshelf is a versatile and stylish storage solution that you can build yourself. This sturdy ladder bookshelf is easy to build and costs about $25 in wood—or if you have scraps, might even be free. Ana White
Features:
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Tiered Shelves: The design includes tiered shelves, perfect for storing different-sized items. Ana White
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Enclosed Bins: The enclosed bins help keep your items securely in place. Ana White
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Multi-Purpose Use: Ideal for various spaces such as craft rooms, entryways, kitchens, or as a nightstand for children's books. Ana White
Free Plans Include:
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Video Tutorial: A step-by-step video guide to assist you through the building process.
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Detailed Diagrams: Comprehensive diagrams to ensure accurate construction. Ana White
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Cut and Shopping Lists: Precise measurements and a complete list of materials needed.
This project is beginner-friendly and can be completed with basic tools. Building your own ladder bookshelf not only saves money but also allows you to customize the finish to match your décor. For inspiration, check out numerous reader-submitted photos showcasing their completed ladder bookshelves.
We are excited to share with you the plans below. We go through all the build steps in this video
Preparation
- 1x4 - 12 board feet
- 1x6 - 8 board feet
- 1x2 - 16 board feet
- 1/4" plywood panel - 24" x 48"
- 4 - 1x4 @ 22-1/2"
- 2 - 1x4 @ 9"
- 2 - 1x4 @ 11"
- 2 - 1x6 @ 22-1/2"
- 2 - 1x6 @ 13-1/2"
- 1 - 1/4" plywood 24" x 9"
- 1 - 1/4" plywood 24" x 11"
- 1 - 1/4" plywood 24" x 13-1/2"
- 2 - 1x2 @ 30"
- 2 - 1x2 @ 30-1/2" - both ends cut at 10 degrees off square, long point to short point measurement, ends ARE parallel
- 2 - 1x2 @ 9-1/2" - one end cut at 10 degrees off square, longest point measurement
- 2 - 1x2 @ 5-1/2" - one end cut at 10 degrees off square, longest point measurement
Instructions
Step 1
Build the three trays using 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws. Attach 1/4" plywood bottoms to bottom of trays with glue and 3/4" nails or staples.
Step 2
Build legs with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws. Remember to build and drill pocket holes in mirror so the pocket holes can be hidden on insides of legs. Mark location of shelves with a square on inside of legs. Attach with 1-1/4" screws (you can use pocket hole screws).
Comments
MCN
Mon, 06/17/2019 - 08:27
My skill level is not yet…
My skill level is not yet intermediate, but after watching the video and reading the plans, I thought this was a project I could handle. There are a few places where I got hung up - the biggest being that the illustrations do not match the finished product or the video. One of the pictures shows the sides of the trays on the outside of the fronts, but your finished nightstand and another illustration show the sides tucked into the fronts. This obviously changes the size of the plywood bottoms, as well as where the pocket holes should be placed (short or long side of trays) I found some of the other instructions a bit vague as well but that could be because of my skill level. Thank you for the free plans!