For years, my ultimate DIY project has been a blanket ladder. Every time I visit vintage shows or browse online tutorials, I’m struck by the disparity between affordable options that look flimsy and those that exude authenticity at a higher price point. My mom’s constant refrain, ‘You could make it yourself!’ finally spurred me into action this past weekend. Today, I’m excited to share my journey of creating a sturdy blanket ladder on a budget.
How to Make a Blanket Ladder
Materials for Blanket Ladder
When it comes to finding the perfect oak boards for your farmhouse ladder, there are a few secrets you should know. First, look for boards with straight wood grains instead of knots. According to my husband, this type of wood is stronger and will give your ladder a more authentic look. Another tip is to choose boards that have more pronounced wood grain. Oak is a great choice because it’s easy to see the grains, whereas pine might be cheaper but tends to warp and has less visible grain patterns.
For the oak dowels needed for this project, you’ll want to find ones that are cut in half. You can find them at a cost of $5.98 per piece. Make sure to have some stain on hand – I used Provincial by Miniwax from refinishing our coffee tables. You’ll also need wood glue and blue painter’s tape for this project.
Tools for Blanket Ladder
A range of tools are necessary to complete this project. For cutting purposes, a miter saw or hand saw will come in handy. When it comes to drilling, a power drill is essential for precise and efficient results. A selection of drill bits was used, including a 15/16″ bit, which proved ideal for the 1″ dowels used in this project.
Additional tools used include a rubber mallet for tapping pieces into place, a meat tenderizer for scrapping away old adhesive, a metal scraper for removing excess material, and a foam brush for applying a finish coat. A palm sander was also utilized, along with 80 grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface. For fine tuning, a fine grit sanding sponge was used. While not essential, an angle template tool can be a valuable asset in achieving precise angles.
Step 1: Preparing the Wood
To create uniformity when building your ladder, start by securing the two 1×3 inch boards together using painter’s tape, applying it at least three times along their length. This will enable you to cut and drill both pieces simultaneously, ensuring a seamless fit. Prop the boards against a wall at the desired angle, which for this example was approximately 12 inches from the base.
Next, utilize a flat surface such as a sanding block to draw a straight line along the bottom of the boards, providing a level foundation while maintaining the angled orientation. Subsequently, replicate the same angle at the top of the boards, using an angle template tool or a similar device to maintain precision. Once the lines are drawn, use a saw to cut off the excess material, allowing you to proceed with the ladder’s construction.
With the ends now trimmed, focus on planning the spacing of your ladder rungs. For this project, I opted for five evenly spaced rungs, each approximately 11 inches apart. While the boards remain taped together, mark the locations where you’ll drill holes for the rungs using a pencil, taking care to center them so they’re situated in the middle of each board.
Step 2: Drilling Holes for the Rungs
To commence the construction process, utilize the 15/16” drill bit to create precise holes for the rungs. It is crucial to emphasize that these holes must be as straight as possible to ensure a seamless alignment of the dowels in both holes. When drilling, make sure to pierce the wood all the way through. Once complete, you can carefully remove the tape from the boards.
Step 3: Bang up dat wood!
As I revel in this liberating process, I take great pleasure in using the meat tenderizer to meticulously distress the wood. The goal is to create a worn, dented, and scratched appearance that exudes character. Take out your frustration by banging up those dowels as well! To add an extra layer of realism, I employ the metal scraper on all harsh edges, making it look even more weathered.
If any large chunks start breaking off, stop and carefully remove them with your hand, then smooth out the surface using a palm sander. Once you’ve worked through this cathartic experience, express remorse by lightly sanding with 80-grit paper to eliminate any rough edges. Next, use a fine grit sanding block for a final polish. Run your hands over the wood to ensure there are no sharp edges remaining.
Step 4: Stain the wood!
Before commencing the staining process, take a few moments to remove any dust or debris that may be accumulating on the board. This will ensure a smooth application of the stain. Selecting the ideal stain colour is also crucial, as it should complement your desired decor. For a more authentic look, consider opting for a slightly lighter shade rather than going too dark. I find the Provincial tint from Miniwax to be an excellent choice, providing a rich and subtle hue.
To achieve an even finish, make sure to apply stain to all surfaces of the boards and dowels.
Step 5: Assemble your blanket ladder!
It’s time to bring your ladder together! Start by sanding the ends of the dowels to prepare them for insertion into the holes. Since the holes are 15/16″ and the dowels are 1″, this step ensures a snug fit that will help keep your ladder sturdy. Next, apply a small amount of wood glue to the inside of each hole. Although not essential, this extra adhesive will enhance the overall durability of your ladder.
Use a rubber mallet to gently tap the dowels into place and remove any excess glue with a cloth. Once the dowels are securely seated, align the remaining 1×3″ board with the assembled ladder (and add glue if desired). You may need to exert a bit more patience during this step as you fine-tune the alignment. Once the boards are properly aligned, use your trusty rubber mallet to secure them in place.
If you’re experiencing difficulties getting the dowels to align with the boards, simply remove and re-sand them to create some extra wiggle room for adjustment. Re-glue the dowels when you’ve achieved the desired alignment, then let the ladder dry overnight to allow the stain to fully cure. And that’s it! You’ll soon be enjoying your very own functional blanket ladder.
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