Friday, November 12, 2010

This Old Ladder

Have you priced a wooden ladder bookcase? New versions are in the hundreds. Vintage ladder halves start at $36. So when someone offers you that old wooden ladder with paint splatters all over it...grab it! Here's what you do...You will need two "L" brackets, four screws (two short screws for the ladder and two longer screw for the wall or anchors with screws). Fold the ladder and lean it against the wall. Place a level on the top step and set it straight. Measure from the top step down to the floor along the wall. That measurement will be the new length for the back legs. Before moving the ladder, mark the wall under the top step and on the underside of the top step for the "L" brackets. Open the ladder and lay it on the floor; measure and mark the back legs; then cut with a hand saw. The old wood in easy to cut. Screw the brackets to the underside of the top step. Stand it back against the wall lining up on the "L" bracket marks. Be certain the back legs are now against the wall. Screw through the bracket and into the wall. Load your shelves with your treasures. Options would be to paint or stain the ladder before anchoring it to the wall. I like this one natural...old paint and all!