DIY Blanket Ladder (Using 2 Tools!)

Learn how to make an easy DIY blanket ladder using only 2 power tools! Build it in under an hour with the step-by-step plans and video!

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As the weather cools down, the blankets and throws come to hang out with us! A blanket ladder makes a simple inexpensive way to organize all those blankets and display them at the same time! Plus they are always within reach!

Wooden blanket ladders have become synonymous with farmhouse decor. However, I think that by simply picking the finish and look, they can be made to fit into any design style.

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What Is a Blanket Ladder

A blanket ladder is just what the name implies – it is a ladder and you can use the rungs to hang blankets. It helps organize blankets and display them at the same time. Since it is a skinny vertical piece with a small footprint, it can be easily placed against a wall.

Other Uses of a Blanket Ladder

What do you do with a blanket ladder in summer? The blanket ladder can be redecorated by hanging plants and baskets in the summer making a great year-round addition to your home.

Is It Easy to Make the Ladder Blanket Holder?

Making a ladder blanket holder is a great beginner project! In fact, I will show you how to make it using only 2 power tools! A few cuts followed by a few screws and you are done!

What Tools Do You Need to Make the Ladder Blanket Holder?

This project is made up of two basic steps – cutting the boards and attaching them. To cut the boards, a miter saw is highly recommended – especially for the angled cuts. To attach you need a drill/driver.

Wood for Blanket Ladders?

Although you can use any type of wood but I am using redwood. Redwood makes a really great choice for a blanket ladder because it is lightweight, environmentally sourced, and looks amazing when finished. It is also extremely reasonably priced given all its benefits. I bought my redwood boards from Home Depot.

Find out more about redwood and it’s advantages and uses.

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Blanket Ladder Dimensions

Blanket ladders are typically 6 feet tall and the rungs can be from 13 – 18″ wide. The distance between each rung is about 12″ to provide enough space for hanging the blankets. The complete dimensions of the blanket ladder is shown in the printable plans.

How to Make a Blanket Ladder

Step 1 – Make the Cuts

• Using a miter saw, make the cuts per the plans

Note – The rungs are cut at a small 3-degree angle. It is best to set the saw at the angle and simply turn the boards over to get a consistent angle.

Step 2 – Layout the Ladder

• Layout the ladder on the floor.

Adjust the distance between each of the rungs to ensure a tight fit.

Redwood consists of areas of sapwood so be sure to take that into account when arranging the boards.

Note – Some of the rung measurements are extremely small and can be hard to get accurate. You can move the run up or down slightly to account for it. A discrepancy of 1/16 would be invisible to the human eye.

Step 3 – Attach the Rungs

• Apply wood glue and attach each of the rungs to the sides.
• Pre-drill with a countersunk bit to make sure the screw sits below the surface of the board

Be sure to double check the spacings at every step!

Step 4 – Add Extra Screws

A single screw can be a pivot point for the rung to rotate around.

• Add an extra screw on all the sides and all the rungs.

Step 5 – Finish

• Patch and fill all the holes for the screws with wood putty,
• After it has dried, sand it down.
• Apply a finish to the blanket ladder.

I wanted a slightly modern spin on the blanket ladder. I dry brushed white paint on the bottom of the ladder and finished the rest of ladder with a penetrating finishing oil.

I love how the oil brings out the deep richness of redwood.

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And that’s it!

A simple, quick and cheap DIY blanket ladder! But, seriously, look at that color!