DIY A Ladder Shelf Bookcase For Unique Home Storage

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There's no such thing as too much storage space in a home. From an abundance of shelves, cabinets, and drawers to space-saving multi-purpose furniture pieces, it feels good to find a designated spot for every little thing. While adding cabinetry or purchasing multifunctional furniture will cost you, plenty of DIY storage solutions can add a one-of-a-kind touch to your living space without breaking the bank. One unique and easy-to-assemble project is a ladder shelf bookcase, which provides space-efficient storage while also serving as a versatile accent piece in your home. The best part? This adaptable storage option can be propped against a wall or freestanding, occupying very little space.

While you could use this project as a clever way to repurpose a ladder, you can also build your own ladder shelf bookcase from scratch. Materials for this project can be found in any home improvement store. For a five-tier shelf, you'll need five 1-by-2 8-foot wood boards, two 1-by-4 6-foot boards, and a plywood project panel. Several 1¼-inch pocket hole screws are necessary for joining everything together. For assembly, a drill, a pocket hole jig, a level, a miter saw, a circular saw, clamps, and tape measures are also needed. You will need to cut your wood boards, so be sure to also have the proper safety gear on hand while using saws. To add a more personal touch to your ladder shelf bookcase, consider adding paint to your shopping list or splurging on a prettier variety of wood. If rustic, farmhouse chic is your aesthetic, build your ladder shelf with reclaimed or salvaged wood. For a modern and chic look, consider darker woods like walnut or mahogany. Be sure to factor in how sturdy you want your bookshelf to be and choose the perfect wood accordingly. 

After gathering all the necessary materials, you can begin creating your DIY ladder shelf bookcase by measuring and cutting your chosen wood. In This Old House's short tutorial, they offer specific dimensions for the legs, cross pieces, planks for the shelves, and pieces for shelf support. Once your lumber is accurately cut and measured, add pocket holes using a kit like this TBVHHOMM Pocket Hole Jig Kit. For woodworking beginners, pocket holes are holes drilled into the wood at an angle that guide screws to securely join pieces together, making the assembly easier and sturdier — so you don't want to skip this step.

Start assembling the ladder shelf by creating the frame with lumber cut for the legs and cross pieces. Mark where you want to install the shelves on the back leg pieces of the shelf frame, align the cross pieces with those marks, and secure them using a drill, screws, and wood glue. Repeat to create the other side piece of the frame, ensuring both side pieces are identical and level. Join the two sides together by drilling the shelf support pieces at the places marked for the shelves. With the frame erected, you can add your shelves by sliding them onto the shelf supports, securing them in place with screws and wood glue, and ensuring that they fit snugly into the surrounding wood frame. 

Finally, consider adding edge banding to the shelves for a clean finish or apply wavy roof edging for a decorative look. Further customize your new ladder shelf bookcase by painting or staining it to suit your aesthetic. Alternatively, if you prefer a bare, rustic vibe, put it to use as-is by placing it in any room where you need extra shelving space.