So remember that Upcycled Side Table I revealed a few weeks ago with the old wood on top? Well, you didn’t think I would actually let the rest of that wood go to waste did you? Exactly. So get ready for project #2 made out of the old withered wood from the broken trellis.
A few months ago I spotted a little wooden ladder at my local craft store. I instantly fell in love with it but I was not in love with the price. I generally don’t have an issue paying $30 for a piece of home decor that I love, but when I KNOW I could make it for about 1/10 of the cost I have a hard time coughing up the cash. Call it being frugal or call it a disease, I’m not really sure which it is at this point! I’ve had this Vintage-Inspired Mini Ladder on my ‘to-do’ list for what seems like forever and as soon as I found that old broken trellis in our backyard, this project was finally checked off the list!
I am really happy with how it turned out. It was an extremely easy project (tutorial below) and something just about anyone can do. And because I already had the wood and the sealer, this project only cost me $1.97. And to think I almost paid $30 for one!
This little wooden ladder is so versatile. You can use it as a simple piece of decor, hang photos from it, use it as a dish towel rack, the possibilities are endless.
You might recognize my little owl from this post and my succulent watering can from this post.
The hinges were my only cost for this project and they came in at $1.97 for the pair!
For those of you who missed my Side Table Post, this is the site we found when my husband removed an overgrown raspberry bush from the side of our house. We found this old broken and worn trellis that used to hold up the bush. The natural colors in the wood were gorgeous and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it.
Cut 4 pieces at 20″ and 8 pieces at 12″.
Ideally, you would use a small finishing nail to secure the pieces together, but the wood was on the softer side and the nails were starting to damage the wood. So I opted out of using nails and used non-foaming Gorilla Glue to secure all of the pieces together. It worked great. Just allow the glue to sit overnight to make sure it is secure.
Pick out a pair of small hinges for your ladder. I picked up a pair of Gatehouse 1″ Zinc-Plated Entry Door Hinge for $1.97 at the local hardware store, the perfect size for this little ladder.
Line up the two pieces like the above picture, and secure the hinges in place.
Lightly sand the wood to remove the rough edges, then apply 3 coats of a protective finish. I used a clear satin to keep the rustic look.
Do you have any decorative ladders in your home? How do you use them in your decor?
Linking to some of the parties here along with Today’s Creative Blog, TipJunkie, Home Stories A 2 Z, Funky Junk Interiors, The Shabby Nest, My Repurposed Life, The Shabby Creek Cottage, Thrifty Decor Chick
About Taryn Whiteaker
Hi! I’m Taryn! The voice behind Taryn Whiteaker Designs. I launched this brand over 11 years ago when I became a stay-at-home mom. What started as a small craft and mom blog eventually grew into a full time design and DIY site. My goal has always been to inspire others (especially women!) with design ideas, DIY tutorials, entertaining ideas and give you the tools you need to complete them yourself!
This ladder is darling! Wow, I can’t believe all the great things you’ve made out of that old trellis! Thanks for the tutorial too :)
So cute! I have been wanting to get a ladder or two around here forever but can’t seem to find any. Thanks so much for the tutorial – I never even thought of making my own! Looks great with your watering can!
how cute is this….so many possibilities and uses! great job!
What a neat idea. Might need to find myself some scrap wood.
What a great idea! I love ladders and I love this tutorial. You explain in such a way that anyone could do this. Thanks for the idea-pinning!
Have a happy week
Tausha
sassystyleredesign.com
I want one! Thanks for easy, inexpensive version! Love it :)
I love it! You always have such awesome ideas! XO, Aimee
I have seen many of mini ladders at the shop and on the internet that I always wanted to have it. When I search more via internet suddenly, I find this blog…and thanks for the tutorial now I can make my own mini ladder with less expenses.
ADORABLE! I am making some!
This is super cute!
You are so clever Taryn!! It looks just adorable! :-)
Vanessa
THis is GREAT! It’s perfect for displaying Christmas ornaments in my shop. I’m going to make one this weekend!
Turned out great! Love how you have it displayed!
We built a tall ladder for the garden that I put small potted plants on, but I’ve been on the lookout for one similar to yours…and seeing how easy it is, I will be making my own, too!!
Thanks for the tips!
Saw you sharing at The Shabby Creek Cottage
Debbie :)
Looks great! What an easy tutorial! I’ve been seeing a lot of ladders on Pinterest that are used to hold towels or blankets and I was considering making one out of 1×2’s and 4 large dowels. I think I’m going to try your tutorial instead! I also love the watering can!
What a great design item!
gah this is awesome and looks super easy to make! What a spectacular design element for any room!
love this! would love to have you share over at our party!
http://baked-inthesouth.blogspot.com/2012/08/made-it-by-monday-link-party_14.html
That came out great! Adding it to my list of projects!
This is fantastic! I might just try this as my first step into building stuff – thanks for sharing :-)
I like the little ladder great repurpose of the wood. I think it would be pretty with some doilies or tea towels on there too!
via CCC,Pat
Wow so cute and I love it . I will make one for my garden
This is so cute !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
What a great tutorial and a creative idea for decorating inside the home–I like this ladder project a lot, Taryn!
Sweet little ladder!
Love your little ladder… very sweet. super tutorial.
gail
Super cute and how easy. Love the owl too! Would love for you to come visit my Get Social Sunday link party and show off your awesome blog!
http://alivedinhome.blogspot.com/2012/08/get-social-sunday_18.html
Stopping by from Nifty Thrifty! Your ladder is adorable. I have a stash of wood like you used outside. This looks so easy, and it could also be used for drying lingerie in the laundry room. Great up-cycling and very versatile! I’d be tickled if you’d shared this over at Sunday’s Best tonight! This needs to be shared!
This is a great idea – a perfect way to show off textiles. This is one DIY I will definitely do too! Thank you for sharing it.
Your ladder is adorable and you are so smart to build it!
I love this ladder!!! I want one for my house.
If you get a chance I would love for you to come share your tutorial over at my Pin Party.
http://sarahdawndesigns.blogspot.com/2012/08/pintastic-monday-link-party-5.html
This is darling. I love a good, use what you have around the house type project. And the chalkboard painted watering can is fabulous too!
Oh my gosh how cute! And great tutorial.
Way cool!! I’ve been waiting a small ladder for the porch to use for flowers!!
Thanks for linking up to Show & Share, featuring this tomorrow!
Wow! I totally want one, too! The wood color is perfect! I’m featuring you on Saturday…can’t wait to see what you share at this week’s party (Saturday at 7pm). XO, Aimee
This is so cool!
Now I have a hard time thinking about where I have enough space in my little apartment to put one of these!
That is so cute…and to think it started out as an old trellis. I never would have guess that! You amaze me:-)