This DIY Ladder Shelf features five beautiful herringbone pattern shelves! Take a look at this step by step guide to make one of your own!
Our kitchen lacks countertop space, which has been an ongoing issue for years. We really needed some place to store those extra items that you use often, but perhaps not daily. This DIY Ladder Shelf has been the perfect solution!
Because this shelf is a leaning shelf it takes up a very minimal amount of space. The compact design is perfect for small nooks or alcoves you might have in your home.
The real star of the show are the shelves themself. Made from pallet wood, these wooden shelves feature a striking herringbone design that adds character and warmth. This is the perfect DIY project for those looking for more storage in your kitchen or home office.
Materials Needed for a Leaning Shelf
For this project I created a herringbone pattern on the shelves. This adds amazing depth and texture to the project. It does take a bit more time, but the end result is well worth it! For this project you will need:
- Boards: I used pallet wood, see notes in post.
- Nails
- Hammer
- Circular Saw
- Speed Square or Combo Square
- Table Saw, Rip Fence Attachment, or Circular Saw
- Power or Manual Miter Saw
- Glue
- Wood Clamps
- Pencil
- Drill and Bit
- 1/4 inch x 1 1/2 inch Bolt
- 1/4 inch Wood Insert
- 1/4 inch Dowel
How do you build a Ladder Shelf?
As you can see, this ladder has two support legs. Since it is a leaning shelf I recommend securing it to the wall to prevent any accidents.
You will see in the image below the overall guide for this project. The bookcase is comprised of five shelves. The bottom shelves are the widest and they get smaller in width as you go. The base and top of the two support legs are also trimmed at slight angles to allow the shelf to lean and sit flush to the floor and wall.
After you have cut your pieces and assembled the herringbone shelves you will need to assemble the ladder shelf. In order to do this you will be drilling into the support legs to secure the shelf. In order to do this we drill a 3/8″ hole into the shelf (placement directions are included in the diagram below) and place a wood insert lock nut. This adds extra stability to the shelf and ensures the shelf itself does not split as we drill into it.
Once the wood insert has been secured in the shelf we line the shelf up to the support legs and secure the legs to the shelf with a bolt. Lastly, on each side of the bolt we drill a 1/4″ hole for the dowel rods to be inserted. This ensures that the shelf will not tip forward or backward when items are placed. It allows the weight to be evenly supported by the dowel rods and bolt.
How do you make a Herringbone Wood Pattern?
There is no denying that the herringbone pattern really makes this shelf pop. While you can go the more traditional route and build solid, plain shelves the herringbone is well worth the effort!
Herringbone is a pattern where smaller pieces of wood are cut down and pieced together to create an intricate and attractive design. This blends easily with any style of decor. You can find instructions, step by step photos and a video tutorial for creating these herringbone shelves here.
What kind of wood should you use to build a shelf?
You can use any kind of wood you prefer. As mentioned, I used pallet wood but if you do not have access you can easily use purchased wood from a lumber yard or hardware store. If you go that route pine is a good option as it is affordable and readily available.
Tips and Tricks for Woodworking
In your DIY projects some of these other posts may help you achieve the perfect look:
- How to Disassemble a Pallet without Splitting Boards
- Herringbone Wood Pattern
- Homemade Wood Stain
- How to Stencil on Wood
Other DIY Projects
DIY Ladder Shelf
Equipment
- Nails
- Hammer
- Circular saw
- Speed Square or Combo Square
- Table Saw, Rip Fence Attachment, or Circular Saw
- Power or Manual Miter Saw
- Glue
- Wood Clamps
- Pencil
- Drill and Bit
- 1/4 inch x 1 1/2 inch Bolt
- 1/4 inch Wood Insert
- 1/4 inch Dowel
Materials
- Boards: I used pallet wood see notes in post.
Instructions
- ShelvesUse this method to complete five herringbone shelves in the following dimensions.
- Shelf 1: 24"x6" (top shelf)
- Shelf 2: 24"x8"
- Shelf 3: 24"x10"
- Shelf 4: 24" x 12"
- Shelf 5: 24: x 15"
- Support LegsCut two support legs that are 71 ⅜ inches in length.
The bottom cut for the legs will be made at 5 degrees.
The top cut will be made at 85 degrees. - Wood Inserts for ShelvesYou will drill a 3/4 inch hole into each shelf and insert a wood lock nut. This is the placement for each shelf:
- 1. Shelf one (top shelf) is 6 inches deep. A ⅜ inch hole will be drilled 4.25 inches back from the front on each side of the shelf in which a wood insert lock nut will be installed.
- 2. Shelf two is 8 inches deep. A ⅜ inch hole will be drilled 5.25 inches back from the front on each side of the shelf in which a wood insert lock nut will be installed.
- 3. Shelf three is 10 inches deep. A ⅜ inch hole will be drilled 6.25 inches back from the front on each side of the shelf in which a wood insert lock nut will be installed.
- 4. Shelf four is 12 inches deep. A ⅜ inch hole will be drilled 7.25 inches back from the front on each side of the shelf in which a wood insert lock nut will be installed.
- 5. Shelf five (bottom shelf) is 15 inches deep. A ⅜ inch hole will be drilled 9.25 inches back from the front on each side of the shelf in which a wood insert lock nut will be installed.
- To Secure the Shelves to the LegsAn anchor bolt hole for each shelf will be centered in each leg at the following locations:
Shelf 1: 62.5 inches
Shelf 2: 49 inches
Shelf 3:36 inches
Shelf 4:20.5 inches
Shelf 5:5.5 inches
Once the shelves are secured to the legs with the ¼ inch bolts a ¼ inch dowel was installed ¾ inch from each side of the bolt. The dowels will prevent the shelves from pivoting on the bolt, possibly spilling the continents of the shelf.