DIY~ decorative ladder

Hi!  Thanks for visiting today.  I don’t know exactly why I needed a decorative display ladder in my life, but I did.  Every time I look through Pintrest, Anthropologie, or anywhere really, they’re always displaying beautiful decor on them.  They just seem so simple and creative.  You can switch up your decor frequently without having to put nail holes in the wall.  You can move them around the house and use them in corners (I hate trying to fill corners).

LADDER

You’ll need:

-(2) 2×2’s (as straight at possible – always sight down the boards when you pick them out!)

-3″ screws

-Drill (Phillips screw bit and Drill bit the size of the screw, without the threads)

-Saw (Chop saw, if possible)

-Measuring Tape

1.  Lay out the 2×2’s (which should be 8′-0″ long).  Measure and mark a 5′-0″ and two 1′-6″ lengths out of each.
2. Cut the wood.  The exact length doesn’t really matter, but the (4) 1′-6″ lengths (the rungs) need t0 all be exactly the same.
3. On the 5′-0″ pieces (the sides), use a measuring tape to mark a small circle at each foot mark.  1′, 2′, 3′, and 4′.  This is where you will drill the pilot holes for the rungs to attach.
4. Lay them out in the general ladder shape.
5. If possible, try to do this on a workbench or table, to keep everything square and flat.
6. Hold or clamp a rung to a side, and drill a pilot hole through the side, and into the rung.  Repeat for all 4.
7. You may now have to balance it against the ground to put the screws in.  If you’re having trouble, coat the threads of the screw a drop of dish soap.  This will also keep the rungs from splitting.
8. Do the other side the same way!
9. Get the screws in as tight as possible or the rungs will spin.
10. Don’t climb.  This is for display only!

PAINT

This is a super chippy antique look.  I love it and I think it turned out great!

You’ll need:

-Wood stain (I used a dark mahogany)

-Old towel

-Paint (I used Behr Ultra-Vintage Linen)

-Paint brush

-Vaseline

-Paper towels

-Sand paper

1.  Stain the ladder.  It doesn’t have to be perfect.  You only need it where you want the color to pop through the paint.  Let dry.
2. Apply Vaseline only to the areas you want the stain to show through.  Where you want the chippy look.  You don’t need too much.  A good tip is to apply it where wear would occur naturally.  On the edges, on knots, etc.
3. Apply your first coat of paint.  Let dry and apply second coat.  Let second coat dry.
4. Now lightly sand the spots where you applied Vaseline.  You will see the paint will come off very easily.  Continue to sand the ladder until you’re happy with the look.  Be careful not to sand down to the original wood.
5. Wipe the ladder clean and you’re done!

Mine is currently displaying my Halloween wreath.  I’m really loving this look.  I can’t wait for Christmas…oh the possibilities!

Let me know how your ladder turned out!  What color did you paint yours?  If you liked this DIY Decorative Ladder, I would love for you to share or pin it.  If you’re not following me on Pinterest or Instagram yet, please do!