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DIY Tapered Blanket Ladder

Learn how to make a super cute tapered blanket ladder, like those found in Pottery Barn, Ikea or Target using these easy to follow instructions.

THDProspective Tool Review

*This post is sponsored by The Home Depot.

Fall is here and the temperature is slowly going down, which means it’s blanket season. Blanket ladders are great storage solutions and they are nice to look at. Blanket ladders are also an ideal storage solution because it takes up very little space, making it great for tiny spaces. You can use it to store, of course, blankets or throws, quilts, towels and or magazines. I’m going to show you how to add a twist to the traditional blanket ladder turning this decorative accessory into a focal piece.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

Materials

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Tools

OK, Let’s Get Dirty!

1. Measure out the placement of the holes in the side rails (the 1-1/4 round dowels).

Start 4 inches from the top of the ladder. Each hole should be 9 inches apart there after. I recommend marking the two rails at the same time.

2. Secure the dowels for the side rails and drill the holes.

Use clamps to secure the side rails to the work surface. It’s important that the holes are aligned down the center of the dowel. One tip that I found helpful in marking the center, is by using painter’s tape.

Run the tape down the center. Mark the location.

And drill in the center of the marking. The spade Bosch DAREDEVIL  SPADE BITs are very powerful. So ensure that the dowels are securely clamped to the work surface. Drill down about 3/4 inches.  When using the M18 FUEL 1/4″ Hex Impact Driver it has a 4-Mode DRIVE CONTROL which provides greater control over output speed and power.  I set the impact driver to the optimal speed and the tool is designed to shut off after about one second of impacting. This smart feature reduced damage to the material and work surface.

3. Cut the rungs to size.

You can make these cuts with a hand saw.  Cut 5 rungs at 9 in., 11 in., 13 in., 15 in., & 17 in.

4. Using wood glue attach the rungs to the side rails.

I found it helpful to start from the bottom and work my way to the top, adding the rungs to one rail then attaching the 2nd rail.

Clamp and hold in place. Remove any excess glue. Allow 24 hours for it to dry.

5. Sand any rough areas.

The Dremel Multi-Max 5 Amp Variable Speed Corded Oscillating Multi-Tool with the sanding attachment was the perfect little sander for all the tight corners of this ladder.

And changing the attachments was so easy with the quick release on-tool integrated wrench.  I didn’t have to go reaching for a wrench.

6. Stain or paint in the desired color.

With everything sanded down I was able to stain it with a whitewash and dip paint the lower portion of the ladder with a chalk paint.

I loved it so much I made a larger 6 ft tall decorative tapered ladder.

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Interested in similar projects?

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Impact Driver Bits for Drilling and Driving Screws

I acknowledge that The Home Depot is partnering with me to participate in the ProSpective 2018 Campaign. As a part of the Program, I am receiving compensation in the form of products and services, for the purpose of promoting The Home Depot. All expressed opinions and experiences are my own words. My post complies with the Word Of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA) Ethics Code and applicable Federal Trade Commission guidelines.

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