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Narrow Painter's Ladder Shelf

Maximize your bathroom storage with this space-saving ladder shelf. Designed to fit tight areas, this easy-to-build project offers four staggered-depth shelves perfect for organizing everything from towels and toiletries to baskets and decor. Built using basic materials and simple tools, this stylish solution adds charm and function to any room. Ideal for bathrooms, laundry rooms, or entryways where vertical storage makes all the difference. Build it today with step by step diagrams, shopping list and cut list!

Narrow Painter's Ladder Shelf

Specifications

Project typeBookshelf and Bookcase Plans
RoomBathroom
DifficultyIntermediate

Dimensions

Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.

Narrow Painter's Ladder Shelf dimension diagram 1

Shopping List

  • 4’ - 1x12 pine board
  • 6' - 1x2 pine board
  • 8' - 1x4 pine boards (2)
  • 2 -1/2" wood screws, self tapping star bit trim screws (24) or 2" brad nails
  • 1-1/4" brad nails
  • wood glue

Cut List

Ladder Frame

  • 2 - 1x2 boards cut @ 55-3/8" long (front legs, ends cut at 15 degrees off square)
  • 2 - 1x2 boards cut @ 53-1/2" long (back legs)
  • 8 - 1x3 boards cut @ ~12-3/4" long - measure and cut to fit (fronts and backs of shelves)
  • 1 - 1x2 board cut @ ~12-3/4"" long (top trim) - cut same length as the 8 1x3 boards

Shelves

  • 1 - 1x12 @ 4 3/4" (top shelf bottom)
  • 2 - 1x3 boards cut @ 4 3/4" long (top shelf side trim)
  • 1 - 1x12 @ 8 1/2" (second shelf bottom)
  • 2 - 1x3 boards cut @ 8 1/2" long (second shelf trim)
  • 1 - 1x12 cut @ 12 1/4" (third shelf bottom)
  • 2 - 1x3 boards cut @12 1/4" long (third shelf trim)
  • 1 - 1x12 cut @ 16" (bottom shelf bottom)
  • 2 - 1x3 boards cut @ 16" long (bottom shelf trim)

Tools

  • measuring tape
  • square
  • pencil
  • safety glasses
  • circular saw
  • compound miter saw
  • nailer
  • sander

Step-by-step Instructions

1

Step 1

Cut the legs according to the cut list. For the front legs, you will also need to square up the top, back corners with a circular saw as shown in this diagram.

Narrow Painter's Ladder Shelf — step 1Narrow Painter's Ladder Shelf — step 1
2

Step 2

Attach the front and back legs together. Note that this is not a structural joint - a couple 2" nails or screws from the back will be fine (with glue). You can also do pocket holes, but the problem is the pocket holes will be exposed. TIP: To make it easier to install the shelves in later steps, you can mark out the shelf locations on both legs (as shown in step 5) on the inside of the back legs, then use a square or straight edge to mark the front angled legs.

Narrow Painter's Ladder Shelf — step 2
3

Step 3

Attach the two legs together at the back. You can use the 1-1/4" brad nails and glue, or use pocket holes from the back side.

Narrow Painter's Ladder Shelf — step 3
4

Step 4

Trim the shelves with 1x3s by first attaching the side trim with 1-1/4" brad nails and glue. Then measure and cut the front/back trim (should be about 12-3/4") and attach to the front and back of all the shelves. Make sure you attach the 1x3s together at the corners.

Narrow Painter's Ladder Shelf — step 4
5

Step 5

Attach the shelves to the sides with glue and 1-1/4" brad nails. You can attach from outside if this is easier.

Narrow Painter's Ladder Shelf — step 5
6

Finishing

Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.

Source (temporary): https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/narrow-painters-ladder-shelf