FindWoodPlansWoodworking Plans
Home/Storage & Organization

Small Ladder Bookshelf

Build your own Pottery Barn Kids-inspired small ladder bookshelf with! This budget-friendly DIY project is perfect for storing books, toys, or decor in a kid’s room, playroom, or nursery. Designed to look like high-end furniture but easy enough for beginners to build with just a few tools. Includes step-by-step diagrams, cut list, shopping list, and a full video tutorial.

Small Ladder Bookshelf

Specifications

Project typeNightstands
RoomTeens
StyleCottage Style Furniture Plans
DifficultyIntermediate

Dimensions

Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.

Small Ladder Bookshelf dimension diagram 1

Shopping List

  • 1x4 - 12 board feet
  • 1x6 - 8 board feet
  • 1x2 - 16 board feet
  • 1/4" plywood panel - 24" x 48"

Cut List

  • 4 - 1x4 @ 22-1/2"
  • 2 - 1x4 @ 9"
  • 2 - 1x4 @ 11"
  • 2 - 1x6 @ 22-1/2"
  • 2 - 1x6 @ 13-1/2"
  • 1 - 1/4" plywood 24" x 9"
  • 1 - 1/4" plywood 24" x 11"
  • 1 - 1/4" plywood 24" x 13-1/2"
  • 2 - 1x2 @ 30"
  • 2 - 1x2 @ 30-1/2" - both ends cut at 10 degrees off square, long point to short point measurement, ends ARE parallel
  • 2 - 1x2 @ 9-1/2" - one end cut at 10 degrees off square, longest point measurement
  • 2 - 1x2 @ 5-1/2" - one end cut at 10 degrees off square, longest point measurement

Tools

  • measuring tape
  • square
  • pencil
  • safety glasses
  • hearing protection
  • kreg-jig
  • drill
  • circular saw
  • jigsaw
  • compound miter saw
  • nailer
  • sander

Step-by-step Instructions

1

Step 1

Build the three trays using 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws. Attach 1/4" plywood bottoms to bottom of trays with glue and 3/4" nails or staples.

Small Ladder Bookshelf — step 1
2

Step 2

Build legs with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws. Remember to build and drill pocket holes in mirror so the pocket holes can be hidden on insides of legs. Mark location of shelves with a square on inside of legs. Attach with 1-1/4" screws (you can use pocket hole screws).

Small Ladder Bookshelf — step 2
3

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/small-ladder-bookshelf