How to make a wooden towel ladder with a farmhouse style

To make a wooden towel ladder with a farmhouse style, you’ll want to focus on clean lines, a rustic feel, and simplicity. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Materials Needed:

• 2 wooden 1x4s (for the sides)
• 4 wooden dowels or 1x2s (for the rungs)
• Wood screws or finishing nails
• Wood glue (optional)
• Sandpaper or sander
• Wood stain or paint (optional for finishing)
• Measuring tape
• Saw (for cutting)
• Drill and drill bits
• Wood filler (optional)

Steps:

1. Measure and Cut the Wood

   • Cut the 1x4s to the desired height for your towel ladder. Typically, a height of around 5-6 feet works well for most bathroom spaces.
   • Cut the 1x2s (or dowels) to the width you want for each rung. A common width is around 18-24 inches, depending on the size of your towels and space.

2. Sand the Wood

   • Sand all the pieces to remove any rough edges and splinters. For a rustic farmhouse look, you can opt for a more natural, unfinished look or lightly distress the wood.

3. Mark and Position the Rungs

   • Lay your two 1x4s parallel to each other on a flat surface.
   • Measure and mark where you want the rungs to be positioned (typically, space them about 12-15 inches apart).
   • Make sure the rungs are level and evenly spaced.

4. Drill Holes for the Rungs

   • For dowel rungs, drill holes in each of the 1×4 side pieces where you’ve made your marks. The hole diameter should match the size of the dowels you are using. For 1×2 rungs, you can attach them directly on the sides with screws or nails.
   • If you want a more rustic look, consider drilling slightly offset holes for a less perfect finish.

5. Attach the Rungs

   • For dowels: Insert the dowels into the holes you’ve drilled. You can use wood glue to secure them in place and then reinforce them with screws if necessary.
   • For 1×2 rungs: Position each rung between the two 1x4s and secure them with screws or nails.

6. Assemble the Ladder Frame

   • Once all rungs are attached, make sure everything is secure and sturdy. If you’re using dowels, you may need to add screws on either side of each rung for added support.

7. Finish the Wood

   • Sand the entire ladder again to smooth out any rough spots or excess glue.
   • Stain or paint the ladder with a farmhouse style finish. You can use a light stain for a more natural look or paint it white or gray for that rustic farmhouse aesthetic.
   • For an extra touch of farmhouse charm, you can distress the ladder by gently sanding the edges to reveal some of the wood underneath.

8. Allow to Dry and Cure

   • Let your ladder dry completely if stained or painted before using it.

Final Tips:

• For a weathered look: You can use a combination of a darker stain and white paint, applying the paint first and then distressing it by sanding some areas.
• Add decorative accents: You can add hooks to the top of the ladder to make it multifunctional or add a jute rope around the top for a more rustic touch.

Now you have a beautiful, farmhouse-style wooden towel ladder ready to add a bit of charm and functionality to your space!