Making a wooden towel ladder for your bathroom is a fun and rewarding project that adds both style and functionality. A wooden towel ladder can be an attractive, space-saving solution to store your towels. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make one.
Materials Needed:
- 1×4 or 1×6 pine or hardwood boards (for the sides)
- 1×2 or 1×3 boards (for the rungs)
- Wood screws
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper
- Wood finish or paint (optional)
- Drill
- Saw (miter or circular)
- Measuring tape
- Carpenter’s square
- Pencil
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Design and Measurements
Before cutting your wood, decide on the dimensions of your ladder. A typical towel ladder is around 5 to 6 feet tall, but you can adjust it according to your bathroom space. The width of the ladder should be about 16 to 18 inches to accommodate towels comfortably.
For a simple design, you’ll need:
- Two vertical pieces (the sides)
- Four to five horizontal rungs (the bars that hold the towels)
2. Cut the Wood
- Vertical Pieces (Side rails): Cut two pieces of wood to your desired height, typically around 5 to 6 feet tall.
- Rungs: Cut four or five horizontal pieces, each around 16 to 18 inches long (depending on your width preference). These will be the rungs that hold the towels.
Tip: If you’re using a miter saw, you can make clean cuts at a 90-degree angle, but you could also bevel the edges for a more modern or rustic look.
3. Mark the Placement of the Rungs
Mark where each rung will be attached to the side rails. The distance between each rung can vary based on how far apart you want the towels to hang. A standard spacing is around 12 inches, but you can adjust it based on your towels’ size or the overall aesthetic you’re going for.
Use a carpenter’s square to ensure the marks for the rungs are level on both sides of the ladder.
4. Drill Pilot Holes for the Rungs
Drill small pilot holes into the marks where the rungs will be attached. This will prevent the wood from splitting when you insert the screws. Make sure the holes are deep enough to accommodate the screw length.
5. Assemble the Ladder
- Apply wood glue to the ends of each rung.
- Position the rungs between the two vertical side rails and align them with your markings.
- Secure each rung in place by drilling screws through the side rails into the ends of the rungs. Ensure each rung is level and square before tightening the screws.
6. Sand the Ladder
Sand the entire structure to smooth out rough edges and surfaces. Start with a coarser grit sandpaper (around 80-grit) and finish with a finer grit (220-grit) for a smooth finish. This will also help remove any splinters and give your ladder a more polished look.
7. Finish the Wood
Once the ladder is fully assembled and sanded, you can finish it with a wood stain or paint to match your bathroom decor. If you prefer a natural look, you can apply a clear wood finish like polyurethane to protect the wood and bring out the grain. Let the finish dry completely before using.
8. Mounting the Ladder (Optional)
If you want to secure the ladder to the wall, use mounting hardware or brackets to fasten it to the bathroom wall. This step is optional but can be especially useful if you have young children or pets that might accidentally knock the ladder over.
You can also use a tension rod or hook at the top to lean the ladder against the wall without securing it permanently.
9. Final Touches
Once the ladder is dry and ready, place it in your bathroom. You can now hang your towels on the rungs, and your stylish and functional towel ladder is ready for use!
By following these steps, you can easily build a customized wooden towel ladder that fits your bathroom perfectly. Whether you prefer a rustic, natural look or a sleek modern finish, this project adds both charm and utility to your space.
If you’re looking for more woodworking projects like this, check out Ted’s Woodworking Course here.