Inside: Easy DIY blanket ladder tutorial to show you how to make a blanket ladder just like the one in the Pottery Barn catalog, but for less than $10.
When I first set out to make this DIY Blanket Ladder I knew I was going to mimic the one I’d seen before in the Pottery Barn catalog and knew I could make it for much less, but it wasn’t until just (literally) a second ago that I looked online to find out the price so that I could knock your socks off with how much money you could save by doing this yourself.
What ended up happening is I knocked my own socks off cause they charged $249 for their blanket ladder and I made mine for less than $10!
I’ll pause while you rub your eyes and reread…two. hundred. and. forty. nine. dollars. For some wood that leans against the wall! Whaaaat? Ludicrous!
This project took less than 30 minutes plus some drying time. So simple. And look at the result!
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure.
Here’s what you’ll need to make a 5ft. tall and 18 inch wide blanket ladder.
What you need to make a blanket ladder:
- 16 feet of wood. I used (1 3/8 x 1 3/8) 8 foot furring strips that were $2.15 each.
- Eight 2 – 1/2 inch wood screws.
- Wood glue
- Stain (I used Minwax in Dark Walnut)
- (Optional) Felt pads to put at the top of the ladder where it leans against the wall so it doesn’t mark up your wall.
- (Optional) clear coat so that you don’t have to worry about the stain getting on your blankets.
- Drill
- Saw – if you don’t own a chop saw you could easily do this project by hand with a hack saw.
Ready for the simplest tutorial to ever appear on this blog? We’re just going to use basic pieces of wood like we did for our DIY plant stands and a few screws and I’ve got a quick video and a step-by-step tutorial with photos for you!
Click Play to See How to Make a Blanket Ladder
How to Make a Blanket Ladder Steps
Step 1: Cut one 5 foot piece of wood from each of your 8 foot pieces, so you have two five foot pieces.
Step 2: Cut four 18 inch pieces of wood from the remaining wood. (These need to be pretty exact.)
Step 3: Lay them out on the ground to make a ladder. I put mine 12 inches apart, but started 18 inches from the ground and left just 6 inches at the top so that I could actually hang a blanket on the bottom bar.
Step 4: Dab a little bit of wood glue on the end of each bar then attach with a screw from the outside of each side piece going straight into the center of the end of each bar.
Step 5: Stain it the color of your choice and let it dry and air out completely (so it doesn’t stink up your house or your blankets.)
Finish with a clear coat if you think your stain may get onto your blankets.
Doesn’t it look pretty?
The difference in price is just completely insane I tell ya!
What do you think? I think I’m on a roll with getting the look without having to pay a fortune. I did it here and I did it with my grommet top curtains!
This blanket ladder is headed over to my cousin’s house. It’s been on her list for awhile, and is the perfect gift!
Hey Corey,
I love your blanket ladder. I’ve been wanting one for some time, but didn’t know where I would put it. I am going to start making over our guest room and I think that would be a great place to put one. Can I please get the PDF instructions.
Thanks so much for all your ideas.
Hey Diane, the PDF version is available by clicking the box “Yes Send Me The PDF!” under the supplies list. I bet yours turns out awesome!
Going to the store tomorrow for these items! Also, I’m going to look for other things you’ve done – I’m super motivated and excited 🙂
I just bought one and it’s so flimsy. I will be returning it tomorrow. Yours is beautiful I want to try to make it
My daughter wants one of these blanket ladders and I would love to try and make her one. Thank you for explaining so clearly.
I am making this
Drying right now
I’m so proud of myself, and thankful for your share
My total cost was $8.29
Wood and screws
Already had Minwax and polyurethane
VEEERY EASY
THANKS
Awesome Pat!! Thanks for letting me know!
This looks so good I definitely want to make one! I was looking for a pantry ladder and it’s just perfect. But I was hoping that I could actually use it… How do you think I could make it solid enough to climb on?
Hi Jessika, this ladder is not built to hold a person’s weight. You could possibly use galvanized pipe for the steps instead of wood, as suggested in this tutorial by HGTV.
Love this blanket ladder……I’m gifting my son a vintage Hudson Bay blanket and want to provide some way to display it. This is perfect. Thank you!!
Love this, just made one as well, but wondering how you keep it from slipping on the floor? I have ceramic tile and can see this just slipping right down.
Thanks!
Hi Michelle, I haven’t had any issue with slipping but if it’s a concern at your house, I suggest attaching soft adhesive non-slip rubber pads to the bottom.
Yay just finished this up! They were out of dark walnut minwax brand and i got rustoleum brand. But I didn’t notice it had polyurethane in it and now mine is shinier than I’d like it, darn it. But I’m still thrilled! Found this tutorial first and when I saw $5 I looked no further. THANKS COREY!
You’re so welcome Ashley! I’m thrilled with your great result!
I will admit…I read ALOT of your readers’ comments after they did your tutorialand I am really in need of just SOMETHING crafty, but doesnt require excessive physical activity (I basically can do sitting on floor/no heavy lifting etc) due to an illness I’m fighting. On top of that… as agasp as it may sound, I know I wouldn’t have believed it ever… but even the $5 expense j have to convince myself as being a “therapeutic expense”.
Anyway, instead of the stain…could you use the simple craft paints that you would find in the ? 2 or 4 ounce bottles that come in a menagerie of colors at craft stores in white…water it down and just do a simple “whitewash rustic look” with a damp rag dipped in the watered down paint? I suspect you found still do a matte clear coat spray verathane for protection and let that stink air dry prior to hanging items on….but do you think that would not give it that rich color of the minwax and then look like junk?
Hey there! I actually think that would work pretty well but if you’re doing white, I think I’d go with a regular paint watered down. I would try it on a scrap piece of wood first to see if you like how it turns out.
Keep me posted and best wishes for a full recovery!
I’ve been trying to work on 2 of these for a while now. Finally got the pieces the way I want them to look and feel, and now I’m trying to put the screws in and they won’t go in all the way and won’t line up right. I don’t know how everyone says this is so easy to make. I feel like a failure or just an idiot.
Hey there! You may want to try clamping your pieces (laid out how you want them) to a sturdy surface and predrilling holes. It sounds like your wood may be harder than the wood I used and need a bit more force to get it together. Let me know how it goes!
You should prestige the holes for the screws with a countersink bit. This will not only make the screws much easier to drive in, but will also create a nice little “divot” for the head of the screw to rest in. This will be a more professional look and will protect against the wood splitting.
A couple of tips – make sure to use a countersink bit size correct for the size screw you are using.
Also, don’t use screws that are too long. This can make it though to drive them in all the way. Hey really only need to extend into ladder rungs about a quarter inch.
Finally – when you drill the countersink you want to create a countersink hole the same size as the head of the screw so it sits flat.
As another commenter stated, using clamps can also help.
Here is a little guide on using countersink bits. As a general rule, one should always predrill countersink holes when working with delicate wood, or when the hole is close to the edge of a piece of wood, or when you are making something that you want to be cosmetically pleasing.
http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/Countersinking.htm
Thanks for sharing those great tips Jake!
Made this today and it came out great! Very easy. Thank you!
Great idea! How much would you say it weighs? I’m curious because I’m interested in making one for my craft show displays, and would be transporting it.
Hey Sarah! It’s really light weight. Would be super easy to carry and transport.
Hi Corey! Thanks so much for this tutorial, I’m looking forward to trying to build myself one of these next weekend. One question – is it possible to attach the wood screws without a drill? I’m an absolute novice and don’t have any tools except for a hammer (*blush*), so wondering if I’ll have to buy a drill asap.
Hi Rashi! I would suggest using a drill with wood screws. If this is the only time you’ll use a drill definitely as a neighbor to borrow one. They aren’t scary, I promise!!!
Thanks! I’ll go buy one as I’m from India and drills here aren’t usually common household items 😉
I think you could easily glue this together with some super good glue. sorry i don’t have a glue to recommend.
this would eliminate the need for skill with a drill and also the predrill sinkhole thing the other DIY was talking about for aesthetics.
This is awesome and we got the supplies to make it and I’m so excited! Just wondering is there any reason why you stain after assembling the ladder as opposed to before?
No, not necessarily Elaine. I just didn’t have time to let it dry before assembling so doing it after made more sense for me. Hope yours turns out awesome!
i am SO EXCITED to try this! you are amazing!!!!!
LOVE this so much!! Thank you for posting!!! Made it this past weekend. Question though…I used the same stain and after 3 days it still feels sticky. Will it get better results more dry? Will it stink up my blankets because it’s still stinky! 😉
Thanks again!!
if after 3 days it is still sticky you have messed something up. Did you stir the stain well enough?
Hi Christine, this didn’t happen to me 🙁 I googled this and it appears you might have to start over. See this post on Home Depot’s forum for sticky miniwax issue. Hope this helps!
You have to sand the stain with 220 grit sandpaper to smooth it out
whenever i thought by myself to build my own blanket ladder, i found it hard and difficult, but by these instructions U gave us, now it is crystal clear to me that it wasnt that difficult 🙂
Thanks a million
You’re so welcome! Glad you found inspiration here!
Hi! A friend and I made two 8ft x 24″ ladders yesterday using your tutorial and they turned out beualfuflly. Thank you so much for sharing and inspiring!
My question for you – if you could go back and polyurethane it, would you? I’m wondering if that would take away from the rustic charm, or is it good to do it to protect the blankets (and keep the wood in nice shape).
Hi Martina, I think a not too glossy coat on top would be fine and definitely protect the blankets. Maybe even a clear spray paint might do it.
Thank you so much for the tutorial! I made this this past weekend and it could not have been easier! I plan to make a few more for friends.
That’s awesome, Cassie! I’ll bet they turn out beautifully!
Going to try this. I like the price! I was thinking of doing it another way but it was going to be too expensive, so this is great. Thank you!
Best wishes on your project, Elisabeth!
Hi. Already bought 2 8 feet (1 X 2) I have Wood screws and Wood stain. Plan on building one today.
Thanks for the inspiration
How exciting, Christiane! I’ll be your ladder turns out awesome!
Love , love , love it …. Look out Home Depot I’m on my way . Thank u so much for all the info. I’ve always wanted a blanket ladder
You’re so very welcome, Lynn! Good luck with your project!
This is wonderful! My husband and I are moving and really want a blanket ladder in our new home! What tools are necessary to cut the wood? Or can it be cut at the hardware store? Thank you!:)
Thanks so much, Kristina! It can absolutely be cut at the hardware store but if you need to cut it yourself and don’t own a saw, you can use a simple hack saw and miter box to get a nice clean cut. Good luck!
I went to the Pottery Barn website and their 5ft ladder actually sells for 249.00! The 8ft sells for 429.00!
Thank you for your tutorial!
Wow, thanks for the price update, Danielle! I love making high end stuff for less! Glad you found the tutorial helpful 🙂
Hi Corey –
I’ve been shopping for a blanket ladder to hold towels in my bathroom. I happened upon your DIY version. In the morning I’m heading to Home Depot to get the materials and I’m going to make it tomorrow. I think your version actually looks a little nicer than the Pottery Barn version!
I’m so excited for you, Earlene! I’ll bet it turns out awesome!
Awesome job!!! I’m going to try this….thanks for the tip😊
You are so welcome, Renee! Hope yours turns out awesome!
Love it! What color stain did you use?
Thanks Kelsey, it was fun making this. I used Miniwax in dark walnut, which is linked under the supplies list on this post.
Ok so I’ve had a blanket ladder started since Oct I know I know that’s a long time. Totally different wood as I hadn’t seen this post. Anyway how in the world do you go about attaching these boards keeping them in line and getting them screwed together etc… ? You didn’t show that part and the post I got mine from used a Kreg jig. I’m so intimidated by assembling this and noticed you don’t have pictures of that step😞.
My wood is prestained as I seem to always do stain and paint ahead of time I just need this done. Please help!!!! Thanks
Hey Tammy.
I didn’t use a Kreg jig because at the time I didn’t own one, but it would make it a bit stronger. I literally just predrilled the holes on the outside piece and then held the smaller pieces in place and drilled the screw in. The wood I used wasn’t too hard, so it was really easy. I did join pieces together with the kreg jig on my plant stands so this post may help you see how I did that.
Looks amazing! Thank you for sharing!!
I love this so much and am planning on making one soon! Thanks for the great tutorial! Here’s my question: are you planning on attaching yours to the wall in any way? I’m worried about the bottom sliding non my wood floors. Any recommendations for securing this? Thanks!
I made one of these in one Sunday afternoon and I loved it! I want to make some for friends 🙂 Thank you for this simple tutorial!
This is so great! I am so doing this! Thank you so much!
Hi! Did you precondition your wood before you stained? I love the look you got and what hoping to achieve the same coloring.
Hey Tiffany. I didn’t. Just slapped some stain on!
Thanks to your tutorial, I got inspired and wanted to make one that got my aesthetic. I had some branches that had fallen a week ago, and so I made this ladder from those still-green branches. Each rung had to be custom fit and cut to the side bars, so it ended up being quite a bit more labor than anticipated! But, the concept is still the same! Thanks for the inspiration, and simple, step-by-step help!
Hi Corey,
I completed it! Thank you so much it turned out great! I too had to use 8X2 1/2 screws. The 2 inch was too short. I literally just finished staining it and I can’t wait for it to dry!
That is so awesome Shawn!!! Way to go!
Completed my own project today and I am very happy with the outcome. I did make the legs of mine 6 ft long, as I wanted it taller on the wall. I followed the 18″ height for the bottom rung and then 14 inches for each of the others. I also used 2-1/2″ screws as the 2″ screws didn’t seem to bite in to the rung far enough for my satisfaction.
That is awesome Kathy! Love that you made it your own! I’d love to see a pic if you get a chance too 🙂
Kathy James do you have a picture of yours that you can display? Wondering what the spacing looks like?
This is wonderful. Thank you so very much for the instructions. Will definitely make one or two for my “new” 1940’s home.
You are so welcome!
Fabulous job Corey- and such a simple project!!
[…] spending about five bucks sound better than about $175? Hey There Home shows us how simple it is to make your own version of this blanket […]
[…] heytherehome […]
[…] but I know by the time we have one made for each room I’ll be a staining pro. We used this tutorial – we, being K. It was easy to follow, and we loved the diagrams. We used thicker word, I […]
You need to look again. I just did and that ladder is now $249. Great job!!! I’m going to do this for a Fall project. I have lots of quilts to hang on it and I think it will be perfect to prop in a corner.
Thanks for the tutorial,
Alicia
Oh my goodness! That is crazy! It really is so easy to make and is a great way to organize blankets and make a room look cozy. I’d love to see the result when you are done!
[…] Put together a Blanket Ladder to display cozy and colorful […]
My daughter sent me this link asking if I could build a blanket ladder for her. I have all the tools so my immediate response was yes. I was excited to have a project we could work on together. It all went well while working on it the thought crossed my mind that there is one thing $179 won’t include – an opportunity for a father to show his love for his daughter.
I absolutely love this! It is so true. One of my favorite things growing up was working on projects with my parents and I always try to include my kids in the process as well. That blanket ladder is going to mean so much to her for years to come.
Hello, I love the ladder and am pretty good at DIY, but I am very intimidated by power tools (also we don’t own any). Did you use a power saw to cut the wood? Thanks
Hi Brittany. You could easily use a hack saw. You will need a drill though. Good luck and let me know how it turns out!
If you get the wood at a diy place like Home Depot or Lowe’s they will cut it for you for a small fee. I think first cut is free and each additional is ¢25…
Beautiful job! A true craftsman!
[…] Get the steps here […]
[…] season. No mantle = no place to hang stockings! As an alternative, I created a blanket ladder using this tutorial with materials purchased from Home Depot. The stockings are filled with cuttings from a small […]
Oh…this is AMAZING! I’m SO going to do this! Thanks for the awesome tutorial.
[…] 3) Blanket Ladder […]
[…] via Tiny Sidekick […]
[…] DIY Blanket Ladder {Pottery Barn Knock Off} says: March 30, 2014 at 7:24 am […]
I have been thinking about a blanket ladder for a while. My question is for anyone that has one. Does it mark up your walls? In thinking that having it leaned against the wall and taking the blankets on and of would make scuff marks. Anyone have any experience with this?
Hi Cynthia! Great question. This one that I made for my cousin did scuff up her walls at first but we added little pads (like you would add to the bottom of a chair) to the backside where the ladder hits the wall and that took care of it. Hope that helps!
Great tutorial, but where did you get that pillow? Love it!
Hello! I just have 1 question. Where do I get the wood from? I have looked at Lowes to every craft store. Thank you!
Hi Amanda! I got these 8 foot long pieces at Home Depot. Any 1-2 inch square pieces would work just fine. The people at Home Depot are super helpful, so definitely grab someone and tell them what you are looking for and they can point you in the right direction.
If you have any more questions you can shoot me an email at tinysidekick@gmail.com (replying to this won’t work 🙂 Good luck!
just love this. I think i might have to make it this week
[…] Blanket ladder by Tiny Sidekick […]
[…] 29, 2014December 7, 2014 ~ sangstersurfaces I saw this idea on a blog I came across one day, and I immediately wanted to do it. I had some leftover wood from […]
Looks great. I have a 20 foot old wooden ladder that I can’t wait to try and convert with a little elbow grease
Awesome! That would be perfect and I bet the wood is just beautiful!
You start off by saying cut one 5 foot piece of wood is it supposed to say two for the side pieces? And is this something you can put in the living/family room or just the bedroom?
Yes. You’ll cut one 5 foot piece from each piece so that you have 2 five foot pieces. And you can absolutely use this in a living/ family room. In fact, I think it is most useful there and a perfect place to keep the blankets close by in a nice way!
What color stain is this? I love it!
Hi there! The stain I used on the blanket ladder is called Dark Walnut by Miniwax. I got it at HomeDepot. I’d love to see it if you do the project so let me know!
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[…] season. No mantle = no place to hang stockings! As an alternative, I created a blanket ladder using this tutorial with materials purchased from Home Depot. The stockings are filled with cuttings from a small […]
[…] season. No mantle = no place to hang stockings! As an alternative, I created a blanket ladder using this tutorial with materials purchased from Home Depot. The stockings are filled with cuttings from a small […]
[…] season. No mantle = no place to hang stockings! As an alternative, I created a blanket ladder using this tutorial with materials purchased from Home Depot. The stockings are filled with cuttings from a small […]
[…] season. No mantle = no place to hang stockings! As an alternative, I created a blanket ladder using this tutorial with materials purchased from Home Depot. The stockings are filled with cuttings from a small […]
[…] season. No mantle = no place to hang stockings! As an alternative, I created a blanket ladder using this tutorial with materials purchased from Home Depot. The stockings are filled with cuttings from a small […]
[…] season. No mantle = no place to hang stockings! As an alternative, I created a blanket ladder using this tutorial with materials purchased from Home Depot. The stockings are filled with cuttings from a small […]
[…] season. No mantle = no place to hang stockings! As an alternative, I created a blanket ladder using this tutorial with materials purchased from Home Depot. The stockings are filled with cuttings from a small […]
[…] season. No mantle = no place to hang stockings! As an alternative, I created a blanket ladder using this tutorial with materials purchased from Home Depot. The stockings are filled with cuttings from a small […]
[…] season. No mantle = no place to hang stockings! As an alternative, I created a blanket ladder using this tutorial with materials purchased from Home Depot. The stockings are filled with cuttings from a small […]
[…] season. No mantle = no place to hang stockings! As an alternative, I created a blanket ladder using this tutorial with materials purchased from Home Depot. The stockings are filled with cuttings from a small […]
[…] season. No mantle = no place to hang stockings! As an alternative, I created a blanket ladder using this tutorial with materials purchased from Home Depot. The stockings are filled with cuttings from a small […]
[…] season. No mantle = no place to hang stockings! As an alternative, I created a blanket ladder using this tutorial with materials purchased from Home Depot. The stockings are filled with cuttings from a small […]
[…] season. No mantle = no place to hang stockings! As an alternative, I created a blanket ladder using this tutorial with materials purchased from Home Depot. The stockings are filled with cuttings from a small […]
[…] season. No mantle = no place to hang stockings! As an alternative, I created a blanket ladder using this tutorial with materials purchased from Home Depot. The stockings are filled with cuttings from a small […]
[…] can imagine how impressed I was, when I found an easy DIY blanket/quilt ladder from heytherehome.com. She made a quilt ladder for $5! That’s a […]
This is just plain awesome. I can’t wait to try this! Just curious, what stain did you use? It’s beautiful!
Great question. I used mini wax dark walnut. You can buy it in a small little can, which is perfect for small jobs like this one.
[…] and how to go about cutting it so I looked for some specifics and found what I was looking for at this blog. I modified it a little bit and used the following […]
I was sitting here with my credit card out about to terrible buy that pottery. Arm ladder when I found your site! It is amazing! Beautiful. Do you mind if I ask what stain you used? I love it!
[…] Art Inspired Painted Tea Towels || PB Blanket Ladder Knock Off || Painted Cork Board […]
Awesome Jeremy! It is so easy and if you work with wood a lot I would imagine you would have most of the wood on hand as scraps. Looking forward to checking out your site!
I have wanted one of these “apple picking” ladders for as long as I can remember! Now, I’ll just make it. Thanks.
You should. It really easy an easy project! And you can’t beat the cost right?
Nice ladder, and it only cost $5! It’s unbelievable what retailers are charging for some of their items. Love the lamp knockoff too. I might have to try that one myself.
K.
Thank you so much Kristi. I agree. Sorta crazy what they charge, and what people will pay! Not this girl!
Oh my goodness! I love this! Thanks for such an easy to follow tutorial!
It really is so simple! Thank you for coming by!
This is great! I’m totally going to have to try this. Loving all the Pottery Barn knockoffs you’ve been making. Pottery Barn is one of my favorite stores but their prices are a little out of my budget. So glad your making these great inspirations.
Thanks Courtney! This series has been so much fun for me creatively! This one is totally easy. You should give it a try!
Gorgeous, Corey! Can’t believe you made it for five bucks!
I can’t believe the PB price! Yikes!
Wow!! That really looks easy to make!! This turned out really amazing, you can knock off anything and I think your projects look better then the originals. Great job!
This really is so easy! Thanks Sonnet!
Another fantastic knowck-off! Thanks for linking it up at Monday Funday! Pinning to our board!
Hey from Lovely Ladies, this is a great DIY hack list. I love the blanket ladder and think I’m going to give it a try!
You did such a great job with this! I’m trying to figure out where I could squeeze this into my apartment;)
Thanks Ginnie! It really doesn’t take up much space at all so I hope you try it! Thank you for stopping by 🙂
Love this! so cute and so simple! Great price point!
Dang Corey you knocked it out of the park AGAIN, this is such a great knockoff! Pinned!
Corey, I am so impressed by you (and this awesome ladder)! I also love that this seems like a totally reasonable tutorial that even I, with zero wood working skillz, could manage 🙂
I have an idea Amy! You come over and cook dinner for me and I’ll build you one! haha! No, really this doesn’t require any woodworking skills. Not that I actually have any, but I fake it pretty well while I’m learning 🙂
Sounds like a fabulous idea!
WOW, I love it and ALL your knock-offs! I hate paying full price for things and the mark up is truly insane! I definitely see one of these ladders in my future!! Thank you!
Ok, this one is super easy. Love it!
I just love your style. Great projects girl. Way to go !!! The price differences are just astonishing !!! I can hardly wait to see what you will do next 🙂
Sheila
Umm…I think I like your $5 version a lot better than the $179 version. Plus you can customize it to exactly what you want to hang on it.
You killed it! It looks great! I love every one of your knock offs!
Good work on this one, it turned out great! What a scam, $179!!??
You knock offs are always amazing but I think this one is the most surprising one yet. I can’t imagine paying $179 for a blanket ladder. With that said, yours definitely does not look like a $5 one! Amazing work!