How to Build a DIY Ladder Shelf with Basic Tools and Materials

Hey friends! Let's build a DIY freestanding ladder bookshelf!
This video is sponsored by my friends at ‪@HomeDepot‬ as part of the #THDProSpective program.
In this video, you'll see me using the Ryobi ONE+ 18V 10" Cordless Compound Sliding Miter Saw. You can grab all the product details and check it out here: (aff link) homedepot.sjv.io/rnVQKd
I’ve noticed that ladder bookshelves are trending lately and I’ve seen some neat designs that I really like that lean against the wall.
However, this is a freestanding option that is great for renters or those people who just can’t make up their mind (like me!) and like to rearrange furniture often.
This design (unlike some of the leaning options) stands on it’s own and doesn’t have to mount to the wall.
If you want to build your own, grab the project details and step by step tutorial here: www.woodshopdiaries.com/diy-f...
And grab the printable building plans here: woodshop-diaries.myshopify.co...
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SHOP NEW WOODWORKING TEES AND BUILDING PLANS HERE:
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Helpful Resources to Use in the Build:
How to cut your own 2x2s: www.woodshopdiaries.com/woodw...
How to cut plywood sheets: www.woodshopdiaries.com/cut-d...
How to use a pocket hole jig: www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-t...
How to apply iron on edge banding: www.woodshopdiaries.com/how-t...
Tools and Materials:
*Affiliate links below
Tools:
Ryobi ONE+ 18V HP 10” Cordless Compound Sliding Miter Saw: homedepot.sjv.io/rnVQKd
Ryobi ONE+ 18V HP Drill/Driver: homedepot.sjv.io/Aoo6Ya
Ryobi ONE+ 18V HP Circular Saw: homedepot.sjv.io/AooaYx
Cutting guides (only needed if you use plywood for shelves): homedepot.sjv.io/29PAQ
Pocket Hole Jig: homedepot.sjv.io/JrnodN
Countersink drill bit (Kreg Quick Flip used here)
Clamps
Speed Square
Materials:
(4) 2x2x8 boards
(4) 1x2x8 boards
½ sheet ¾” plywood OR scrap solid wood boards (see notes below)
1 ¼” pocket hole screws: homedepot.sjv.io/eGn3r
2 ½” wood screws: homedepot.sjv.io/1v7Bg
Wood Glue
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:33 Materials for the project
01:07 Let's Talk Tools
02:24 Assembling the Bookshelf Side Frames
05:12 Installing the shelf support rungs
07:03 Assembling the shelves
08:57 Attaching the Shelves
09:51 Complete Shelf Build

[@billevans1224]

I was just asked by my wife, if I could build a shelf unit and I came across yours, which was perfect..thank you!!

[@jeremysouthard]

Wow! Great project! "Mathematical Reasoning" and "Differential Equations" are heavy topics that deserve their own shelf, for sure.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! I’m glad you noticed the books…haha those were some of my favorite classes in school 🤓😅

[@raventree2664]

I have been binge watching your channel. There is so much information and inspiration here!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I appreciate that! So glad you enjoy the videos and find them helpful 🙌😊

[@nobuckle40]

Thanks for another simple home decor project. You bring simplicity and elegance together beautifully.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I really appreciate that! Thank you so much for watching!

[@ronnorris1504]

I love this ladder shelf. Looks relatively simple. Think it would look great in my family room. Thanks for sharing this project.

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

I love these shelves. So versatile. And I think I may already have all the supplies to build one. Thanks for sharing! I hope to do more building in 2023. And you have several projects I want to make.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! Here's to a 2023 full of building, learning, and enjoying the process! :)

[@SawdustmakerLori]

The ladder shelf turned out beautiful! You had a lot of help and supervision building it......ha! My dogs are afraid of storms too so my heart goes out to Lucy. Great project to start off the New Year!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! I definitely did have some "help" putting it together haha. They were good company :)

[@habsfanlafleur]

Your designs are always stunning!!! Another amazing job. Thank you again for making these videos, I hope you know how many people you inspire to build!!!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I really appreciate your kind words. Thank you so much! I hope you have a great weekend 🙌

[@habsfanlafleur]

One of my best "tool" purchases was a little magnetized digital angle reader. I can just stick it on the blade and let it tell me exactly what angle the blade is at. Love it!!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I’ve got one of those! It’s great for bevels

[@dustinsharp8645]

Such perfect timing! I've had new ladder shelves on my to-do list and here's the exact design I was looking for. Thanks!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

So happy this fits the bill for what you were looking for! 🙌 it’s such a fun project. Happy building!

[@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr]

I only wish you had designed this a few years ago! I built one very similar! Your step by step instructions are always the best. Lucy is like my Clark (a Pittadore), he doesn’t like the storms either! lol.. take care Shara and keep on building, you are the best!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I appreciate that! Im glad you find he instructions helpful 😊 I bet you feel my pain since you also have a dog with storm anxiety haha. She tests my patience, but I love her nonetheless! Thanks so much for watching and hope you have a great weekend!

[@brunnie]

Loved the project, so simple and easy. So, Lucy is thundershy and Bubby is doing close-up inspections, double checking your work. Really like how cordless is moving into the larger tool segment. It makes it so handy for any project or job-site. Thanks for the project.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! Definitely loving the capabilities of the cordless tools. The advancements the last few years have been awesome for having the freedom to work on stuff efficiently outside my shop. 🙌 Lucy is definitely storm scared haha and Bubs is definitely in the way whenever he can be. They’re so fun to have around the shop with me. 😂

[@johnkelley9877]

The shelf looks great! I agree that the same stain with black shelves would look good. Thanks for sharing this.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much for watching! Hope you have a great weekend!

[@pteddie6965]

Great looking shelf, Shara. You're right. This shelf would fit well in any home or office. Thanks for the video.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching and hope you have a great weekend!

[@Lutzboater]

This is a great project for any room in the house. Especially useful in the office, perhaps. Another project well done!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! This would definitely be great in an office space!

[@CC-kr2fs]

TThnaks for the lesson, easy peasy, and looking good. I use the corded version of the ryobi and love it. It made some crown work a lot easier.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

So glad you enjoyed the video! I really appreciate you watching!

[@chorei1663]

Thank you for this video. It's nice to see a thorough process of this build. I also like how you show the option to glue boards together to make the shelves as I might not have the space or equipment to breakdown plywood.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I appreciate you watching and hope it was helpful!!

[@timothycreasy2161]

Ms. Lucy doesn't like storms ? She needs a hug ! And that is a cute kitty too. 😺

[@WoodshopDiaries]

She is very storm anxious haha. She tests my patience with every clap of thunder, but I love her still. Her and the cat both 😂

[@Erik_The_Viking]

Nice simple design. Great to see the cat inspecting your work!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

He gave his approval...I think 😂

[@ablack4445]

I love this!! This will be my next build! Will look great on either side of my fireplace!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

This would look awesome on each side of a fireplace! Happy building!

[@ΓΕΡΑΣΙΜΟΣΣΤΡΑΓΓΑΣ]

So beautiful video, cool and useful project.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed it!

[@robertevans6481]

Looks awesome! And that is just like a inspector's job, always distracted your work, but this one is so cute...lol...have a great week in the shop

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha he mostly gives feedback in the form of requesting more treats 🤣 never stays focused on the tasks at hand!

[@timdyer7692]

Great project, Shara! It looks great, another project I need to ad to my list!!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! Happy building! 😉😁

[@craiggoodwin9704]

Shara, with great trepidation I shared this video on to my Wife. She has been making a list from some planter boxes to serious additions to our porch and deck! I've looked at that Ryobi compound saw you are using. It sure was great to see it in action. I think its going to be a great year. Give Lucy a hug. Thanks for Sharing!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

If your wife is looking for plant stands, this would make a great one! I'm glad you enjoyed seeing the saw doing its job...I enjoyed using it for this. It'll definitely be handy when I need to work on anything outside the shop and don't want to be tied to a power cord. I'll give Lou a hug and an extra treat or two from her fans haha. Hope you have a great weekend!

[@scottmorris4914]

Great, nice, simple project. Great job and it looks good.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@MCsCreations]

Bubby ❤️ Really beautiful work, Shara! It really turned out amazing! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Bubby's middle name is trouble haha. He makes me laugh every day. Thank you so much for watching and following along! I hope you have a great weekend!

[@jasonthomas1760]

Awesome build Shara! I could definitely use 1 of these in the shop. Be great to toss all the tools I'm using for a project so they are out of the way but still handy. And hopefully keep me from walking around mumbling "where did I put such and such"

[@GirlJustDIY]

I love this ladder shelf! Well, I always love your builds 🤭😍

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks, friend!! Hope you are well!

[@samme5513]

Very nice looks fabulous I love it

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching!

[@DMAG-3200]

Hi Shara, great project and it came out great. I think your dog🐕 and cat 🐈 just want to help. Awesome way to start a new year. Have a great and safe weekend.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! The animals sure are good company 🤣 even if they are a little distracting haha. You have a great weekend too! Thanks for watching!

[@lovejones7545]

Very, very nice! Well done and stylish🤙🏾💯

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much!! I appreciate you watching!

[@johnthompson3462]

Excellent.Putting on my "to make" list

[@WoodshopDiaries]

YAY! Glad you enjoyed it. Happy building!

[@sddiymakeitworthit7512]

That’s beautiful really 👍 it

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@davidmajersky1969]

You rock Shara love your work.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

That makes my day! Thank you!!

[@dr.handychandra6485]

Will make one from this idea. Thank's

[@norcross26]

Great project. Great job

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! Have a great weekend!

[@brewster3987]

This is a classic Woodshop Diaries build - elegant, functional, simple, and would look great in any decor style. Gotta say, when you were discussing piecing up the shelves from solid boards, I'm thinking "Nah she's gonna use edge-banded plywood 😁". An additional advantage to plywood is no wood movement concern so gluing works. Also, I don't think Lucy and Bubs were afraid of the storm... they were concerned that you would be though, so they stuck close for moral support.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha thank you! It’s definitely a “classic” Woodshop Diaries style build! And you’re 100% right…plywood for the win 🤣🙌 You’re also probably right about the pets…they’re hanging so close for my sake…not for theirs 😂 everyone always says I need to heat and cool my shop, but this is a prime example of why I don’t because I have to work with the doors open…if they’re cooped inside with me, they’ll never leave my side 😅

[@MrsHalf]

Love the shop pet cameos

[@WoodshopDiaries]

They’re good company and good entertainment haha

[@johannesputter8455]

Nice little Project!👍

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much.

[@kris_kreations]

Very nice.

[@mikecolo2158]

Nice project as always. The black and wood tone would have been sweet!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I agree! If I build another one, definitely trying the two tone stain 🙌

[@whatthemake]

i'm so glad i'm not the only one who has to lift a ginger cat out of everything that i'm building

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha he’s everywhere all the time 🤣 but I do enjoy the company

[@pn_chyne6649]

Awesome 😳 my future projects

[@WoodshopDiaries]

That’s great to hear! Happy building!

[@Ray_Sellner]

Since I gave my old Ryobi saw to my son, I picked up this new cordless saw.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

It’s nice to have the freedom to work without the cords! Happy building!! 🙌🔨😎

[@christophermckinney984]

Always enjoy watching you attempting to stay off the “Hot Mess Express!” Add to that the inmates running the asylum,…er, maybe the animals running the zoo is a better reference (though, as a fellow redhead, people seem to think we are soulless and on the brink of crazy at any😂 and every moment….they’re not wrong 😂😊). This is a great project though, with nearly unlimited possibilities of utilizing the space. I completely admire the way you come up with so many pieces that I would be happy to display in my home, but then you take it even a step further and give away the plans! Seeing’s in person r (Oh, and next video I want to see the cat on the floor and Lucy up on the table bothering you as you attempt to work!)

[@barryroberts6470]

Very nice build and looks great too it looks easy enough to build but i'll cock it up somewhere 🤣thanks for the plans it's much better to read off plans. Love how your Cat nudges her way into frame they are very nosy pets. Take Care and Stay Safe, Barry (ENG)

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I hope you find the plans helpful! And yes, that cat...he will find his way into anything to get a little attention haha. He's so funny. Have a great weekend and thanks so much for watching!

[@djameldjanet911]

bon travail madame ...et bonne chance

[@jeffnix3307]

Poor kitty just wanted some lovin.

[@georgewilmore7599]

Nice shelf using easily accessible wood.

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! I always like to keep it simple! Ha!

[@lolitabonita08]

lolol the cameos of dog and cat...

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Everyone always tells me I need to heat and cool my shop, but they’re the reason I always work with the doors open 🤣 if they’re cooped up with me, they’ll always be in the way haha.

[@lolitabonita08]

@@WoodshopDiaries Is interesting how our pets manage to get just in the area of your feet or lay down right there and then over the project u are working on...love them!!

[@letttttttssssss_gooooooo]

Letttttttssssss gooooooo!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much for watching! Have a great weekend! 😎

[@DontYouForget]

Amazing. What stain dude you use? And I’m making a shelf that’s only 3 tiers, so would it be the same process just down size it?

[@1996SST]

Another success and inspiration as usual. I have one question… what stain did you use? I really like the color on pine!! Looking forward to the next project 😊

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! It's minwax early american 👍

[@cmtorr12]

Please bear with me as I have a newbie question: when I went to find wood to build this, the only 2x2s I could find were called “furring strips”. Is this acceptable? I don’t have a table saw (yet) so I can’t cut my own like in your other links. Glad I found this video and am looking forward to getting into the world of woodworking!

[@ryobiguydiy]

That’s an awesome quick and easy build. Are we putting out a video for the build fireplace too?🤞🏾

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you! Are you talking about the fireplace from last year? kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5fWaKuMeth4fbc

[@ryobiguydiy]

@@WoodshopDiaries Yep! That’s the one lol! I saw the post on your Instagram a few days ago and I assumed it wasn’t on your KZbin channel yet, lucky me.😂

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Haha I just reposted it there because I didn’t have anything new to share at the time 🙈🤣 it’s a last year project. Hope you enjoy!

[@loserplanet]

Bubby heppin' 😺

[@joec96]

I just printed the plans. Thanks for keeping them so affordable. what is the trickiest part for a beginner? is it going to be getting the angles correct?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hope they’re helpful! Thanks for your support of my small business. I’d say the trickiest part is ensuring the shelf rungs on the front are level with the ones on the back. Since the front piece is slanted it’s not as easy as just measuring from the bottom of the piece.

[@wowyummyyy]

L I K E 👍👍👍👍👍💯💥💯💥💯🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you!

[@coreyreed8021]

I love this design and really love the color. Do you remember what color stain you used?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! Thank you! I THINK it was early American (Minwax). It was either that or Minwax provincial. Those are my most used colors and they’re very similar. Early American is my favorite

[@Ashhong1]

How would you go about making it gold on the frame and white for the shelves? Paint separate before assembling the two sides together? Or taping off and painting at the end?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

If you want to go two tone, I’d recommend finishing the shelves and frame separately then attaching together.

[@cameronussery8786]

Hey Shara, was wondering how you found your angle for the mitered cuts? I know how deep I want my shelves to be at each height, but not sure how to find the correct cutting angle to do that. Thanks!

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Hi! I just picked the angle I thought looked good then cut my shelves to work with that angle. It’s a lot easier to do that way vs finding the angle to match the shelf depths

[@aytviewer2421]

Does the iron-on edge material ever bubble or come loose over time? I've never used it and am wondering about longevity. Nice, beautiful shelf. Very cheap to make as compared to buying something similar for much more and what you buy will likely have particle board shelves and wobble after assembly. Very nice shelf indeed. I need to make one of those for my home office.

[@aytviewer2421]

OK, so I did a little digging about edge banding (by looking in your video description) and found the link to your page: "How to apply iron on edge banding". You answered ALL of my questions there! 😀😃😄😁

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching! I’ve used iron on edge banding for years…in kitchens, bathrooms, on dresses and cabinets everywhere. If applied properly, I’ve never had an issue with it failing or bubbling up over time (as of yet). Now, that said, if poorly installed, yeah, it can come loose. The key is to make sure the glue gets warm enough to melt and adhere…which isn’t difficult, you just have to pay attention when you’re applying it. I use it OFTEN and I love the stuff.

[@NPrice-oh9jk]

Did you use a planer off-camera to straighten your wood first , and if so which one do you prefer ?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

I didn’t plane anything for this project. However I do have a planer that I use on occasion. It’s a 13” Cutech but they don’t make them anymore. But there are a ton of options for 13” planer. I’ve heard Ridgid makes a good one.

[@dukep3929]

What software do you use for your plans?

[@CALB2009]

@Shara~ I love your design and overall size of the ladder shelving! What brand, type, and color wood stain did you use? I love the rich warm look it gave the piece! ~~Christy~~

[@WoodshopDiaries]

Thanks so much! It's minwax early american stain :)

[@hanifakon3012]

Plz build a makeup vanity. From Bangladesh

[@angelhoegarden]

What is the estimated maximum weight that each shelf can support ?

[@vincebaker3384]

when you glued on the shelfs to the frame how does the glue stick to the wood stain?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

It stuck just fine. I wiped off all excess stain and allowed to dry a few hours before gluing. I picked it up and carried it by lifting on the shelves after the glue was dry, and didn't have any issues. If you were concerned though, you could add some nails or screws as well.

[@vincebaker3384]

@@WoodshopDiaries Thanks 🙂

[@user-mq2rp8cp1m]

what is the name of this color? dark walnut?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

It's minwax early american

[@ashkanghaderi3318]

Does the glue hold on once the surface is stained?

[@WoodshopDiaries]

It did

[@mikemartinez002]

Weird coincidence. I just got this saw. For all the RYOBI haters: show me a brushless, compound, sliding under 40lbs that does 12” 90 CC all for well under $300. Oh wait. It also comes with a 4ah battery AND charger!

[@Bob-gn8ph]

You are so cool :-) if you have faith and love God you must be a Proverbs 31 Woman:-) read Proverbs chapter 31 KJV:-) starting around verse 10:-)

[@WoodshopDiaries]

That’s one of my favorite chapters! It’s something I strive for, but I am and will always be a work in progress haha. Thanks for the encouragement!