Blanket Ladder

Cut list

Board layout. Each row is one board, cut left to right, with the remainder hatched. Dark lines are saw cuts, about ⅛″ wide.

Build it

1. 
   01

   Cut the pieces

   Cut the two rails and the rungs:

   • A Rails, two at 72″
   • B Rungs, five at 17″

   Watch outPick the two straightest 2x3s in the pile. A twisted rail makes the ladder rock against the wall.
2. 
   02

   Drill the pocket holes

   Set your jig for ¾″ material and drill 1 pocket hole at each end of every rung (B), on the face that will be underneath.

3. 
   03

   Mark the rung positions

   Lay the two rails (A) side by side with the bottom ends lined up. Mark the top of each rung across both rails at once: 12″, 26″, 40″, 54″ and 68″ up from the bottom.

   TipMarking both rails together with a speed square keeps the rungs level, even if your tape is off a little.
4. 
   04

   Attach the rungs

   Stand the rails on edge, 20″ apart outside to outside. Line up the top of each rung (B) with its marks, flush with the front faces of the rails, pocket holes underneath. Glue the ends and drive 1¼″ pocket screws.

   Start with the top and bottom rungs, check that the ladder is square corner to corner, then fill in the middle.

5. 
   05

   Sand, finish and lean it

   Sand everything smooth, 120 then 180 grit, and round the rung edges well so blankets don't snag. Stain or paint, then a clear coat.

   Lean it against the wall with the feet about 8″ out. Stick felt pads on the feet and the back of the top so it doesn't slide or mark the wall.

   Watch outIt's a blanket ladder, not a ladder: never climb it. If kids or pets could pull on it, anchor the top to the wall with a small L-bracket.