One of my favorite garage sale finds is old ladders. I have transformed many of them into different storage shelves. I love how my latest repurposed leaning ladders turned out.
This is simply an easily modified project using a few tools. This post contains some affiliate links. Click here for my full disclosure policy.
The more paint splatters on the ladder the better they are. People usually sell the old wooden ones at garage sales very cheap because they are usually rickety and unsafe to use as a ladder.
I used my Ryobi jigsaw
to cut off the back of the ladder support. You can also use a hand saw if you don’t have a power tool. The power tool just makes my life so much easier!
Simple and quick and it becomes a leaning ladder shelf. I usually will dry brush on white paint or splatter on some more paint on the ladder and seal with a dark wax to bring out the wood tones of the ladder.
I use plastic cable clamps
to hold the wire shelves in place. I purchased the baskets at Michaels but could not find them online. You can also use these lined wire baskets from Amazon instead of the burlap.
These clamps work perfectly for giving added support to the wire baskets.
These ladders can be used in any area of your home for storage or just for decorating.
Look at all that natural paint splatter!
I also made this repurposed leaning ladder earlier this year using a wooden rung ladder. No having to cut off the back support. I found this one as is already cut to the perfect size.
Now the next time you see an old wood ladder at a garage sale, I hope you buy it and make great use out of it!
Make sure you stop by a see what the Power Tool Challenge ladies created with this month’s theme of “Modify” You will love seeing their creative projects and ideas!
Modified Leaning Ladder Storage By Designed Decor
How To Resize A Wood Picture Frame By Her Tool Belt
Ikea Moppe Hack Apothecary Cabinet by Interior Frugalista
Portable Craft Table By Create and Babble
Grown Up Jewelry Box By Kim Six
Modified Dresser By My Repurposed Life
Bed Spindle Candle Holders By H2OBungalow
Ammunition Crate Table by Virginia Sweet Pea
Ikea Wardrobe Update By Domestically Speaking
How to turn Scraps into a Sign By My Love to Create
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Karen L Ploransky says
What a great idea! I would love to use it in a “future” post I have planned for repurposing ladders! I can see that in so many rooms–the bathroom, the kitchen, the office, craft room! even outside with plants. awesome idea!
Designed Decor says
Karen, Yes, it can work in any area of your home! Thanks so much! You can use the post it in your post round up as well.
Amy says
Ohhh I love your ladder and how you decorated it! So cute.
Designed Decor says
Thanks, Amy!
Jeanie says
I could use one of these in my bathroom – love this idea! I’ll have to keep my eyes open for just the right paint-splattered ladder! Pinned!
Designed Decor says
Jeannie, Thanks so much for pinning! Garage sales are the best for ladders because I find them for $5!
Paula says
I can think of so many places that this project could be used in my home. Now I’m going to be on the lookout for a ladder!
Designed Decor says
Paula, I hope you find the perfect one and cheap!
christykjames says
This is super cute and functional…love it!
Designed Decor says
Thanks Christy!
Maryann says
That turned out SO cute! I’ve got an old ladder… you’ve got my brain in action now!
Designed Decor says
Maryann, it was fun to do and so easy!
Marie from The Interior Frugalista says
DeDe, first I have to comment on the new look of your blog – very pretty! I’ve been wanting an old wooden ladder for a couple of years and sadly there was one left by my Uncle (the previous owners) that once belonged to my grandfather, paint splatters and all, and we got rid of it (what were we thinking). I love how you’ve hung metal baskets on the rungs. Once I find another ladder, I will be referring back to your post for reference. Pinning and sharing 🙂
Designed Decor says
Marie, Thanks so much for the compliments on the blog design. Yes, why on earth would you get rid of that old ladder, kicking yourself now! You can find them at garages sales for pretty cheap, good luck!
Gail (@repurposedlife) says
DeDe
I have several ladders in my stash, as I can never pass them up. I love how you modified this ladder, and great tip about the cable thingys. 🙂
Your ladders are both beautiful!
gail
Designed Decor says
Gail, I can never pass up a good ladder either! My husband rolls his eyes every time he spots a new one in my stash! lol
Wendi@H2OBungalow says
This is awesome! LOVE the baskets. I’ve eyed old ladders on Craigslist and have yet to bring one home. I’ll have a hard time passing one up again! Pinned!
Designed Decor says
Wendi, Thanks for pinning! I can never pass up a ladder unless they are asking for too much money, $5 is my magic price!