Reality Daydream

The Dream is Free, The Hustle Sold Separately

Mini Ladder Shelf for Serving & Organization

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Happy Monday! How’s that for an oxymoron?

Let me tell you how this went…  Ring, Ring.

  • Nick: Hey Babe, What’s up?
  • Beth: Hey I’m at Lowes and I have this project that I want to do.
  • Nick:  Ok, what is it?
  • Beth: I want to build a small ladder shelf to put food on. What do I need to buy?
  • Nick:  ……. Uhhhh. IDK, just buy a bunch of 1×4’s…

Yup that is pretty much how things go around here.  We just roll with it.  Upon my arrival home, we started discussing the logistics. I can see things in my mind, but don’t have the engineering mindset to expedite my ideas.

Nick here… so once I had the height and depth I found the length of the Hypotenuse by using Pythagoras theorem(a2 + b2 = c2).  Then I found the Angle using the Law of Sine/Cosine. Or if you want a cheat aide.  Here is a link.

Beth here… SAY WHA????

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source

Suffice to say, Nick was the brains of this operation. We started by cutting the pieces we need out of 1×4’s.  Pictured below are the Front leg, Back leg and rungs.

Cut wood to size... Mini Ladder Shelf {Sawdust and Embryos}

We cut them to length using our Ryobi Miter saw, then we ripped them down on the table saw.  We ripped the back legs down to 3” and the Front Legs down to 2 1/4”.  Ripping the Front legs to 2 1/4” allows the entire assembly to fold together when not in use.  Offering a tidy solution for storage.  We ripped the back rungs to 1” and the front rungs at 1” with the blade at a 30* angle (optional).

Cut Rip Route... Mini Ladder Shelf {Sawdust and Embryos}

We then traced a radius (I think we used a lid) on the back leg and cut it using our Ryobi band saw.

Ryobi Band saw

Next, using a square, we laid out the back leg and the front leg to the rise and run dimensions we specified; 24” rise and 14” run. and traced the radius onto the top of the front leg.  Back to the band saw to cut that radius.

Then we routed the outside radius edge of the back leg and the inside radius edge of the front leg. Using the Kreg jig we drilled pocket holes in the back rungs.

Sawdust and Embryos

Glue and Screw! The rungs will hold the shelves (we spaced ours 9” apart).

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We then clamped the front leg and back leg into position and drilled a hole the diameter of your screw through both legs.  We positioned the hole at the center of the front leg (this will allow it to fold up nicely, when not in use).

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I then drilled the front leg the diameter of the threaded insert and screwed the threaded insert into the hole using a Allen wrench.  We used 1/4-20 screws and inserts.

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Once we had the back leg and front leg assembled, we were able to lay out the position of the front rungs.  I held a square against the back leg and marked were the front rung would sit.

Level

Then I laid out the 1”x1” rungs and drilled a hole through the front leg and rung.  I know this looks like I am about to drill into my hand; but I can assure you I am holding a rung and my hand is in the clear.  I probably could/should have used a clamp… Safety First!

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Then, just like above, I drilled the rungs the same diameter as the threaded insert… and screwed into place.  We also drilled the front legs half way though with a 1/2” drill to allow the head of the screw to sit below the surface of the front leg.

Ladder Shelf assembly

I sanded, primed, and painted all the pieces white, and we assembled everything together, using flat washers anywhere the wood will be pivoting on each other.

Assemble Mini Ladder Shelf {Sawdust and Embryos}

Tutorial Mini Ladder Shelf for Serving and Entertaining! {Sawdust and Embryos}

When I was at Lowes, I found these cedar shelves that are meant to put on wire closet shelving. They were the perfect size I was looking for, and I knew it would save us some time on building the actual shelves. Because we had 3 different sizes of shelves on our ‘ladder shelf’, two of the 3 needed to be modified a little in order to fit.  So we popped one board off the top shelf and glued it to the bottom.  The top shelf needed 2 boards, the Middle needed 3 and the bottom 4. We then measured and ripped the shelves to their perfect size using a table saw.

Cedar Shelving inserts used as shelves for mini ladder shelf {Sawdust and Embryos}

The shelves set perfectly onto each rung! And I love the dual-tone look of the glossy white against the cedar shelves.

Tutorial! Mini Ladder Shelf for Serving and Entertaining {Sawdust and Embryos}

And it folds up beautifully for ease of storage!

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We do a lot of entertaining, and almost always use our credenza to spread out food buffet-style to keep the actual dinner table uncluttered. This new addition will create even more added space for treats, and looks so classy and custom too! Perfect timing for holiday entertaining if you ask me


I have a feeling I won’t be using the ‘folding’ feature much, because when I’m not using this for entertaining, I’ll likely be utilizing it in the craft room for super cute storage! IN FACT, maybe I’ll have Nick ‘whip up’ a few more for me in his free time (when he’s not sleeping or working 70 hours a week). HA!

Bethany {Sawdust and Embryos}

My gut tells me I should stop while I’m ahead. Over and out!

 

 

 

 

DIY Mini Ladder Shelf for Serving and Entertaining! {Sawdust and Embryos}

 

Thanks for pinning! <3

mini-ladder-shelf-for-serving-and-entertaining-and-it-collapses-when-not-in-use-reality-daydream

Disclosure: we’re SUPER HONORED to have been chosen as a “Lowes Creator”, and were provided with a Lowes gift card to help with the cost of supplies… but as always, all ideas, thoughts and opinions are 100% our own. Because that’s how we roll yo.

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Comments

  2. 31

    I can’t seem to find the tutorial on Lowes website, would you be able to provide cut and material list? How long were each rung?

    Reply
  3. 32

    Would love to BUY one (or two) of these from you instead of building it. I don’t have any of those tools. Any chance you’re selling them now?

    Reply
    • 33

      Hi Lindsey! Unfortunately we don’t sell these. Many of the items we give tutorials for, we also sell on our Etsy shop, but our shop is closed until further notice because I’m having a baby any day. So sorry!

      Reply
  7. 38

    I just found the hubbs newest project. It would be so helpful when entertaining. I wish I had a few for this weekend (birthday party/bonfire). I’m sure my sister would love this too.
    As for the math part…I’m great with algebra, but once you bring in the geometry aspect, I’m lost.

    Reply
  9. 40

    You guys are hilarious!! You’re almost as cute as your girls!! (But, seriously, I love the way this project turned out! Unfortunately, there is nobody named Nick living in my house . . .)

    Reply
  14. 48

    This is such an awesome idea!! What I’ amazed by is that there is real life applications of high school math in this blog….that was like a blast from the past and I’m pretty sure this ladder could be a story problem for some poor kid unless they are like Nick and then they will be fine!!

    Reply
  15. 50

    LOVE this!!!!! I could definitley use this in my kitchen! And, my bedroom, and maybe my bathroom?? wow, you guys need to make more and sell them, or do a giveaway!

    Reply
  16. 52

    Great…thanks, cause I needed one more idea for something to build!! Dang it!! I think we may have enough wood in the garage to accomplish this one..hmmmmm….

    Reply

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Attention: Almost any do-it-yourself project involves risk of some sort. Your tools, materials, and skills will vary, as will the conditions at your project site. Reality Daydream has made every effort to be complete and accurate in the instructions of the plans on this website. Reality Daydream will not assume any responsibility or liability for damages or losses sustained or incurred in the course of your project or in the use of the item you create. Always follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions in the use of tools, check and follow your local building codes, and observe all commonly accepted safety precautions.