This Inexpensive Quilt Ladder is a Quick and Easy Project
Customize the Number of Rungs, the Colors, and More!
A quilt ladder is a beautiful way to display quilts. It doesn’t take up much space, can fit in odd places, and several quilts can be displayed at once.
While you can buy many styles of quilt ladders, they can be simple to make and quick projects. The video further down the page from Do It On a Dime demonstrates how to make an inexpensive quilt ladder without special tools.
Photo from Lemon Thistle. You’ll find their DIY tutorial here.
The video says you can make a blanket (or quilt) ladder for $10. It may cost more than that when you add stain, sandpaper, screws, etc., but it will still be much less expensive than buying one.
Click here to watch the video at YouTube if it doesn’t play on your device.
The ladder in the video is distressed for a more rustic look. However, you can stain or paint yours without the distressing for a more polished finish. You can also leave it plain for a natural look, although a coat of polyurethane will protect the quilts from raw or stained wood.
Distressed finish.
Ladder finished with stain.
Eight-foot furring strips are used to construct the ladder (2″ although they actually measure 1.37″ x 1.37″). Home Depot and Lowe’s will cut them to size for you.
Raw wood would look similar to this.
A written tutorial is available from Corey Willis of Hey There, Home. She uses a similar construction method although her ladder is sized a bit differently, has 4 rungs instead of 5, and uses 2 furring strips instead of 3. You’ll also find a lot of helpful tips including how to keep the ladder from slipping on slick floors and how to protect the wall from scuff marks.
Construct your ladder with furring strips, like those found here.
You’ll need 2″ or 2.5″ screws to attach the rungs to the rails (sides). The video recommends these.
Minwax Penetrating Stain is a good choice for staining your ladder. You’ll find several colors here.
Dry-brushed chalk paint can produce a weathered look. You’ll find several to choose from here.
Polyurethane will create a protective barrier and give the ladder a nice sheen. Choose between gloss or semi-gloss here.
Indoor latex paint in any color works nicely too. Choose between flat, eggshell, satin, or gloss here (we prefer satin for a light sheen).
If you prefer to buy a quilt ladder you’ll find several to choose from here. Etsy has many beautiful quilt ladders and some can be customized by color and size. Explore the options here.
