How To Build a Rolling Library Ladder

Who wouldn’t want a rolling library ladder? If you have a place for one, they are so fun and add a great visual impact to a space! Here is how you can build your very own!

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Supplies

• 3 – 8′ boards 1×6 or 1×4
• 2″ wood screws
• Rolling Ladder Hardware– I used one full kit and two extensions, but this will depend on your wall width
• 1/2″ oak dowel
• Polyurethane or other sealant

Tools Needed

• Miter Saw
• Circular Saw or Jigsaw
• Table Saw If you need to rip down the width of your boards
• Measuring Tape
• Pencil
• Speed Square
• Wood Glue
• Nail Gun (optional) with 1.5″ brad nails
• Multi tool or Pull Saw

The first step is to source your wood. I used 1″ thick (actual thickness) Ash, that was about 4″ in width. I recommend using a hardwood versus a softwood for added sturdiness if the ladder will be used by adults. Check your local lumber yards to find hardwood for a good price. I did have to rip down two of my boards to match the width of the third board. Then I cut the bottom of two of the boards of at 10 degrees with my miter saw.

Then on the opposite end of the boards, I measured the center of the board and used my speed square to draw a 10 degree angle from the center of the board to the edge. The edge you draw the line to should be the short end of the ladder side.

I then cut my step pieces from my third board. I cut mine to 13.5″ but you can cut them to any size you would like. I recommend laying your side pieces on the ground apart from each other until it looks right to you and then measure the distance between them. I then laid out my steps next to my ladder sides to determine how far apart each step should be. It should be somewhere between 11-13 inches, but I spaced mine apart a little further because I only had enough wood for 5 steps. They are a little far apart, but still close enough together that it isn’t uncomfortable to climb. After deciding how far apart you want your steps, find a piece of scrap wood (I used a 1×4 pine board) and cut both ends to 10 degrees parallel to each other. You will use this board to space your boards and make it easy to attach each of the steps to the ladder sides. Before attaching your steps, I recommend you sand all your boards. They will be easier to sand before assembling. Use the scrap piece to space your steps and adjust them to tilt to 10 degrees. I used glue and then my nail gun to temporarily hold the steps in place. Repeat for each step on both sides. If you don’t have a nail gun, you can move right to the next step, however, it will make the next step slightly more difficult.

Now you will take a 1/2 spade bit and drill about 3/8″ down in two spots at each ladder rung on both sides of the ladder. Then you can insert your screws into the hole. Then to fill the hole, put glue on the end of a 1/2″ dowel, pound the dowel into the hole and use your multi-tool or pull saw to cut off the excess dowel.

Now you can sand the dowels, and then either stain and seal or if you like the look of the natural wood, move right to sealing! I used a Tung oil, but polyurethane would also look great!

Now the only thing to do is to attach the rolling rail support, which is super easy to do following the manufacturer directions! As always, feel free to reach out to me with any questions, I’m happy to help!