Are you tired of towels cluttering your bathroom or lacking a stylish place to hang them? A DIY towel ladder might be just what you need! This simple project can transform your bathroom by adding functionality and vintage charm.
When we moved into our house 4 years ago, the trees in our yard were secured with wood stakes.
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As the trees grew and got stronger, we removed the stakes and stored them in our garage, hoping to make something out of them one day!
Well, my friends, that day is finally here!
We will use the tree stakes to make a DIY towel ladder for our primary bathroom.
Here’s a peek at our antique-inspired creation!
Let’s get started!
Gather Materials
Here are the tree stakes we saved from our yard.
We adore the weathered texture and will keep them this way so our ladder looks antique!
The gray and tan tones of the wood will match our bathroom perfectly!
Gather the following materials to complete this DIY project:
- wood tree stakes – Lowes – at least two inches wide
- screws – 2-1/2 to 2-3/4 inch screws
- saw
- cordless drill – Lowes or Amazon
- measuring tape – Lowes or Amazon
- level – Lowes or Amazon
- painters tape
- clamps
- optional- paint or stain
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow each step to make a beautiful and practical towel ladder in no time.
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Wood
Cut the side rails
Our first step was to remove the rotting wood from the end of each stake.
We were left with 69-inch pieces of wood.
Next, we chose two stakes to use as the side rails.
Since the ladder will be leaning against our shower, we need to angle the ends that touch the floor.
Cut each end piece with the saw at a 10-degree angle.
Cut the rungs
You will need to cut four rungs, each 15 inches long.
Step 2: Assemble the Ladder
Place the side rails against the wall and make sure they are level.
Apply painter’s tape to the side rails where the rungs will go.
Our rungs are twelve inches apart.
Use clamps to hold rungs in place while drilling and screwing.
Choose screws that will go all the way through the side rail and at least a 1/2 to 3/4 inch into your rung.
Drill a pilot hole through the side rail and into the rung.
Then use your drill to insert the screw to hold the rail and rung together.
Don’t forget to make sure each rung is level before attaching the opposite side screw.
Step 3: Paint or Stain the Ladder
We love the antique vintage vibe of our DIY towel ladder.
If you want the same look, you can paint and distress yours to look like it.
However, if that’s not your style, you can paint or stain yours to match your bathroom.
Step 4: Final Touches
Add felt pads to the bottom of the ladder to protect floors.
Ensure all screws are tight and the ladder is stable.
*Important Note- This ladder is only for decorative use. It is not strong enough to hold a person. Please do not use it in an area where children could try to climb it!
Display Your DIY Towel Ladder
We placed our towel ladder up against the corner of our shower.
Now it’s so easy to grab a towel or washcloth as we walk into the shower!
This adorable basket is the perfect size to hold washcloths!
I bought it and the white ribbon from Hobby Lobby a few years ago.
We love how this project turned out!
Not only is it attractive, but it’s very functional, and you know the best part?
It was free since we already had everything needed to make it!
Conclusion
A DIY towel ladder is an excellent way to showcase your creativity while keeping your bathroom organized.
So, grab your tools, follow the steps, and enjoy the satisfaction of crafting something both beautiful and useful for your home.
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Blessings, Donna and Rich
Pin It For Later
More Bathroom DIY Inspiration
If you love DIY, here are some other bathroom projects you’ll want to see!
- Make Bathroom Towel Hooks from Frames
- How to Create a Towel Rack from Scrap Wood
- Tips to Transform a Tissue Box
- Easily Install a New Shower Head
- How to Replace Your Bathroom Light Fixture
Get The Look
If you need a decorative way to store towels in your bathroom but don’t like to DIY, here are some options to consider!
Click the blue links below for more information on each item in the picture!
Five Foot Gray Wood Ladder // 4.5 Foot Washed Wood Ladder // 4 Tier Ladder Shelf
Metal Towel Ladder // Freestanding Towel Rack // Towel Rack for Wall
**Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. We appreciate your support. (disclosure policy)
LOVE this, Donna!! What a creative way to use those old wood pieces. The ladder looks SUPER high end…like pottery barn or Anthropolgie-esque. It’s even more amazing that it was free…those are the best kind of projects!
I agree Rachel, you know I love to decorate on a budget, but free is always best! Thank you so much!
Such a fun way to display your towels, Donna. I love how rustic this ladder is – it has such a pretty patina – and it’s the perfect way to stay organized too! Hugs, CoCo
Thank you my friend! Isn’t that natural patina gorgeous? I love how it turned out too and that I didn’t have to paint or stain it, lol! Thanks and have a great day!
Thanks for sharing with us, I’m featuring you this week when the next To Grandma’s house we go link party starts!
That’s such great news! I’m very thankful to be featured at your party and appreciate it greatly! See you there!
I love the way this ladder turned out Donna, and the aged look of the wood is spot on. Big fan of it being free too, you and I are so alike in that we keep everything in mind for future projects. This looks right at home in your bathroom, great job my friend!
Thank you! I really need to get rid of some of my decor pieces and stuff laying around but I always think I can do something different with them! Waste not, want not, lol!!!