EP. 63 diy a-frame ladder bookshelf

This project is a good weekend project. It's not too tough and it doesn't take too long. I'd love to see if any of you all build this project. If you do be sure to tag me on Instagram @modernbuilds

MATERIALS AND SUPPLIES:

2 - 2x12's: From Home Depot

2 - 2x4's or 6 - 1x2's: Also From Home Table

Table Saw (Totally Optional): http://amzn.to/2qp7Vs9

Brad Nailer: http://amzn.to/2qhx3BR

or

Drill and Angle Brackets: http://amzn.to/2puRw8v

Miter Saw: http://amzn.to/2oRY2SQ

Wood Glue: http://amzn.to/2pI1fsO

Hinges (Better Than the Ones I Used); http://amzn.to/2qhrwvm

Minwax Polycrylic (Satin Finish): http://amzn.to/2qpg7c4

CUT LIST:

________________

1x4's:

4 @ 60"

10 @ 11 1/2"

________________

2x12's:

Cut to fit using Diagram Below:

I started by cutting down some 2x4's into 1x2's. I did this because my local home depot only had whitewood 1x2's. They were all warped and didn't match the Douglas Fir that the 2x12's were made from.

Of course if you don't have the tools to do this, and you have the same issues I did, You could always go with select pine or cedar boards that tend to be a lot straighter.

Next, I cut my 1x2's to length according to the dimensions above. a stop block is a good way to make sure your slats will all be the exact same length.

Before I marked the locations the tops of my slats would sit, I clamped all my vertical pieces together. That way everything should stay symmetrical.

I attached the slats with wood glue and brad nails. I made sure to use the contractors square I used when marking the boards on my last step to make sure my slats were square to each other. If you don't have a brad nailer, metal angle brackets could work well too.

The hinges I used weren't the best. They were a little small and wide. The one's I linked sould be better. I'm not great with metric so make sure they're not too side.

The bottom shelf was cut to 39"

I opened the frame so that there would be a 5" overhang on the underside of the shelf on each side of the ladder. Then I used my brad nailer to keep it in place. Angle brackets would work here too.