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Before you start this project, you can have your dowel cut to size at your local Bunnings. We had our 35mm hardwood dowel cut to 2 x 1800mm lengths for the legs and 4 x 500mm lengths for the rungs.
To avoid drilling through the 35mm dowel, set the cutting depth for the drill press to 20mm.
Clamp an 1800mm dowel length into the drill press's vice. Then use a chalk line to mark the middle along the dowel.
Next you need to mark where the rungs will go on your ladder. For our ladder we marked in 400mm increments.
Line up the 35mm boring bit with the marks on the dowel, then drill 20mm deep holes for your four rungs.
Repeat the steps to mark, measure and drill the holes in the other 1800mm length of dowel for the ladder.
Once you've drilled your holes, use 180 grit sandpaper to clean up around the holes to remove any rough edges. Also sand the ends of the rungs to clean off any rough bits.
A good tip is to insert all of the rungs into one of the verticals first and then the other. You might need to use a mallet to gently tap the rungs into the dowel so they fit snugly. Wipe away any excess glue with a rag.
Use some clamps to secure the ladder together so that it stays square while the glue dries.
Use the sandpaper to lightly sand the ladder around where you've glued.
Now your stylish wooden ladder is ready to place in your bedroom or bathroom to hang whatever you like out of the way.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
