I have an easy project to share with you today! I love using reclaimed wood for outdoor projects. Sometimes I just make stuff up as I go along, and learn better ways to do things. The next rustic ladder plant display I make will be a little different.
I’m still working my way through the yummylicious perfectly weathered reclaimed wood including fence boards, 2x4’s, 4x4’s and MORE!
For this project I chose a 4x4 and a 2x4. The 4x4 about 6 feet, the 2x4 was probably 8 feet.
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The first order of business was to cut the 4x4 in half. That’s why you see both tape measures laying there. I keep the orange one on this saw stand, and my self centering tape measure is generally on my smaller compound miter saw. The self centering was used to measure the length of the board and quickly tells me where the center of the board is. <math challenged>
After cutting the 4x4 in half, I cut one end at an angle to allow it to rest easily on the ground or driveway.
I cut it on an angle at approximately 33°
I tested the angle on the driveway to see how much slope I got on the 4x4. Works for me!
I cut three pieces of the weathered 2x4 at 13” in length.
I used a bar clamp to hold the uprights together, placing one of the “shelves” on the lower end and I worked on securing the top shelf with 4” wood screws
A small level is a must to make sure that the shelf is level to the ground WHILE the display ladder is leaning against a solid surface.
I have been using this extra long drill bit for years when I need a pilot hole in bed posts for headboard benches.
You don’t have to drill pilot holes, but these long screws get a little floppy, so having the pilot holes just makes things a little easier. I put one screw in both sides of all the shelves, and then went back and added a second screw on each. Countersinking all screws a) to hide them and b) to give them more hold into the 2x4 shelf.
I took these photos so you could see (and I could remember) the measurements of each of the stages. The overall length of the 4x4 is about 31.75”. There is about 9” clearance between the shelves, and each of the shelves are 13” in length. The bottom right image shows the angle that will allow the rustic ladder display to lean and make the shelves level.
Here it is leaning up against my diy picket fence. The best thing about this project? It can be out in the weather for many more years.
I only had one planter to display on it for this photo shoot. When I make another, I will make it taller using a longer 4x4. Since I didn’t really know what I was doing I just grabbed the first one I could find. I might cut the top of the 4x4 on an angle the next time.
You could make this with new lumber, but I would use treated lumber for outdoors.
I love making fun and easy projects to fill the time at the end of a day or while I’m waiting for paint to dry. There is still a lot of this reclaimed lumber left in my stash for many more projects.
See another fun reclaimed wood planter here
gail
Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
Wendi@H2OBungalow
Love it! I'd plant a bunch of garden herbs in little posts and place them on the rungs. Ps. I'm already loving my self centering tape measure! Thanks for the recommendation!
Gail Wilson
Ohhh, that's a great idea Wendi!
So happy you love your self-centering tape measure.
gail
Terri
I always enjoy your projects
Thanks so much for sharing
I've been daydreaming about finding
a slanted display shelf to reclaim into a
fabric padded kitty cat nap and/or sun bathing
slanted secure shelf. Someday, someday .,,,,,,
Sending positive healing thoughts to your pup
Gail Wilson
Terri,
I've never made a shelf for my cats, but I did do a repurposed cabinet into a window seat years and years ago. Thanks for the thoughts for Lulu Mae. I'm so hoping we can avoid the surgery.
gail
chris aka monkey
so dang cute and simple love this xx
Gail Wilson
Thank you! I love this ladder plant display too! I can't wait to make a few more for my picket fence... cuter than a shepherd's hook. š
gail
Eliz
Gail the Lord truly crossed our paths! Just when once again I think I know it all! You are once again genius! Taking pictures of your measurements is genius! I can't wait till I get over this stupid flu and start back up on my projects. I will definately use this as another tool for my success! (((HUGS)))