You may have several artworks at home, such as ceramics and glass, which you want to display. Table tops and shelves are not enough to show your collection.
Here is an easy to assemble artwork display which you can do yourself. You can build one from a used ladder or be creative and make an A-frame artwork display.
Tools and Materials
• (6) 1 x 3, 8’ long pine boards
• (6) 1 x 3, 10’ long pine boards
• (7) 1 x 12 boards
• 1 1/4” wooden dowels
• Trim head screws
• Connecting bolts
• Connection nuts
Steps in Building the A-Frame Ladder Display
Start with the ladder. The ladders would be your shelves. The beauty of this work is that the first ladder is your template for the remaining two.
The Long Side
Step 1.
Work on the long side of the ladder. The long side extends past the shorter side and measures 104”.
Step 2.
With your first board, measure 4” down and mark for the ladder’s first rung. Continue marking for the other six rungs. To provide wider space between shelves for taller objects, measure 14.25” between each rung.
Step 3.
When done, find the midpoint between marks 2 and 3 and mark it for drilling. This midpoint mark is where the long and short sides of the ladder connect.
Step 4.
When you are through with the markings, take your small drill and drill through your first board. This board now is your template.
Step 5.
This work has three separate leaders and requires six boards with the same measurement as the first board. When working on each board, clamp a board under the template and start drilling through the marks.
The Short Side
Step 1.
Take the 8’ board, measure 2.5” down. Mark and drill through the board and insert a screw. Make sure the screw is poking out of the hole.
Step 2.
Align the screw with the long template board’s predrilled hole between the second and third rung. Next, drill the screw in.
Note that the screw is temporary. Its purpose is to hold the 10’ board in place while you measure, mark and drill holes on the short side of the ladder. Once done, the first short side board becomes your template for the others.
Work the Edges
Finish the board edges. Rounded edges make adjustment of the ladder wider or taller easy. Adjustment is done by opening or closing the ladder.
Step 1.
Round the ladder’s edge by marking it with a roll of masking tape. This ensures that the edges of all boards are the same.
Step 2.
When all edges are marked, cut the excess off with a jigsaw.
Step 3.
Check to ensure that the long side boards measure 104” and the short side boards are 88” long.
Attach the Rungs
Step 1.
Cut the dowels to two different lengths. The dowels for the short side should be longer by 2” than the dowels for the long side. Each side of the ladder should have seven dowels.
Step 2.
Make a template to mark the dowel’s center. This template will show if the dowel is aligned with the predrilled holes.
Step 3.
Drill a small divot on the mark.
Step 4.
Fix the screws on the board’s sides making sure they are aligned with the divots. Next is to drill through.
Step 5.
Continue the process with the other boards. You are done when you have attached the other side.
Assemble the ladders and shelves
Before you assemble the ladders and shelves, stain, paint or finish all wood and let dry. To assemble the parts, use the connector bolts and nut caps. You can then adjust the A-frame ladder for your preferred spacing. When you think you have the perfect space, slide the 1 x 12 boards on the rungs.
The wonder of this project is that it is customizable to suit your purpose. You can opt to have two or seven shelves. And, its simplicity is a beauty but does not distract attention from the collectibles on display.
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