Repurpose a Ladder Into a DIY Drying Rack

Once and for all, free your shower rods, doorknobs and chairs from hanging laundry, and finally make use of that wonderful fifth wall.

White Clothes Drying Rack Hanging From Ceiling in Laundry Room

DIY Laundry Drying Rack Made From Ladder

Doing the laundry just got a bit more enjoyable thanks to this clever ceiling-mounted clothes drying rack. All you need is a wooden ladder and some supplies, and you can put the fifth wall in your laundry room to work.

Photo by: Brian Patrick Flynn

Brian Patrick Flynn

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Materials Needed

wooden ladder
satin spray paint (in desired color)
(4) drywall anchors (1/4" threads)
(4) eye bolts with threads to match anchors (1/4" x 1 1/2")
(4) small eye bolts with wood threads
(8) locking chain links
(4) 4" lengths of light-duty chain
drop cloth
miter saw
safety goggles
measuring tape
pencil
sanding block
cordless drill
1/2" and 1/4" drill bits

Cut Ladder

Measure and mark the ladder to your desired length, then use a miter saw to cut the ladder.

Step 1- Cut Ladder To Size

Measure, then mark ladder at desired length. Using a miter saw, cut ladder.

Photo by: Brian Patrick Flynn

Brian Patrick Flynn

Sand Ladder

Using a sanding block, smooth out the surface of the ladder to prep the surface for painting.

Paint Ladder

Set up an area with a drop cloth to protect your surface before painting, then apply a coat (or two) of spray paint in a satin finish. Let dry.

Step 3- Paint Ladder

Set up an area with a drop cloth or cardboard to protect the ground before painting. I recommend using spray paint, rather than brushing the paint on. I used a white paint in a satin finish for a clean look.

Photo by: Brian Patrick Flynn

Brian Patrick Flynn

Install Ceiling Anchors

You'll need to install drywall anchors unless you're attaching your hardware directly into a stud or ceiling joist. Pre-drill holes for the anchors with a 1/2" bit (Image 1), then tap the anchors into place (Image 2). Next, screw the eye bolts into the anchors (Image 3). Make sure your anchor thread dimensions match the eye bolt thread dimensions or the bolts will not screw in properly.

Youâll need to install drywall anchors, unless you are attaching your hardware directly into a stud or ceiling joist. Pre-drill holes for the anchors with a half inch bit, then tap or push the anchors into place. Next, screw the eye bolts into the anchors. Make sure your anchor thread dimensions match the eye bolt thread dimensions or the bolts will not screw in properly.

Brian Patrick Flynn

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Brian Patrick Flynn

IMAGE 2

Brian Patrick Flynn

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Step 4- Install Ceiling Anchors & Eye Bolts

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Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Step 4- Install Ceiling Anchors & Eye Bolts

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Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Step 4- Install Ceiling Anchors & Eye Bolts

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Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Install Eye Bolts in Ladder

Pre-drill holes in the ladder with a 1/4" bit (Image 1), then install eye bolts on each corner (Image 2).

Pre-drill holes in the ladder with an appropriate size bit and install eye bolts on each corner.

Brian Patrick Flynn

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Brian Patrick Flynn

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Step 5- Install Eye Bolts in Ladder

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Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Step 5- Install Eye Bolts in Ladder

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Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

Add Chains + Hang Ladder

Once the eye bolts are installed on both the ceiling and the ladder, you can attach the light-duty chains. We had the chains cut into 4" lengths at a home improvement center, then added the locking links at the ends. Attach the chains to the ceiling first (Image 1), then the ladder (Image 2). Of course, you can adjust the chain length to accommodate any rack or ceiling height.