Today, I am SOOOO excited to share with you our very last DIY project for the Outdoor Makeover Challenge!
If you missed anything, you can catch up on all of the details here. In keeping with this Outdoor Makeover Challenge , we’ve been tackling all sorts of fun DIY’s through the month of June, my favorite of which would have to be this DIY Pottery Barn Knockoff Table. This weekend, we finished up the last piece of the puzzle … this DIY Ladder Shelf.
It all started with this soon-to-be empty corner of our courtyard deck (we intend to move the BBQ to the backyard, so that we’ll have access to it directly from our kitchen doors).
This corner gets a ton of sun, so I knew right from the start, that it would make the PERFECT spot for a plant stand. And so, off to Pinterest I went in search of some inspiration. At first I was picturing a potting bench style table, but then this bright shelf by none other than my favorite handy-gal, Ana White, totally caught my eye. Knowing we eventually want to build a small bar table in another corner, it seemed like a much better idea to go with something completely different for this space. I also really liked the idea of having a bit of a ledge around each shelf to help keep everything contained and safe from any wind. My mind was made up the moment I saw it … I needed this shelf!
Following these plans, Brady got to work building the shelves and the frame in just a couple of hours. We did make a few changes along the way, the first of which started with the lumber – because our little hardware store didn’t have any 1×3 available, we decided to use 1×4 in it’s place around each shelf.
Brady followed the instructions screwing the ends together, but decided to use finishing nails along the bottoms of the shelves to avoid having a zillion screws show across the front.
And then it was my turn to get to work with some painting. Thinking it might be easier to get into all the nooks and crannies, I wanted to tackle this part before it was all put together. First up was a good coat of primer because, let’s face it, I don’t want to have to repaint this thing every year! I slapped on a generous coat of Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 heavy duty primer and let it dry overnight. The next morning, I did a really quick all-over sand as recommended on the back of the primer can and then I was finally ready to paint! With some help from my friends on Facebook and Instagram, I decided on an absolutely GORGEOUS paint colour (Benjamin Moore Origins’s Sweet Turquoise OR-368) and I just couldn’t wait to see it on my shelf!!! Because this baby is going to live outside, I was sure to pick up an exterior paint to help protect it from the elements. Here’s how everything looked after some primer and the first coat of paint:
And the second coat:
It was definitely LOVE at first sight! In fact, I smiled a HUGE, this is the prettiest colour ever, smile with the first brush of paint!!! Even more … I loved it SO much that on my walk back in from the garage to our main level, I found myself looking for more things that I could paint! Perhaps this will be the summer of Sweet Turquoise (I couldn’t possibly regret that, right?)!
Finally, it was time to put it all together! Brady went his own way with this part too – the original instructions called for the shelves to be offset a bit, but he really wanted the shelves to all line up along the back. So, to do this, he simply placed the shelf frame with the back down on his workbench and, after marking the suggested distance between each one, he set the shelves in so that their backs rested on his workbench too, creating a flush back. Lastly, he attached them all to the frame with a couple of screws on each side. Here’s how it all came together:
What do you think? I hope you are just as in love with it as I am (and I’m not just talking about the colour)! Clearly this shelf isn’t just made to hold plants outside … where could you see putting one of these to work in your home? Would you paint it a bright colour, a classic white or black, or maybe stain it?
I CANNOT wait for you to see how the whole space comes together in our Outdoor Makeover Challenge!!! Follow along with me on Facebook and Instagram to catch all of my sneak peeks and be sure to check back first thing Thursday morning for the full reveal!
*UPDATE: See how I put this lovely ladder shelf to work in our finished space here!*
Wishing you SUCH a lovely week!!!
PS. If you loved this post, be sure to subscribe by email to make sure that you don’t miss a thing! In addition to exclusive tips and inspiration, you might just find some pretty desktop calendars making their way to your inbox as a thank you!!!
Let’s just say, I’ll be showing this post to my husband tonight. ha! I REALLY like the color you painted yours, super cute!
Hahahaha! Wishing you luck Whitney! And thanks ๐
Loved it! Are there plans to follow? Can u link otnup?
It’s prefect, love it! Good job!!
Thank you Leigh Anne!!!
Most beautiful color everโฆ. Please share with me what color you used and the number and where I could buy that BEAUTIFUL color. You are so talented and have a excellent eye for color.
Thank you SO much Catherine!!! Here’s all the info you’ll need: Benjamin Moore Originsโs Sweet Turquoise OR-368
Looking for your color of the paint used. Can not find it. Any help on it?
Here it is Jamie: Benjamin Moore Originsโs Sweet Turquoise OR-368.
I’m totally drooling over that color!!! I love this, Kristi!!! It looks so great up against your siding. ๐
Thanks Christina! I’m SO in love with the colour too!!!
Oh I love the color!! Great job! Your blog inspires me to do more DIY stuff! Can’t wait to see what you do with your backyard challenge!!
wow, I wish I was this talented….I’d probably make it wobbly and slanted…you rock. Stopping by from SITS
Hahaha! It was SUPER easy Karen! Thank you SO much for popping by!!!
This is awesome Kristi! Getting me more and more excited to see the whole reveal ๐
Thank you Breanna!!! I cannot wait to see how it all comes together!!!
What a beautiful shelf! That is the most perfect pale turquoise color. Just love it! Thanks so much for sharing with us at The Makers. ๐
You are too sweet! Thank you SO much Alexis!!!
Kristi, this is so, so beautiful! I love the color and the lip on the shelves (perfect, since I’m a total klutz and would knock everything off of this). I definitely need one of these for my little potted herb garden ๐
Thank you SO much Amy!!! It would be PERFECT for a potted herb garden and the edging around the shelves will definitely help to keep it all in place!
This is awesome! I especially love the color.
Thank you SO much Amanda!
I’ve been wanting to have my own herb garden, and this would be the perfect place to display it! The color is super cute, too.
I totally agree Jenna, this would look SO pretty all filled up with potted herbs! Thank you SO much Jenna!
This is really very creative and such a clever idea! I love it! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Jodee!!!
I love that color. I’d like to make one of these but I’m scared I don’t have the patience. I’ve got nothing but time though. Haha. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you SO much Leslie!!! I am in LOVE with this colour too! It really wasn’t difficult at all … you could totally tackle it!
Love it!! Need one!! ๐ Maybe I can talk the hubs into it!
Thanks for sharing!
Hahaha! Thanks Bobbie and good luck with your hubby ๐
Such great teamwork from you and Brady! Great job and love the color! This is going to look even better when it’s loaded up with plants ๐
Thank you! I knew you would LOVE that colour as much as I do!!!
Oooooh that color!!! ๐ Great work Kristi (and the hubby!!)
Thanks Nicole!!! I’m SO in love with it too!!!
Thanks for coming by the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop. Love your post and appreciate you taking the time to share. I will be featuring this fabulous post this weekend on Facebook and Twitter. Pinning today!
Blessings,
Shari
Oh wow! Thank you SO much Shari!!!
What a fresh-looking color! Pinning your project.
Val @ artsybuildinglady.blogspot.ca
Thank you SO, SO much Val!!!
Very nice…love the cool sea cool you painted your shelf. I can’t wait to see your entire patio finished.
Awwww, thank you Erlene!!! I am SO excited to share it all tomorrow!!!
Ok, this is twice in one day that I’m seeing your awesome eye-catching photos on linky-parties! Following you because your ideas and craftsmanship is awesome! Love the color you chose for these shelves!
You are MUCH too sweet Shelly! Thank you SO, SO much!!!
I really love the Colorado as well as the design. I want one.
That should say color, NOT Colorado. Darned auto correct is possessed. @
Hahaha! Thank you SO much Patti!!!
Looks great! Love the paint color too!
Thank you SO much Shauna!!!
I love it! I have seen those around but would love to try and make one. Would you mind sharing a ballpark of what it cost?
Thanks Christa! It was pretty quick to make and really inexpensive. It only cost us about $30 to make and most of that was the paint and primer.
Absolutely beautiful!!!!
Thank you!!!!
Stopping by from Fabulous Finds & Linky Party. I love the color, great choice. So cute!
Thank you SO much Melinda!!!
LOVE this…I bought three of these “store bought” self units at an auction…but naturally they are made out of “fake” wood and not suitable for outdoors…this one is awesome and perfect for the patio. I am thinking cedar wood…maybe red wood. Possibilities are endless! Awesome! Thanks for sharing!
A stained wood version would be stunning!!! Thank you SO much for popping by Beck! Wishing you a lovely weekend!!!
I love it! ๐ Especially the color you used. I am going to have to put this project on the to do list. ๐
Thank you SO much Megan! I’m totally swooning over the colour too!!!
Brady is super handy guy and I know you’re thankful to have him for your projects! :O)
I love the color that you picked!
He really is! He hadn’t done much more than hang a picture until a few months ago, but he’s actually really enjoying building all of these little projects! I am SUPER grateful!!!
This is such a fabulous project! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Amy!!!
That color is absolutely to die for. So gorgeous. Thankyou so much for sharing and inspiring. ๐
Thank you SO, SO much Zakkiya! I am in LOVE with it too!!! So happy you are feeling inspired ๐ Have a lovely weekend!
Super cute! I am featuring you this weekend… Thank you so much for linking up at The 36th Avenue!
Oh wow! Thank you SO, SO much Desiree!!! Wishing you a lovely weekend!
Love this, thanks for linking it up to The Creative Collections Link Party!
Thank you Rebecca!!! Have a fabulous weekend!
Kristi, I am totally in love with your ladder shelf/plant stand!! The design and the color! I can see why you smiled so big when you first started painting – that is such a happy shade of turquoise, how much fun for your deck! I have been contemplating building a potting bench but maybe I’ll do this instead! Pinning for later, thanks for sharing at Best of the Nest!!
You are MUCH too sweet Lisa! Thank you SO, SO much!!! I’m thrilled that I’ve given you something else to think about for your space!
Oh so cute! I love the color as well. I could definitely see this on my balcony! Thanks for sharing on Hump Day Happenings : )
I have a ladder shelf that is a dark wood and I loved it, until I didn’t, so it was relegated to storage, but after seeing how cute one is with a pop of color I think a little painting is in order! Thanks for the inspiration!
Oh good!!! SO happy that it’s inspired you to love an old piece once again!!!
So cute, I love the color!
Thank you SO much Kerstie!
So pretty, love the color you chose!
Thanks for linking up to The DIY’ers! Hope to see you back on Tuesday next week.
Thank you SO much Jennifer!!! I’ll definitely be there!
I also love that color.you are such a good d.i.yer I dont think I could pull this one out.great job!
Thank you SO, SO much!!! You could TOTALLY make you own, I promise!
Just came across your blog on DIY Sunday Showcase, and I love it! This project is amazing, I think Brady was so right to line up all the shelves at the back, I can’t imagine the suggested way would have looked as good. Thanks for sharing!
Anna
Thank you SO much Anna!!! I totally agree! Wishing you SUCH a lovely Sunday!
Gorgeous! So nice that Brady is able to help you with projects like this! I love the color!!!
Thank you SO much Jayleen! Yes, I am VERY lucky to have a hubby that is not only willing to take on all sorts of crazy projects for me, but is actually enjoying it!!!
Thank you for coming back and sharing with us at the #WWDParty!
Thanks Antoinette!
Oh girl. That paint color is speaking to my soul!!! I love this, please be sure to come share at our link party going on now. Please!
http://www.delineateyourdwelling.com/2014/06/link-it-or-lump-it-party-number-44.html
Thank you SO much Amy!!! I bought a gallon of it to paint that little shelf because I was so sure that I’d find a few other things around the house that needed a touch of Sweet Turquoise too! ๐ All linked up, thanks for the invite!
I LOVE the way your shelf turned out! It makes me want to build one! Thank you for sharing at The Creative Exchange. I’ll be featuring this today.
Oh wow! Thank you SO, SO much Amy!!!
I love everything about this shelf! The color is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for linking up to The Creative Exchange! I am featuring your project this week. xo, Laura
Thank you Laura!!! I will definitely be watching for it and sharing! Wishing you SUCH a fabulous week!
This looks awesome, Kristi! I am especially loving that color!!
Thank you Kristi!!! I’m totally itching to paint everything in my house with it now ๐
Your shelf is so awesome!! I love the color blue, so bright and cheery! I would love it if you linked this up to my Motivate Me Monday linky party at IT’S A ginger SNAP.
Thank you SO much Katie!!! Heading over to join in the fun right now!
This is such a cute idea! I definitely want to try it this summer. Pinned! ๐
Thank you SO much Sarah!!!
Super cute! I have a ladder shelf on my to-do list. Love how yours turned out!
Thank you SO much Emily! I’m sure yours will be just as pretty!!! Are you planning on painting it, or staining it?
Thanks for the wonderful tutorial! I love the color you picked as well–your space looks great!
Thank you SO much Alex! I’m still head-over-heels in love with that colour too!!!
Fabulous!!! Featuring you on my next post!!! XO, Aimee
Oh wow!!! Thank you SO, SO much Aimee!!!
This is just beautiful and it sounds like you made it really fast! That paint colour is to die for. If you’d like, I’d love for you to link this to Motivational Monday: http://thediymommy.com/motivational-monday-5-craft-diy-home-decor-link-party/
Thank you SO much Christina! Heading over to link up now!!!
Thanks for linking up! I’ve also pinned your project on my Motivational Monday board on Pinterest. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. ๐
Thank you SO much Christina!!! Wishing you a lovely Sunday as well!
What a great project! I love the color you chose and I love what you are doing with your outdoor makeover! Thanks for linking up to Thursday S.T.Y.L.E. Your link was the most click this week and we’ll be featuring you on Thursday!
Oh wow! That’s fabulous! Thank you SO much Katie!!!
I love this project and can think of so many ways to use this cute ladder. Thank you so much for sharing at The Handmade Hangout!
Thank you SO much Karen! I know exactly what you mean … I can see another in our living room and maybe even one in the bathroom!
I just love this project! I just wanted to let you know that I am featuring it on this week’s Weekend Wind-Down party! I know it is Independence Day, but I hope sometime over the weekend you’ll take a minute to come see your feature. You can grab a button and link up new posts. Thanks for giving us great content to feature! =)
Nicole
Thank you SO much Nicole!!! You’ll definitely see me there!!!
This turned out great! Love the color that you chose. Thanks for linking up to Turn It Up Tuesday!
Thank you Tara!!! I’m SO in love with the colour too!!!
I love this! The color and size are perfect and it looks great out on your deck! Pinning!
Thank you SO much! I’m finding a ton of other places to put one now too ๐
Love this! It looks perfect for that space!
Thanks so much for linking up last week at Creativity Unleashed. featuring you tomorrow on the blog! ๐
Oh yay!!! Thank you SO much Jocie!!!
I love it and that is a great color!
Thank you SO much!
Thanks for linking up to our Pinterest Weekly Link Up Party. I would say that the final project was a success. It has been pinned.
Thank you SO, SO much Aimee!!! I’m so happy that you love it as much as we do!
This is super cute! Pinned. Amber loved it so much that we will be featuring it at our next party! Woo Hoo! Thanks for being a part of our party. Happy Sunday! Lou Lou Girls
http://loulougirls.blogspot.com/
Thank you SOOOO much!!! I’ll definitely be watching for it and sharing ๐
This is absolutely stunning! Your awesome project is being featured today at Your Designs This Time! Thanks for sharing with us!
Emily & Erin
Oh, how exciting!!! Thank you!!!
I Love this project! It would make a perfect house warming gift. I would love it if you would share it on my meet up Monday Blog Party!
http://jennymaire.blogspot.com/
Thank you SO much Jennifer! Heading over now to link up ๐
I’ve seen these and loved them but did not want to pay the money to buy one ~ thanks for sharing this because now I can make one myself (or at least add it to my list!). Thanks so much for sharing at last week’s Project Inspire{d} ~ this will be one of my features at tonight’s party! Pinned
Thank you SO, SO much Mary Beth!!! I’m thrilled that you love it as much as I do!
I absolutely LOVE this! Thank you so much for the fabulous tutorial! I’ve been wanting one of these for my craft room for some time. Now I have just the motivation I need to build one! We would love it if you would join us at our link party with this fabulous project! http://www.kraftingkreations.com/2014/07/awesome-things-tuesday-link-party_8.html
Thank you SO much Amanda!!! I’m so happy you love it as much as we do! Thank you for the invite, I’m all linked up now ๐
I saw you featured on Lou Lou girls…This is awesome!! I’m definitely going to be making one of these for my sons nursery!!! Thanks for sharing! Xox
McKenzie
http://www.ohhbabybaby.com
Thank you SO much McKenzie!!! I hadn’t even thought to use it in the nursery … brilliant!
Love It! Want one, need one, my hubby needs to make one.
Love your color that you chose.
Hahaha! Thank you Colleen!!! It was pretty quick to make – I’m sure you can talk your hubs into it!
Love love love this!! Such a great piece to add to your awesome outdoor space. I am going to include this in my favorite things Friday!
Awwww, thank you SO much Shonee!!!
I love this ladder shelf! PLEASE stop by and share it this week on Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop (Ducks ‘n a Row) My readers will LOVE it!
Thank you SO much Sinea!!! I absolutely will ๐
I’m hoping to make this for my new house! Great tutorial! Thanks for linking up at the Creative Spark Link Party! I hope you will stop by again today to link up! http://bit.ly/1kbGQ7W
Thank you Michelle! It’s a pretty quick project with a {big} impact!
What a great idea. I love the color, aqua has always been one of my favorite for decorating a space and infusing it with some happy colors. I can’t wait to see what else you have in store for your deck and how the entire space will turn out. Don’t forget to add some pretty lanterns!
Thank you SO much Dagmara! We actually finished our space a few weeks ago … you can check it out here if you’d like ๐ Thanks again!!!
It’s beautiful what you have done with the home. I love how much light is coming through the big windows.
Thank you SO much Dagmara!!!
I’m pretty smitten with that color!
Thank you SO much Sarah! I’m so in love with it too that I’m hunt the hunt for more things to paint with it now ๐
Its awesome! I featured it in my link party: http://creativepinkbutterfly.com/pin-your-friday-favorite-4/ hope to see what you have for this weeks party!
Oh wow! Thank you SO, SO much Trine!!!
Very cute project. I’ve been thinking of trying a turquoise on my front door and shutters. Great inspiration here.
Stopping over from Kari’s at Thistlewood Farm.
Thank you SO much Cheryl!!! I’m absolutely in LOVE with the colour and have been searching for more projects just to break it out again ๐ I think a turquoise door would be stunning!!!
What an amazing color! I am so in love with the way it turned out. Pinning this for future reference!
Thank you SO much Teresa!!!
Hi!,
LOVE this. Want to copy : )
Question: Where did you get the paint?
And what brand was it
and what color???? Do you remember?
Thank you!
Cameron
Thank you SO much Cameron!!! I purchased the paint at Canadian Tire. It is Benjamin Moore Originsโs Sweet Turquoise OR-368. Thanks again!
Holy Cow, had to scroll and scroll before I got to comment section, this is really popular project, can sure see why. Love way your hubs made this with all shelves even in back and using the 1/4’s instead of 1/3’s. We live on top of small hill which receives great deal of quite wild winds so having higher sides on shelves is great idea. Just love how your shelf/planter/ladder looks and that color, my heavens, makes me so happy just to look at it.
I printed it all out and presented to hubs with polite request to make it for me. Will use kind of teal color paint hubs used on small shed and will use on trim on house soon. I’m hoping can get hubs to make simple shutters also, think they’ll help with upgrading curb appeal, house needs some help.
So glad I clicked on your project, maybe after hubs makes one for outside could make one for in house, yeah loving that idea. I was thinking of making wider one to put tv on for stand, would be different and more open. I love to have things little different, not something everybody would have. Have great week.
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Your ladder looks great, and I love the color! Visiting from Get Your DIY On.
Thank you SO much Ann! I can’t wait to load it up with plants this Summer!!!
Love it !! This is going on my to do list!!
Thanks Alli! It was SUCH a fun project to make and I can’t wait to fill it up with all sorts of flowers again soon!
That is beautiful! What a perfect color!
Thank you Jessica!!!
This is so cute. Now that you’ve lived with it for a while does it hold water being outside. If so, do you think drilling small holes on shelf bottom would fix it? We get a lot of rain!
Thanks so much Mary! Ours lived in a space that was fairly sheltered, so rain wasn’t a problem, but I think drilling a few holes in the bottom of each shelf is a great idea for yours!
I adore the color you’ve chosen so much (Sweet Turquoise) that I think I’m going to paint my craft room walls this color. Thank you SO MUCH for the inspiration!
SO happy you’re feeling inspired! Thanks so much Jennifer!
The color is amazing! I just cannot stop staring at it.
I was thinking of creating a DIY step ladder for pruning my trees in the garden. You article was very informative and helpful. I love how you went into details on the tools needed, step-by-step creation, and usage of the ladder. Thank you for sharing this!
This DIY ladder shelf idea is perfect for the motif of my soon to be lawn! I was planning on buying a similar thing like this to put my plants in as a display beside the swing on my yard. I’m going to color it Taupe. Glad you created this guide for me to do it DIY! Thank you!
Can you tell me the plan for this one? I looked at your inspiration but notice you made yours (or it atleast looks like) wider. Hubby wants to make this for me this weekend while Iโm with the grandkids๐. He wants the same color tooโค๏ธ
Hi Lisa! We actually followed these plans exactly: https://ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/painters-ladder-shelf (if you scroll down through the plans, you’ll notice that the green shelf drawings match our own shelf in dimensions). The colour we painted it was called Sweet Turquoise from Benjamin Moore! Hope this helps! Happy building!
Where can I find the plans for this. Love how it all came together.
Thank you! Here’s a link to the plans that we followed: https://ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/painters-ladder-shelf.
What a cute and clever craft. Just love the fresh color of the ladder. And the plants on it making it more eye catching. Thanks for the craft.
Thank you so, so much!
This DIY ladder shelf idea is perfect for the motif of my soon to be lawn! I was planning on buying a similar thing like this to put my plants in as a display beside the swing on my yard. Iโm going to color it Taupe. Glad you created this guide for me to do it DIY! Thank you!
So happy you love it! Happy building!
Are there plans to follow? I’d love to make my own
What a cute and clever craft. Just love the fresh color of the ladder. And the plants on it making it more eye catching. Thanks for the craft.
Thank you!