Restoring an Old Wooden Ladder

Article 15: Restoring an Old Wooden Ladder

By: A Craftsperson Who Enjoys Reviving Vintage Tools

Old wooden ladders, often found in barns or sheds, can be a great project for restoration. With some TLC, these ladders can be brought back to life and made useful again.

Materials

MaterialQuantityWood glueAs neededSandpaper (220 grit)1 packWood filler (optional)As neededWood finish (oil or polyurethane)As needed

Tools Needed

• Drill and screwdriver

• Clamps

• Sander or sandpaper

• Paintbrush

Steps

1. Inspect and Clean

   • Check the ladder for any loose rungs or joints.

   • Clean the ladder using a mild soap solution to remove dirt and debris.

2. Repair Loose Joints

   • If any rungs are loose, apply wood glue and clamp them tightly until dry. Use wood filler to fill any cracks or gouges.

3. Sand and Smooth

   • Sand the entire ladder, smoothing out rough edges and surfaces.

4. Finish

   • Apply a wood finish of your choice to protect the wood and enhance the grain.

Visual: Ladder Restoration

[Side View]            [Front View]
  _______                 __________
 |       |                |    __    |
 |  ___  |  <-- Repair    |   |  |   |
 | |   | |  --> Sanding   |___|__|___|
 | |___| |                |____|____|