Install A Rolling Library Ladder For A Stylish Way To Reach Your Tallest Shelves

Vertical storage can make a world of difference in any home, allowing you valuable extra space up top that may otherwise be wasted. The challenge, of course, comes in easily and safely reaching those highest shelves when you need to, which can be limited by unsturdy and bulky stepladders and unsafe options like standing on chairs or countertops. A functional and stylish solution, however, may be easier than you think. Many homeowners are installing old library-style rolling ladders which not only offer safety and functionality, but also look really cool and streamlined.

Sets of hardware and easy building tutorials on how to add or construct a ladder are plentiful online. These ladders not only give you a lift to reach high things, but can make doing so much more sturdy and safe since you have something to hold onto as you climb or move things down. The rollers also make moving around while on it and moving it where you need it much easier. It's much less cumbersome than a freestanding ladder or short stepladder, which both need a place to store them within easy reach. You can also completely customize your ladder and track in both size and style. Most sets are very easy to install, requiring only that you measure and use a level to screw them into the surface where you want the rail. You can find them widely available on Amazon for around $100.

You can purchase hardware sets designed specifically for installing a library ladder track wherever you need it. They come in various finishes, including silver, brass, and matte black. You can screw them securely into walls at the studs or into the shelving or cabinetry itself. You can also use a securely mounted backing board anchored into the wall. The length of the rails come in several sizes, with extender pieces to achieve the length you need for a more custom fit. Other items include the rollers that attach to the ladder and sit in the track, wheels for the bottom with locking mechanisms, stoppers for the end of the rails, and all the screws and fasteners you will need.  

While you can purchase a set that includes a wooden ladder for several hundred dollars more, using an older vintage ladder or building your own are much more cost-friendly solutions. Building one from scratch may be easier than you think. This great YouTube tutorial from Mother Daughter Projects DIY shows you how to build one from three 8-foot 1x4 inch pine boards. They use two for the side of the ladder, while the third is cut down to form the 12-inch long rungs. Just determine the angle you want the ladder bottom and steps to be (they recommend 12 degrees). Measure, mark off on the side pieces, and attach the rungs with wood glue and 1 ½ inch construction screws. Test the strength and integrity as you build.

A very popular place to install a library ladder is the kitchen, where carrying cabinets all the way up to the ceiling looks considerably more contemporary. The ladder offers a clever solution for your hard to reach cabinets, giving you tons of extra square footage for storing everything from pantry items to serving trays. These ladders also work great in places like basements and garages, where tall banks of shelves are most often the best solution at getting things up off the floor and organized neatly. Or use a rolling ladder to create a functional closet or wardrobe with additional storage up high. 

There is also a certain charm in using library ladders as they are intended. High bookshelves are a must-have for a perfect home library, but can also look stunning in any room, particularly if you love reading or want lots of extra space for storage and décor. For storage in a small space, a ceiling-height shelf circling the perimeter of a room can draw the eye up and provide extra space for books, plants, or décor. Install a ladder rail that goes all around the room for easy access. In addition to storage, these ladders can also be used for safely and stylishly accessing fun bonus spaces like high reading nooks and sleeping lofts.