SURPRISING SALVAGED MAKEOVERS : OLD LADDER POTTING STATION

We found this salvaged ladder makeover from sunset.com. They bought their materials but this is something you can very easily make from old ladders and planks you already have in your store room.

What they did: they took an old-style ladder with rungs on both sides* and created two slatted shelves using eight scrap 2-by-2½s, each screwed into its respective rung. Loose potting soil falls neatly into a dresser drawer below.

Extra credit: For a more finished look, cap the shelf ends with scrap shelving brackets painted white.

Time: 2–3 hours

Cost: $76

*If your rungs aren’t at parallel heights, level shelves with shims.

Note: Costs don’t include toolbox basics—screwdriver, screws, hand drill, nails, paintbrushes, etc.