How to Build a Rolling Library Ladder

How to Make a DIY Rolling Library Ladder

7/28/2021

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Part of the plan when installing the elevated toy train train was a way to reach the train to turn it on. Although the LEGO train operates via a phone app, it has to be manually turned on, hence the need for a ladder to reach it!

On Steph's list of "making childhood dreams come true" was a rolling library ladder. She decided that this type of ladder would be perfect for reaching the train.

Here's how it all came together and with it, how she got to have her Belle, Beauty and the Beast, moment!

How to build a rolling library ladder for the LEGO train.

We used standard lumber for the build and hardware we ordered online.

Materials/Tools:

KINMADE Serene Rolling Ladder Hardware Library Sliding Ladder Hardware Kit with 39'' (1000mm) Round Track/Rail (Amazon)
(3) 1 in. x 4 in. x 8 ft. Select Kiln-Dried Square Edge Whitewood Board (Home Depot)
SPAX #8 x 1-1/2 in. T-Star Plus Drive Flat-Head Partial Thread Yellow Zinc Coated Multi-Material Screw (Home Depot)
Empire 7 in. Laser Etched Aluminum Rafter Square (Home Depot)
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 10 in. Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw W/ Free 8.0Ah Battery (Home Depot)
Rockler Portable Drill Guide (Rockler)
Makita 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Variable Speed Compact Router with Built-In LED Light (Home Depot)
1 pt. Natural Danish Oil Watco (Home Depot)

Connecting the sliding ladder rail to the wall.

The first step was to connect the rails to each other. Not going to sugar coated it, but these rails were a pain to try to get together. We almost sent them back it was so bad, but once they were secured to the wall, the poor connections were not a problem. We were able to screw the rails directly into wall studs so no additional header board was needed.

To make the ladder, cut the bottom legs at a 12 degree angle on the miter saw.

For the ladder we cut the two bottom legs at at 12 degree angle. Save that little cut off piece which will be used as a jig for the step/rung placement.

For comfort when using the ladder, Steph routed a curve onto the edge of the step. Once routed the curve was sanded.

The board was cut into seven 12 inch lengths for the steps.

Marking the step placement on the legs of the ladder.

Steph started marking the legs for the step placement using a carpenter's square, but then we realized we could use that cut off piece from the bottom as a jig to do this. No math required!

Marking the 12 degree angles on the ladder legs for the steps.

The steps are placed eleven inches apart which we marked onto both legs of the ladder. Steph used the "jig" on these marks to get the correct angle for the steps.

The steps were glued and screwed into place.

Steph once again used the jig to mark the placement of the screws for each step.

We used Spax construction screws to screw the ladder steps into place.

Steph used these Spax screws because they are easy to use and we like the look of the exposed screw head which would be part of the final look of the ladder.

This Rockler portable drill press is one of the best tools we've recently purchased. With it, Steph was able to precisely screw the screws into place.

Installing the rolling hardware on the rolling sliding library ladder.

The rolling hardware was screwed into place 3/4 of an inch from the bottom of the legs and at that same 12 degree angle.

We used Watco Danish Oil to finish the rolling library ladder in a nice natural or neutral finish.

A couple of coats of Danish oil was used to give the wood a natural finish. This oil is smelly so we left the ladder in the garage to off-gas for a few days.

The last thing we needed to do before attaching the rollers at the top, was to trim off the excess.

Drilling pilot holes for the roller hardware.

Here I'm drilling pilot holes where the roller hardware will be attached at the top of the ladder.

Steph clamped the roller hardware to the ladder and screwed the hardware into place.

Steph's Beauty and the Beast Belle moment on the rolling library ladder.

And now, Steph's Belle moment!

Here's a closer look at the hardware at the top of the ladder.

The ladder moves easily out of the way to access both the room door and closet doors.

All finished! It works perfectly in the space. When not in use, the ladder can be moved between the doors so that both the room door and closet doors can be fully used.

Picture shows the bottom of the ladder with the roller hardware in place.

This is such a fun addition to the LEGO room. It's functional, yet still allows for access to the doors.

There are kits available for rolling library ladders that include everything you need including the ladder.

It was actually a lot easier to build the ladder than we thought it would be. Once we realized all the angle were the same, it was a pretty quick build.

Where would you use a library ladder? I've seen pictures of them in kitchen to access high cabinets. I think that's a pretty good use.

Please note: This is not a sponsored post.

FYI: We are not professionals, and we don't claim to be. This is what we found worked for our project. Yours may need a little different approach. Safety first!

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