| This is a simple project that should only | | | | marks represent the center of the |
| take a couple of hours to complete. | | | | intermediate rungs. Offset these marks 1-1/4" |
| | | | on either side. |
| Supplies: | | | | |
| | | | Using your square, square off the marks you |
| You will need | | | | have just made down the face of the 2x4 |
| | | | uprights 1-1/8" deep. Square your marks |
| 2 - 12' 2x4's (uprights) | | | | across the top edge of the uprights as well. |
| | | | |
| 2 - 8' 2x3's (rungs) | | | | Now it is time to cut the notches. Set the |
| | | | depth of your circular saw to 1-1/8". Start |
| Exterior wood glue | | | | by making the cheek cuts of the notch then |
| | | | proceed to make a series of cuts about a 1/4" |
| 36 - 2-1/2" Deck Screws | | | | apart through the rest of the notch. Do this |
| | | | for all the notches. |
| Tools: | | | | |
| | | | Before removing the clamps use your hammer to |
| 4 Clamps | | | | break out the wood in the notches and clean |
| | | | up each notch with your chisel. |
| Measuring Tape | | | | |
| | | | Unclamp the two uprights and set them aside. |
| Square | | | | Now cut all the 2x3's into 19" lengths. You |
| | | | will get 5 out of each 2x3 but since we will |
| Pencil | | | | only need 9 rungs you will have 1 extra. Each |
| | | | rung is attached to the upright with exterior |
| Circular Saw | | | | wood glue and deck screws. You will need to |
| | | | drill two countersinks on each end of the |
| Drill with countersink and screw bit | | | | rung (so 4 per rung). |
| | | | |
| Hammer | | | | Now attach them to the uprights starting with |
| | | | the top and bottom rung. You might need to |
| Chisel | | | | use your hammer to "convince" the rungs into |
| | | | the notch. Don't force them into the notch if |
| Start by clamping the two 12' - 2x4's | | | | it too tight. They should only need to be |
| together with the top edge and ends flush. | | | | tapped in not beat to pieces. |
| Stand them on edge. The rungs are notched | | | | |
| into the 2x4 upright 1-1/8" so we need to | | | | Put some of the exterior wood glue into both |
| mark out notches. The top and bottom rungs | | | | notches and insert a rung. Make sure the rung |
| are 8" from the ends, place a mark at 8". | | | | in flush to the outside of the uprights. |
| This is the top of the upper rung and the | | | | Secure in place with 4 deck screws (2 on each |
| bottom of the lower one. Offset these marks | | | | end). Continue this for the reminder of the |
| 2-1/2" (the width of the 2x3 rungs). | | | | rungs. |
| | | | |
| Now measure out for the rest of the rungs. | | | | Protect you ladder with a durable finish like |
| Lay your tape measure on the 8" mark made | | | | paint or stain. |
| earlier and measure 16" increments. These | | | | |