I love a project that turns a thrift store eyesore into something surprisingly useful, and this towel ladder absolutely does that. In this build, I take an old broken wooden stepladder, remove the damaged rungs, and crochet thick nautical rope right through the frame to create a sturdy open weave that’s perfect for drying beach towels, pool towels, or even lightweight throws on a patio.
This is a great weekend project if you like upcycling but do not want anything too fussy. As someone who is usually squeezing creative projects in between work deadlines and figuring out dinner, I appreciate that this one looks high-end without needing a full workshop. If you can handle basic sanding, simple painting or sealing, and beginner-friendly crochet with oversized rope, you can make this.
Materials
Instructions
1. Inspect the stepladder and make sure the side rails are solid enough to stand on their own as a frame. Tighten any loose joints with 1 1/4-inch wood screws and set the ladder on a protected work surface.
2. Remove any remaining broken rungs, hardware, or splintered pieces so you are left with a clean open frame. Fill old rung holes, cracks, or chips with wood filler and let it dry fully.
3. Sand the entire ladder frame first with 120-grit sandpaper, then smooth it with 220-grit. Wipe away all dust with a clean rag so the finish goes on evenly.
4. Paint or stain the ladder frame, covering all sides and edges, then let it dry according to the product instructions. Brush on a coat of clear exterior sealer and let that dry completely before adding the rope.
5. Measure the inside width of the ladder frame where the rope panel will sit, then decide how tall you want the crocheted section to be. I like leaving 4 to 6 inches open at the top and bottom so the piece feels balanced and still looks like a ladder.
6. Crochet a simple oversized mesh panel using the 3/4-inch rope and jumbo hook, working rows of chain stitches and single crochet until the panel fits the ladder opening. Keep checking the width as you go, because rope has less stretch than yarn and gets heavy fast.
7. Stop when the crocheted panel is slightly smaller than the inside of the frame so it can be stretched into place without sagging. Cut the rope with an 8-inch tail and tuck or stitch the end securely into the last few loops.
8. Position the crochet panel inside the ladder frame and weave the outer edges around the side rails at several points to anchor it. Use the rope tails to lash the panel tightly to the frame at the top, bottom, and every 8 to 10 inches along the sides.
9. Stand the ladder upright and check that the rope panel is taut and centered. Adjust any loose lashing so towels will hang neatly instead of pulling the mesh to one side.
10. Place the finished towel ladder on a covered porch, poolside wall, or patio corner, leaning it at a gentle angle for stability. Hang towels across the rope sections and let everything air dry.
Variations & Tips
Use a different finish: For a coastal look, I love a whitewashed or pale blue finish on the wood. If your outdoor space is more modern, matte black on the ladder with natural rope looks really sharp.
Try a simpler rope pattern: If crochet is not your thing, you can weave the rope back and forth through the frame in straight horizontal rows instead. It gives a cleaner, more structured look and still works beautifully for towels.
Choose the right rope: Cotton rope feels softer and is easier on the hands while crocheting, but polypropylene handles moisture better outdoors. If the ladder will live by a pool all summer, the weather-resistant option is worth it.
Keep it sturdy: This piece is meant for towels and lightweight textiles, not for climbing. I always give old ladder flips a little shake test before styling them, just to make sure the frame is secure.
Make sizing easier: When I am working on a busy weeknight, I measure the frame and crochet the panel in short sessions over a couple of evenings. Rope projects can get bulky, so breaking it up makes the whole thing much more manageable.
Add hanging storage: You can tie on a couple of rope loops or small S-hooks near the side rails for wet swimsuits, sun hats, or a mesh bag of pool toys. It turns the ladder into a really practical summer catch-all.