Once again, Pottery Barn inspired us to do a holiday advent calendar. Last year we made this PB knock-off advent calendar and this year we decided to knock-off their stocking ladder advent calendar . Let’s face it, who wants to spend $199 on holiday decor, when you can make is for less than $20?! Just think about all those extra presents you can have under the tree this year with all that money you will be saving. So let’s get building!

For sneak peeks of our upcoming projects be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram. Also, follow me on Pinterest to get tons of projects plans from all around the web!

Required Tools

Materials

Disclosure: The links provided in the “materials” and “required tools” sections are affiliate links. If you would like to support our site and help keep our content free come find out more about how we can make money with no extra cost to you.

How to build an Advent Ladder

Step 1: Cut Wood

Use the diagram below to cut your 1×2’s. Note: the rungs of the ladder at cut at 3 degrees.

Note: Print the diagram, it will make life easier 🙂

Step 2: Drill Pocket Holes and Assemble

Drill pocket holes on each side of your 1×2 rung pieces.

Using a tape measure and pencil, follow the diagram and mark where each rung will be placed. Then using 1 1/4″ screws being to assemble your ladder.

Step 3: Sand and Finish

Using 220 grit sand paper, go over the ladder until smooth. Before you apply stain, make sure ladder is free of any debris. Using a stain rag I applied the colors Carrington by Varathane. Once the stain was dry, I stenciled on m numbers using a small brush and white acrylic paint.

Once the number were dry, I then took 220 grit sand paper to them to distress the numbers as well as the edges of the ladder.

Step 4: Add the Stockings

I found my stockings at Hobby Lobby (50% off y’all!) I did little mix and match since they didn’t have 24 of the same, but it just adds character. I decided to attach my stocking to the ladder because since I had to mix and match, not all the stocking were the same length. If all of your stockings are the same, then you can simply nail in the large nail heads and hang the stockings from the. Or you can do what I did, and attach the stocking to the nail head first and then attach to the ladder.

As much as I love the PB version of this advent calendar, I have to say I might like mine a little more! Plus the cost was much less! It’s a win win. Hope you enjoyed!

Questions? Comments?

As always, if you have any questions don’t hesitate to comment below and especially don’t forget to post pictures of your finished products in the comments! ENJOY!