How to build a swim ladder

Let’s face it: If you have a dock or a swim raft at your cottage, it’s pretty much a given that you need a ladder. I know your daughter’s skinny 18-year-old boyfriend can exit the water gracefully unaided, but those of us who can barely remember being 18 need a little more help. You can, of course, purchase perfectly good metal and plastic swim ladders at any hardware/building store in cottage country, but if you’ve invested in a good dock or swim raft—or you just like having fun with cottage projects—then you may want to consider a sturdier and more attractive alternative.

Designing a top-notch swim ladder can be a tricky business, but there is one thing to be thankful for: Unlike your dock and swim raft, this project requires no permits.

Click here to download the plans.