Welcome to my customized, shoe rack that I built in my garage. Dealing with smelly, dirty or wet shoes is a burdon that everyone has to deal with. We had piles of shoes in different rooms, in the closets and basement. I decided that I had enough and was going to build a system to allow us to put our shoes in one place while minimizing the amount of space required. I built this for me and my family but I wanted to share it with you all to hopefully inspire someone to build something.

Step 1: Decide to Consolidate

We had a number of normal shoe racks but they quickly were filled and overflowing, especially in regards to our winter boats. I decided that we needed to build something that could handle everything. I also thought I should build up, rather then horizontal. I basically made a peg board ladder that utilizes changeable doles.

The changeable doles allow me to change the peg length, replace broken ones and allow me to hang shoes upside down to deter little critters from climbing in and help any wet shoes dry quicker.

Step 2: Supplies

Supplies, while I am sure there are better pieces of equipment that would help with this build, I do not have them and instead, only used very basic items that everyone has.

(2) 2X2- eight foot

(4) 2X4- eight foot

(10-12) four foot 3/8 inch doles

(50-60) 3 inch screws

Drill and 3/8 bit

Screwdriver

Rubber mallet

Level

Saw

Tape measure

Stud finder

Sandpaper to clean up rough edges if wanted

Step 3: Secure Frame to Studs

To begin, I used (2) 2 X 2 that were eight feet tall and secured them to the studs with 3 inch screws. I measured the space between the two vertical supports and cut 2X4s to size. For me, the size was about 25 inches.

Step 4: Cutting and Drilling

There was 25 inches between each vertical frame board so I cut the (four) 2X4s into three sections. This gave me 12 horizontal boards. I then measured and marked holes about 4 inches apart so I had 6 slots for the doles. I drilled angled slots for the pegs using a 3/8 inch drill bit and a template that I had created from a spare piece of wood.

The template for the angle was done by free hand so it took a few attempts to create but once I achieved the results I was looking for, I was able to replicate it across all of boards.

Step 5: Secure Board to Frame

The boards cut, holes drilled, I then made pilot holes for the 3 inch screws to secure to the frame. I used a 2X4 to help gauge the distance between each board. I also put a shoe there to help ensure that I could lock in heels to rest there while hanging from the pegs. I played around a bit to get the right distance while making sure it felt secure.

Step 6: Secure the Doles

All of the horizontal boards up and secure, the next step is to cut the doles. I purchased a little more than a dozen 3/8 inch doles and cut them into two separate lengths to fit my needs. I cut 6 inch and 12 inch doles using a pair of clippers. I keep a few spares nearby in case I need a different size to hang something that requires a different size, the doles are interchangeable allowing for customization

I used a rubber mallet to drive in the pegs but was careful not to drive them in too hard because I wanted to be able to remove if needed.

Lastly, I used some sandpaper to clean up any rough edges and make sure that everything was tight and secure. Now we have a place for everything and can find what we need more easily.

Step 7: Job Well Done, Now Hang Those Shoes Up!

Now the shoe rack is ready for storage. There are 12 boards, with 6 pegs per board so if you were to put a shoe on every peg, that would be 72 shoes or 36 pairs but of course, for some smaller shoe and sandals, you can fit both on one peg so you can many more on the rack.