#DIY How to Build a Shoe Rack

6.9K1083

Intro: #DIY How to Build a Shoe Rack

If your shoes are scattered in boxes or, even worse, cluttered throughout your closet, consider embarking on a straightforward yet fantastic wooden project that will bring a sense of organization to your closet: crafting a wooden shoe rack. Our DIY shoe rack is exceptionally user-friendly and suitable for beginners in the world of crafting.

You should have 1x10", 1x12" and 2x4" lumber in different lengths based on your favorite wood - rustic cedar, modern pine, or sturdy oak.

Perfect for: Closets, rooms, or entryways.

Eager to create your very own shoe rack? Fantastic! Simply review the DIY construction guide and accompanying diagrams provided below to kickstart your project.

Instructions

Before starting - 

Note that the below diagrams were originally and carefully designed to make your experience easier throughout the the building process. Nevertheless, we refrain from providing exact suggestions for tools, hardware, or products to utilize. These designs are genuinely intended for a do-it-yourself approach.

As such - the builder has the power to decide what a significant portion of the build process will be up to. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to assemble any of our projects! If you need to ignore some of the instructions, or add steps and do it differently along the way, feel free to do so. 

Our only request is for your safety. Moreover, don't hesitate to consult a professional for assistance or reach out to local experts whenever needed – seeking guidance is always a reasonable choice.

And please: enjoy the process!

STEP 1: The Main Frame of the Shoe Rack

First, we will mark our 2x4" lumber with a measuring tape and a pencil. Ensure precise measurements for all dimensions because this frame must be robust enough to provide sturdy support for the shoe racks that will accommodate your footwear collection.

Mark your longest 2"X 2" - 44.5" Length lumber evenly from the inside where your small 2"X 2" - 13" length will be placed. The small lumber must have a mark in the middle to carefully drill and screw onto the longest lumber. It should look like a ladder. Look at the "Group 1" image.

Prior to drilling, it's essential to verify your measurements, especially since you'll be constructing two identical frames that must align perfectly in terms of height and the spacing between each lumber piece. We strongly advise using the appropriate drill bit for securing 2 1/2" screws.

With the last grill assembled you’ll have the sides of your shoe rack ready.

STEP 2: Building the Grills of Our Shoe Rack

Now, it's time to assemble the four grids that constitute the rack. Taking your time and being exceptionally precise when measuring and cutting the lumber is crucial in this step. This meticulous approach will result in a visually pleasing rack with improved durability.

To begin, start with the lower grid. We recommend cutting your 2x4" lumber in groups of three, each with a length of 35". Mark two points at each end as your guidelines for careful attachment to the previously created side frames. Ensure even placement and securely fasten them to your 2"x2" lumber, which should be 13" long. For this particular step, we suggest using 2" nails.

Hold each piece of lumber with a strong grip while hammering each nail onto the frame on all four floors. Prioritize safety by wearing specialized gloves, as your thumb will be in close proximity to the marked hammering zone. You'll have a substantial number of parts to nail down. Once more, take pleasure in the process; although it may take some time, it essentially represents the final step!

STEP 3: Design Your Own Shoe Rack

If you want to make any adjustments to this Shoe Rack 3D Model, remember you can always visit our design app for DIYers and create your own project for Wood, PVC, Aluminum, or T-Slot Aluminum.

Is there any design you would like to see? Please leave us a comment.

Thank you for reading and watching the video!

3 Comments

The shelf shown in the photos does look nice. However, there is nothing in the design of the joints to prevent the whole unit from tilting/twisting left or right, especially with a single screw securing each cross-bar end (acting as a pivot point). Also, it is probably better to secure the shelf boards with screws, not nails. Hammering in the nails puts stress on the screws holding the cross-bars.
Thank you very much for your comments; feedback is valuable. Taking this into account, do you think that some transverse profiles at the base could help with such inclinations?
It's not convenient to put a lot of explanation here about good joints for furniture. And, if you are limited to simple hand a power tools, you can't easily use joints that are more complicated. But to start off with, think about the cross-bar pieces that are part of the shelf ends. You have one screw at each end. If the screw is not super-tight, that cross-bar can rotate. So, you could have two screws at each end to prevent rotation, or even if you applied wood glue before screwing the parts together, that would help..