Iron Pipe Shoe Rack

First project at the new house completed!

Step 1: Empty Space!

Lot's of open space under the staircase?
Time to get busy!

Step 2: Dimensions & Layout

The first step was to measure the closet space: each wall length and angles.
Next I found it helpful to outline a layout with masking tape to help visualize the final product.

Step 3:

All connectors/pipes/flanges are available @ Lowe's.  Black iron pieces are cheaper than galvanized ones, but you will need to clean them of oil to prep for paint (household vinegar works well).

Step 4: Spray Paint Time!

2 coats for each part was plenty.

Step 5: I Can't Control My OCD

Sort of like lego pieces, no?

Step 6: Shelves

Pre-cut, 1x8x8 pine.
Sanded to get rid of any imperfections.
2 coats of wood stain, brushed on.
2 coats of satin top coat, sprayed on.

Step 7: Assembly & Installation

Yep, everything fits.

Step 8: Done and Done

Shoes live here...

Comments

[DustySeven7]

I hope you checked for studs before screwing in or used drywall anchors

[alextardif]

Good point. This was a non-issue as directly behind the drywall there is a flat 1" wood board that served as a solid anchor. The screws I used were 2" heavy duty ones.

[JeffH339]

Thanks for the info on that. I was wondering that, myself, and ended up picking up 8 drywall anchors that support up to 65 lbs. each, as that pipe will certainly get mighty heavy as you add length and fittings. Something for everyone considering using this technique for bookshelves should consider. Thanks again for the awesome inspiration! I am actually going to use a single piece of 30" pipe with this exact technique, plus some copper 1.5" spring clip type shower rings to hold my numerous baseball hats and belts.

[warrenaz]

What a nice project. Can you take close up pictures of the flanges please? Or maybe just provide me with the part numbers. I am doing something similar but for books.

[WhiskeyWafflez]

What is the length of the nipples you used? (Main upright supports and bottom of shelf supports)

[alextardif]

Um, I don't recall, sorry. They varied in length, I don't see any reason to use a specific length - just whatever makes sense based on your measurements during planning. Just remember that they don't screw all the way in, usually, so plan for having some of the threads showing and account for the length based on how much of the pipe will screw into your fittings. Good luck!

[NSP35]

What color spray paint is that? I'm making a lamp out of black steel and this is the color I want!

[alextardif]

Copper.

[NSP35]

What color spray paint is that? I'm making a lamp out of black steel and this is the color I want!

[NSP35]

What color spray paint is that? I'm making a lamp out of black steel and this is the color I want!

[BenjaminF1]

Great project, and great choice on two tone paint. But, no, nothing like Legos :)

[moonchylde]

Love this! Of course, I only own one pair of shoes, so I'd use it for books.

[alextardif]

Yup, my original thought was to do something like this for my home office shelves, I wanted to practice the idea with the closet (so if it turned out hideous I could just close the closet door and no one wold ever find out!) so I might come back with something similar for the books shelves down the road.

[isychia]

If you end up doing this for books could you post a pic of it's awesomeness? I'll be looking into bookshelves in the future so I'd love to see a finished product!

[NorEaster]

Lining it all out with the tape first…… Thank You. My new first step to every build!

[raine.arzola]

Did you screw in the base pieces into the floor?

[alextardif]

Nope, the top section of each leg that sits on the floor is screwed into the wall so it's more than sufficient to hold things in place and gravity takes care of the rest. No need to screw anything to the floor.

[dzidzior]

Hold on... Are you telling me that you gave up space for Pinarello for shoe rack???!!!! :-)

[meistre]

is that 1 inch pipe?

[alextardif]

1"