Make a Custom-made Under Stairs Sliding Shoe Cabinet

Here's how to optimize the remaining space under a staircase: 2 large drawers with shelves to store shoes.

This cabinet is made of MDF (medium), painted white for the interior, and matt black for the fronts, and the shelves are covered with white adhesive vinyl for easy cleaning.

The drawers are mounted on heavy-duty runners with a resistance to 80 kg and are fitted with discreet aluminum handles.

The set is divided into 3 parts: the base and the 2 drawers.

The shelves are placed with cleats on a rack to be able to choose the desired height.

Dimensions:

Width: 82 cm
Minimum height: 66.5 cm
Max height: 143 cm
Depth: 85 cm

Supplies

Materials :

4 x MDF panel (medium), Thickness 18 mm x L 250 x W 122 cm
4 x Full extension heavy duty drawer slide 800 mm 80 kg
2 x 15cm Matte Black Aluminum Alloy Door Handle
Furniture paint white and satin black
Rack, cleats, square, screws ...

Tools used:

Circular saw
Plate Joiner
Router
Screwdriver
Hand tools

Step 1: 3D Model and Plan

I modeled the cabinet with Fusion 360, I created an animation to simulate the opening / closing of the drawers.

From the 3D model, I created the detailed plans, you can download them in PDF.

In order to optimize the cutting of the boards, I also made a cutting plan of all the elements.

Step 2: Cutting Boards

I used 4 full MDF boards 250 x 122mm, thickness 18mm.

I cut them with a circular rail saw, and for the smaller cuts, I used the table saw.

Step 3: Rack Grooves

To support the shelves, I chose racks with cleats in order to be able to adjust the height of the shelves.

To make it cleaner, I integrated the racks into the thickness of the wood. I used a router with a 12mm cutter and I made 2 passes increasing the depth.

Step 4: Assembly

For the assembly, I used wood glue and lamellos.

For an invisible assembly, I chose joining biscuits (or domino). I draw a pencil line on the 2 boards to be assembled, I hollow out the 2 sides with the joining machine, I apply wood glue in the hole of the slats and on the drape to be glued, then I insert the joining biscuits between the 2 boards.

Under the effect of wood glue, the biscuits will swell and firmly tighten the 2 parts.

Step 5: Base

The base which will support the 2 drawers is composed of 4 elements, a horizontal board and 3 verticals which will support the slides.

Step 6: Door Facades

For a nicer finish, and to prevent the edges from being too fragile, I beveled the edges with the router and a triangular bit.

Step 7: Drawer Slides

I used drawer slides 800 mm long and resistant to 80 kgs.

To properly align the drawers at the base, I created a template in a scrap of MDF, with the 8 holes for the screws.

Then, I use the template to make the pilot holes on the base, and on the drawers.

I also flipped the brakes which made the drawer too hard to open.

Step 8: Adjustment of Facades

At the beginning I had to assemble the facades like the rest (not removable) but I said to myself that it would be better to leave a possible adjustment to align them properly, once installed.

So I fixed the facades with brackets which have an oblong hole.

Step 9: Paint

I used special furniture paint. White for the interior, and matt black for the facades. In 2 layers for both.

Step 10: Assembly of the Wall Uprights

Once the paint is dry, I can add the aluminum racks. I cut them to size with a hacksaw, then I screw them with small 16mm screws.

Step 11: Shelves

For the shelves I didn't use paint as it would have been difficult to clean with dirty shoes.

So I covered them with white self-adhesive vinyl paper.

Step 12: Fixing of Facades

I now assemble the facades on the brackets with large-headed screws.

I also add the aluminum handles thanks to 2 screws at the back.

Step 13: Assembly Complete

The furniture is finished, and ready to be installed under the stairs!

I protected the facades to be able to transport them in a truck.

Step 14: On-site Installation

I started by set the base with plasterboard screws in the wall, and wood screws in the stair post.

Then I installed the 2 drawers with the 16 screws on each of them.

Step 15: Project Completed!

This is what it gives, the owners are very happy with the result, they have a well integrated and practical piece of furniture to store all their shoes!