How to Build a Shoe Rack

This step by step diy project is about how to build a shoe rack. If you want to build a simple shoe rack for your closet, we recommend you to pay attention to the instructions described in the diagram. Adjust the size of the components with great care and lock them together by using waterproof glue and galvanized screws following the instructions. Alternatively, you could install front door for the show rack but this will make the project more difficult for a woodworking beginner.

It is essential to choose the right materials before starting the construction and the assembly of the rack. As you will see in the project, you need to choose durable lumber with a nice appearance, such as pine, cedar or redwood. Make sure the components are in a good visual condition and choose professional tools when adjusting their size. Take accurate measurements and join the components with glue and screws. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

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How to Build a Shoe Rack

Building a shoe rack

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 14″ x 36″ long, 2 pieces – 14″ x 30″ long FRAME
• B – 1 pieces of 1×3 lumber – 30″ long SUPPORT
• C – 3 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 13″ x 30″ long SHELVES
• D – 1 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 31 1/2″ x 36″ long BACK
• E – 1 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 14 3/4″ x 33″ long, 2 pieces of 1×1 – 14 3/4″ long, 1 piece – 33″ long TOP

• 1 piece of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
• 1 piece of 1/2″ plywood – 4’x4′
• 1 piece of 1×3 lumber – 3 ft
• 1 piece of 1×1 lumber – 8 ft
• 1 1/4″ screws
• 1 5/8″ screws
• 2 1/2″ screws
• filler, stain
• glue

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One day

Related

• Shoe Rack Plans

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Building a shoe rack

Building the frame of the shoe rack

The first step of the woodworking project is to build the frame for the shoe rack. As you can see in the diagram, you need to build the components out of 3/4″ plywood. Take accurate measurements and get the job done with a circular saw.

Smooth the cut edges and drill pocket holes at both ends of the horizontal components. Align the components, making sure the edges are flush and insert 1 1/4″ screws into the side walls. Add glue and check if the corners are square.

Fitting the bottom support

Afterwards, we recommend you to fit the 1×3 support to the bottom of the shoe rack. Cut the component at the right size and drill pocket holes at both ends. Fit the support into place and secure it to the side walls by using finishing nails and waterproof glue. Leave no gaps between the components.

Fitting the shelves

One of the last steps of the indoor furniture project is to attach the shelves to the shoe rack. As you can easily notice in the diagram, we recommend you to build the shelves out of 3/4″ plywood and to smooth the cut edges using fine-grit sandpaper.

Drill pocket holes at both ends of the shelves and secure them to the side walls by using 1 1/4″ galvanized screws. Lean the shelves 5 degrees and secure them into place tightly, after making sure they are equally-spaced.

Fitting the back to the shoe rack

The next step of the shoe rack project is to attach the plywood back to the structure. Therefore, mark the cut lines on the 1/2″ plywood sheet and attach it to the back of the wooden structure by using finishing nails and waterproof glue.

Top Tip: Leave no gaps between the components and make sure the corners are right-angled before inserting the screws. Smooth the exposed edges with an orbital sander and remove the residues with a damp cloth.

Installing the top component

In order to add character to the simple shoe rack, we recommend you to fit a top trim to the structure. Therefore, build the component out of 3/4″ plywood and lay it on a level surface. Center the structure on the component, drill pilot holes through the frame, add glue and insert 1 1/4″ screws into the top trim.

Installing the trims

If you want to enhance the look of the shoe rack, we strongly recommend you to attach the 1×1 trims to the top of the structure. Cut the joint ends at the 45 degrees and secure them to the top component by using finishing nails and waterproof glue. Leave no gaps between the components.

How to build a shoe rack

One of the last steps of the woodworking project is to take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, fill the pilot holes with wood putty and smooth the surface with 120-grit sandpaper.

Top Tip: In order to protect the lumber from water damage, we recommend you to cover the components with several coats of paint. Place the shoe rack in a proper location and move it whenever necessary.

This woodworking project was about how to build a shoe rack. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects. LIKE us on Facebook to be the first that gets our latest plans. Send us pictures with your plans.

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