Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Home Depot. All opinions are my own.
Ever since I moved into my new house, I’ve tried to keep my closet as organized as possible. (Sometimes I fail at this, but I’m trying!) The one thing I didn’t really have a good solution for though was shoe storage. I’ve had them lined up on the floor and on some shelves for months, but I finally got around to building a DIY shoe rack!
Today I’ll share the tutorial with you.
Project Supplies:
- RYOBI Compact Series Drill and Impact Driver Kit
- 1×12 Boards
- 2×2 Boards
- 1×2 Board
- Pocket Hole Jig
- 1 1/4″ Pocket Hole Screws
- 1 1/4″ Wood Screws
- Saw
- Stain or Paint
How to Build a DIY Shoe Rack
Step 1: Cut Your Wood
I used my miter saw to cut my wood to the following dimensions. (You could modify the dimensions based on your specific needs. I designed this to fit below the built-in shelves in my closet.)
- (3) 1×12 boards cut to 50″ long each
- (4) 2×2 boards cut to 28 1/2″ long each
- (4) 2×2 boards cut to 12″ long each
- (4) 1×2 boards cut to 12″ long each
Step 2: Build the Sides
I used a pocket hole jig to drill 2 pocket holes into each end of my 12″ long 2×2 pieces, as well as each end of my 1×2 pieces. Then, I attached 2 of the 12″ long 2×2 pieces to 2 of the 28 1/2″ long 2×2 pieces using 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws, forming a frame. I repeated this process for the second “frame,” and these will serve as the base/legs of the shoe rack.
For this project I used my RYOBI Compact Series Drill and Impact Driver Kit. I love how compact and lightweight these tools are, plus they run off the same 18V batteries that the rest of my RYOBI tools use. They have a brushless motor for longer run time, longer motor life, and more power. I also love that they have built-in LED worklights to illuminate your workspace. Because of their compact size, I’m able to work with them in tight spaces. I absolutely love them!
Step 3: Add Brace Pieces
I attached the 1×12 pieces horizontally inside the frame using 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws, evenly spacing them out. These will form the braces which we will attach our shelves to.
Step 4: Attach Shelves
I attached the shelves by drilling them into the 1×2 brace pieces using 1 1/4″ wood screws. For the top shelf, I just attached that directly to the top of the side frame pieces. Because of the small amount of space between shelves, I had to drill my screws at a slight angle.
Step 5: Paint or Stain
I stained it using a Provincial color wood stain, and then added a Polycrylic top coat. You could definitely customize it by painting or staining it any color you choose.
This was a relatively easy project and would be great for a beginner woodworker. Plus I loved using my new RYOBI tools! I have a little more organizing to do and then I’ll be moving it into my closet.
For more DIY ideas, check out my project gallery here.
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Annie List says
Wow – this turned out incredible! I love the in depth step by step instructions. Thanks for sharing, Erin! I cant wait to try 🙂
Erin Spain says
Thank you!