DIY Shoe Rack

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.