Day 8 - Build a Shoe Rack

Hope you guys all enjoyed week 1! You can see links to the complete series here, and get details about my Lowe's gift card giveaway here. In this series, we're seeing what we can make out of 2x4s. I want to keep it cheap, keep it easy, and keep it totally doable for anyone. Today's project is nice and easy and very handy. We're going to build a storage rack for shoes.

It has two shelves for shoes to make great use of space in your entryway, closet or mudroom. And it's short enough to tuck under a console table if you want your shoes more out of sight. Ready to build one?

Shopping List:

3  -  2x4  @ 8' long

Tools:
Saw
Drill
2 1/2” screws (or Kreg Jig & 2 1/2" self tapping screws)
4" screws (or Kreg Jig & 2 1/2" self tapping screws)
Wood glue
Wood filler

2x4 Cut List:
(A) - 4  @  13" (legs)
(B) - 4  @  5"  (sides)
(C) - 6  @  33"  (shelves)


Dimensions: 36" wide x 13" tall x 12" deep

Please read all the directions before beginning, and cut your pieces as you go, measuring before each cut. Use 2 1/2” screws or pocket holes with 2 1/2" screws unless otherwise indicated. Always use glue. Pre-drill and countersink your screws. I have not built from these exact plans, so measure lots to make sure things work out! 

Step 1: Build the sides

Use two side pieces (B) to connect two legs (A) as shown below. The first side piece should be flush with the top of the legs, the second should be spaced down 4". You can attach the pieces using a Kreg Jig & pocket hold screws, or by drilling through the legs into the side with 4" screws and glue.

Step 2: The Bottom Shelf

Use three shelf pieces (C) to make the bottom shelf. All of these pieces will be installed 2" off the ground. The front board should be flush with the front edge of the front legs, and the back board should be flush with the bask edge of the back legs. The center board will be centered between the other two with 3/4" gap on either side. Attach these with your Kreg Jig or with 2 1/2" screws and glue.

Step 3: The Top Shelf

Attach the top shelf just like the bottom shelf, but with the top sides flush with the tops of the legs and side pieces. Again you'll have a 3/4" gap between the shelf boards.

Step 4: Finishing

Start by filling any nail holes and sanding everything down nice and smooth. Then finish with whatever paint/stain/polyurethane you like. If you don't want your shoe rack to drawer any unnecessary attention, try staining it the color of a nearby console, or painting it the same color as your walls. On the other hand, if you want to add a bright pop of color to your entry way try painting your shoe rack a vibrant yellow or teal.

Project 2x4 Cost:
$7.50  -  3   2x4 @ 8' long ($2.50 each)
$7.50 Total

A big thanks to Kevin for sending in our first finished shoe rack! It turned out great!

See giveaway winners here.


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