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' longTools:
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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It always amazes me how inexpensive it is to build something so nice! I wish I discovered this years ago, before I bought cheap big box store stuff that fell apart in less than a year!
ReplyDeleteMe too! :) I still have some flimsy cheapie stuff that I'm wanting to replace. It's a learning process for sure. :)
DeleteWe need one of those!
ReplyDeleteThat looks really easy!
ReplyDeleteI like having this shoe rack double as a seat, which is perfect for putting on shoes!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great place for kids (and parents) to take off their shoes!
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ReplyDeleteI realize this is an older post and project but I wanted to make a comment for anyone else that might come across it while searching for similar projects. I love the shoe rack and still plan on making it, but the supply list is wrong. It is physically impossible to make a rack to the measurements described with 1 2x4x8' and 1 2x4x10'...that gives you 216 inches worth of lumber, the cuts described in the article require 270 inches of lumber. It can be easily done with 3 2x4x8', though.
ReplyDeleteNot trying to be critical, as I said, I really like this project and thinks its going to turn out great. I just wanted to comment so that anyone else trying this would go into it aware of what material they really need.
Oh, thanks so much for pointing that out! I'll update the post to show the correct amount. Thanks again!
DeleteMade this last weekend, it came out very well. Two observations though: one the widths don't work out, 3 2x4s across only comes out to 10.5 inches, not 12 like the plans say. No worries, just rotate the middle pieces on the sides and everything works out. And second, if you incline the bottom shelf a few degrees it makes putting down and retrieving the shoes a bit easier. All in all a great project for a Saturday afternoon.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for letting me know! The 12" is actually because there is a 3/4" gap between the slats (which added to the 10.5 makes 12" total). But I'm glad it worked out the other way, too. And inclining the bottom shelf is a GREAT idea! I'll definitely be keeping that in mind. :) I would love to see pictures if you have any!
DeleteBuilt this and it turned out great. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear it! I'd love to see pictures if you have any. :)
DeleteI had a load of 2x4's given to me from a neighbour who just wanted them out of his yard. I attempted this (without a kreg jig OR the eighth screws) and managed to pull off a not too shabby job! Thanks for the tutorial and boost of confidence I needed to accomplish this project! It was incredably easy, and I am a beginner! Can't wait to attempt the bench...
ReplyDeletehttp://i59.tinypic.com/b49sll.jpg
So glad to hear it, and your shoe rack looks wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing!! :)
Delete2x6 variation based upon reading your design.
ReplyDeletehttps://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1kRdc1Oy8ZM/VJ9IzPIoGEI/AAAAAAAAJC0/lz_IDij8Tag/w1118-h629-no/20141227_170213.jpg
This looks great! I love that you made it tall enough for boots. Do you mind if I add your picture at the end of the plans? Thanks for sharing! :)
DeleteBless you for making wood working FUN. Enjoyed every minute making this project. Have pics if I can figure out how to attach them.
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful! I'm so glad you had fun. There isn't a way to attach pics here but, you can post them on my facebook page (facebook.com/morelikehom) or email them to me at morelikehome (at) gmail (dot) com and I can add them for you. I'd love to see! :)
Deletepockethole jig for the bottom shelf - how long should the screws be?
ReplyDeleteYou'll use the same 2 1/2" screws for the whole project. :)
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