How to Build a Shoe Rack for Your Closet

Build a rack in your closet for a stylish way to store your shoes.
Finished Homemade Shoe Rack

Painted Shoe Rack

This pink shoe rack designed by Kate Riley of Centsational Girl encompasses the colors found in her closet and complements its surroundings with a stylish and vibrant approach.

By: Kate Riley

Related To:

Materials Needed:

  • one 3/4" x 8" x 36" poplar board (for sides)
  • two 3" x 1/2" x 36" straight poplar boards (for toe rest)
  • two 1/2"-3/4" x 36" dowel rods (for heels)
  • 1 1/4" wood screws
  • power screwdriver
  • drill bits
  • spray primer and paint color of choice
  • measuring tape
  • miter saw

Cut Wood for Sides

Measure the space of the shelf in your closet where the rack will sit and cut two pieces of the 3/4" x 8" poplar board to the height of the space. Allow for a minimum of 16 inches for two tiers of shoes.

Cut Wood on a Table Saw

Cut Wood for Sides of Shoe Rack

Measure the space of the shelf in your closet where the rack will sit and cut two pieces of the 3/4" x 8" poplar board to the height of the space. Allow for a minimum of 16 inches for two tiers of shoes.

Cut for the Toe Rest

Measure the width of the shelf of the closet, subtracting the width of the side boards. Cut your toe rest boards to that measurement.

Measure for Toe Kick and Rod

Using a high heel shoe as your guide, measure the location of the toe kick and dowel rod for both the bottom and top row.

Measure Your Shoe Rack

Measure for Toe Kick and Rod

Using a high heel shoe as your guide, measure the location of the toe kick and dowel rod for both the bottom and top row.

Drill Pilot Holes

Drill pilot holes for the wood screws in the location of the toe kick.

Drill Pilot Holes

Make Pilot Holes with Drill

Drill pilot holes for the wood screws in the location of the toe kick.

Drill Holes for Dowel Rod

Use larger drill bits to create the holes in the sides where the dowel rod will sit.

Drill Holes Into Wood for Dowel Rods

Drill Holes for Dowel Rod

Use larger drill bits to create the holes in the sides where the dowel rod will sit. Do it for both levels.

Attach Toe Rests

Use wood screws to attach the toe rests to the inside of the shoe rack.

Use Drill to Attach Toe Rests

Use Drill to Attach Toe Rests

Use wood screws to attach the toe rests to the inside of the shoe rack.

Insert Dowel Rods

Complete the assembly of the shoe rack by inserting the dowel rods into place.

Spray-Paint Rack

Prime your shoe rack with spray primer and either spray or brush on paint of choice. Return the shoe rack to your closet for a functional and stylish rack for your shoes.

Spray Paint Your Shoe Rack

Spray Paint Your Shoe Rack

Prime your shoe rack with spray primer and either spray or brush on paint of choice. Return the shoe rack to your closet for a functional and stylish rack for your shoes.

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