How to Make An (Easy!) Wooden Shoe Rack

updated Dec 19, 2019
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(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

A shoe rack is a great way to keep high traffic areas from getting cluttered with piles of shoes. To make one for the fancy footwear in your household, all you need is a free afternoon, power tools, and a can-DIY attitude! Personalize your rack by scaling up the length of the dowels for big shoes and boots, or scale down for those little pitter patters.

(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

What You Need

Materials

  • (1) 8′ 1″x2″
  • (5) 36″ 7/8″ craft dowels
  • 1 1/4″ wood screws
  • Sandpaper

Tools

  • Power drill
  • Wood boring bit
  • Miter saw
  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil
  • Mini framing square

Instructions

Cut list:

From your 8′ 1″x 2″ you will need to cut four pieces: two 26″ lengths, and two 12″ lengths.

Cut two of the dowels into three 12″ lengths for a total of six 12″ dowels. Then, cut the remaining three dowels into 18″ lengths for a total of six 18″ dowels. Hit the end of the dowels with sandpaper to remove any splintered pieces.

(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

2. Mark six spots on your 26″ length board. Start from the center and work your way out on each side, allow 3″ of space between each dowel.

(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

3. Repeat step two on the other 26″ board.

(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

4. Using a 3/4″ wood boring bit, drill into the board approximately 1/4″ deep where each of your six dowels will be placed. Do this for both 26″ pieces.

(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

5. Find the center of the bored hole and make a pilot hole to place the screw in that will eventually secure the dowel.

(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

6. Place the 26″ length boards on top of the 12″ side boards to form a right angle. Secure in place with two screws to keep the boards from shifting over time.

(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

7. Grab an 18″ dowel, fill one of the bored holes with wood glue and place the dowel in the hole.

(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

8. Bring the screw up from the bottom for a secure hold. This step is made easier with an extra set of hands and a level to make sure your dowels are nice and straight.

Tip: Be sure to only put glue in one hole at a time, working your way down the line until each of the 18″ dowels have been set and secured.

(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

9. Repeat steps seven and eight on the other 26″ length board using your shorter 12″ dowels.

(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

10. Sand any rough spots that might be left on the tops of your wooden dowels, paint or stain and you’re all set! Place the rack in your entry way and keep those boots off the floor!

(Image credit: Ashley Poskin)

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