Are you tired of tripping over shoes scattered across the floor? Do you dream of an organized and stylish solution for your ever-growing shoe collection? Well, fret no more, fellow shoe lovers! Today, we’re diving into the world of DIY furniture with a project that will not only tame your shoe chaos but also add a touch of elegance to your home: a custom-built rotating shoe rack.

This isn’t just any shoe rack; it’s a statement piece that screams craftsmanship and ingenuity. Imagine a sturdy, multi-tiered structure, effortlessly spinning to grant you access to your entire shoe collection with a simple flick of the wrist. And the best part? You can build it yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Project

This rotating shoe rack is a game-changer for several reasons:

Space-Saving Design: The rotating feature allows you to maximize storage in a compact footprint, making it ideal for smaller rooms or walk-in closets.
Easy Access: No more digging through piles of shoes! With a gentle spin, you can browse your collection and find the perfect pair in seconds.
Customization: Tailor the size, number of tiers, and finish to match your specific needs and aesthetic preferences.
Cost-Effective: Building your own shoe rack is significantly more affordable than purchasing a pre-made option.

Gathering Your Supplies and Tools

Before we embark on this exciting journey, let’s gather the necessary materials and tools. This project utilizes readily available supplies from your local hardware store.

Materials:

1 Lazy Susan bearing (approximately 6 inches in diameter)
1/2″ MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) – 3 pieces of 1/2″ x 24″ x 48″ or 1 sheet 48″ x 96″
9 Dowel Screws 1/4″ x 2 1/2″
Minimum 2 pieces of 1″ x 48″ round dowel
6 Wood Screws (1 1/2″ minimum length)
8 Wood Screws (1/2″ long)
Paint and Primer

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Tools:

Jigsaw, scroll saw, or band saw
Drill and drill bits
Sander
String
Pencil
Small nail or screw
Hammer
Pliers
Measuring tape
Screwdriver

Building Your Rotating Shoe Rack: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get building! Follow these detailed steps to create your very own DIY rotating shoe rack.

Step 1: Marking and Cutting the Circles

On your MDF sheet, use a string and pencil to trace six circles, each with a 12-inch radius (24-inch diameter). A small nail or screw can serve as the center point for your string compass.
Carefully cut out the circles using your chosen saw, ensuring smooth edges by sanding if necessary.

Step 2: Creating Dowel Holes

Select one circle as a template. Mark a smaller circle within it, 11 inches from the center. This line will guide your dowel post placement.
Drill a 3/8-inch hole on the 11-inch reference circle.
Measure approximately 25 1/8 inches from this hole along the outer circumference and mark two points on opposite sides of the circle. These marks will ensure even dowel spacing.
Drill 3/8-inch holes at the marked points.
Use this template to replicate the hole pattern on two more circles.
On the remaining three circles, mark and drill 1/8-inch holes using the same template and markings.

Step 3: Preparing the Dowels

Cut the 1-inch dowel into twelve 6 1/2-inch pieces.
In six of the dowel pieces, drill a 5/32-inch hole, 1 1/2 inches deep, in the center of each end.
In the remaining six dowel pieces, drill a 5/32-inch hole, 1 1/2 inches deep, in one end and a 1/16-inch (or 3/32-inch) hole, 1 1/2 inches deep, in the center of the other end.

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Step 4: Assembling the Tiers

Separate the circles into two groups: those with 3/8-inch holes and those with 1/8-inch holes. The larger holes will be used for the middle tiers (#3, #4, #5), while the smaller holes are for the top and bottom tiers (#2, #6).
Begin with the middle tiers. Thread a dowel screw into the 5/32-inch pilot hole of a dowel. Insert the screw through a 3/8-inch hole on circle #3. Attach a dowel with 5/32-inch holes on both ends to the screw. Repeat for all three dowels on this tier, ensuring they are securely fastened.
Repeat this process for circles #4 and #5, sandwiching them between dowels.
For circle #2 and #6, attach the circles to the remaining dowels using the 1 1/2-inch wood screws. Ensure the nail hole on circle #2, used for marking the center, is facing outward for attaching the bearing later.

Step 5: Attaching the Lazy Susan Bearing

Print and cut out the bearing template provided in the original plan.
Place the template on circle #1, aligning its center with the center mark on the circle. Mark the four outer dots on the circle. Rotate the template approximately 45 degrees and mark the four inner dots.
Drill 1/2-inch holes at the outer dot markings for attaching the bearing to the shoe rack. Drill 1/16-inch pilot holes at the inner dot markings.
Attach the bearing to circle #1 using 1/2-inch wood screws in the inner pilot holes.
Repeat the marking process with the bearing template on circle #2.
Align the bearing attach holes with the access holes on circle #1. Place the bearing on circle #2, ensuring the holes align.
Secure the bearing to the shoe rack with 1/2-inch wood screws. Your shoe rack should now rotate smoothly!

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Step 6: Finishing Touches

Fill any imperfections with wood putty and sand smooth once dry.
Prime the entire shoe rack, paying close attention to the MDF edges.
Apply 1-2 coats of your chosen paint, allowing adequate drying time between each coat.
For added durability and a polished look, consider applying 1-2 coats of polycrylic. Let it cure for a couple of days before using your new shoe rack.

Congratulations on Creating Your Masterpiece!

You’ve done it! You’ve successfully built a stunning and functional rotating shoe rack that would make any DIY enthusiast proud. Not only will it keep your shoes organized, but it will also be a unique conversation starter in your home.

Remember to customize the design to fit your style. Get creative with different paint colors, finishes, or even add decorative elements. Share your masterpiece with us! We’d love to see your unique take on this DIY rotating shoe rack.

Looking for more inspiring DIY projects and handmade gift ideas? Explore the world of creativity on Robert Kline Art, where you’ll discover a treasure trove of artistic inspiration and unique handcrafted treasures.