Are you tired of tripping over a mountain of shoes every time you step into your entryway or mudroom? Do you long for a clutter-free and organized space? As a fellow craft enthusiast, I understand the struggle! That’s why I’m excited to share my journey of building a super-sized shoe rack that transformed my chaotic mudroom into a haven of tidiness.
The Problem: A Mudroom Overrun by Footwear
Let’s be honest, it’s easy for shoes to pile up, especially in busy households. My previous shoe storage solution, a modest white rack, proved woefully inadequate for my family of four (all active athletes, I might add!). Each year brought larger cleats, expanding shoe collections, and a dizzying array of sports equipment. Clearly, an upgrade was in order!
The Solution: Designing a Super-Sized Shoe Rack
I decided to take matters into my own hands and build a sturdy, spacious shoe rack tailored to our needs. My design was simple yet effective, utilizing affordable rough pine boards to create ample storage space.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Nine 1″ x 12″ x 6′ rough pine boards
- Tape measure
- Miter saw
- Pocket hole jig
- Approximately 45 1 ¼” pocket hole screws
- Speed square
- Level
- Drill
- Pencil
Step-by-Step Building Process:
1. Cutting the Boards:
- 2 boards cut to 58 ¼” (for the sides)
- 7 boards cut to 55″ (for the shelves)
2. Creating the Base:
- Using your pocket hole jig, drill three pocket holes on either end of the 55″ boards.
- Attach the base board to the sides using 1 ¼” pocket screws, ensuring a 90° angle with a speed square.
3. Adding the Shelves:
- I spaced my shelves 16″ apart to accommodate larger footwear. Mark the side boards 7″ from the front and 9″ from the back to create a slight slope, preventing shoes from sliding off.
- Attach the first angled shelf, aligning it with the marked slope, and check for level.
- Continue adding shelves 7″ above the previous one, maintaining the same angle.
4. Finishing the Top:
- Attach the top board at a 90° angle to the sides to create a flat surface for additional storage.
Finishing Touches:
I opted for the rustic look of rough pine, but you can achieve a more polished finish with ¾” plywood. For added strength, consider adding reinforcing metal brackets to the inside corners.
While rough pine can be tricky to paint, you can enhance its natural beauty with tung oil or mineral oil. These finishes bring out the wood grain, protect it from drying out, and create a smooth, splinter-free surface.
Organizing Tips:
- Alternating your shoes heel to toe maximizes shelf space.
- Utilize the top shelf for storing helmets, sporting equipment, or a drying rack for wet gear.
Conclusion:
This DIY shoe rack project transformed our mudroom from a disaster zone into an organized and functional space. The best part? It’s a project that anyone with basic DIY skills can tackle.
I encourage you to give it a try and share your experience! And for more unique handmade gift ideas and craft inspiration, explore the wonderful creations on Robert Kline Art!