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Build a Shoe Organizer

Updated: Mar. 17, 2023

Keep your shoes straight

Family Handyman

Store shoes up off the floor in clean, natural wood racks. This simple storage rack can handle everything from winter boots to summer sandals, with no mud buildup or scuff marks on the wall.

By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine

Time
Complexity
Cost

DIY Shoe Rack Plans: Cut the pieces, then assemble

Build a Shoe Rack Photo 1: Drill dowel holes

Clamp the 1×3 support to a piece of scrap wood as you drill the holes to prevent the wood from splintering.

Build a Shoe Rack Photo 2: Screw the pieces together

Predrill through the back of the 1×4 into the 1×3 supports, then glue and screw the pieces together

Without constant vigilance, shoes tend to pile up into a mess next to entry doors. Untangle the mess with a simple, attractive shoe ladder that keeps everything from boots to slippers organized and off the floor.

Cut and drill the dowel supports (Photo 1), then screw them to 1x4s (Photo 2). Cut the 1x4s to fit your shoes and the available space—an average pair of adult shoes is 10 in. wide. Nail or glue the dowels into the dowel supports, leaving 2 in. (or more) extending beyond the supports at the end to hang sandals or slippers.

Apply finish before you mount the shoe ladder to the wall. Screw the shoe ladder to studs or use heavy-duty toggle-bolt style anchors to hold it in place.

Required Tools for this build a shoe rack project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

4-in-1 screwdriver
Clamps
Cordless drill
Countersink drill bit
Level
Miter saw
Tape measure

Required Materials for this build a shoe rack project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.

1-5/8-in. screws
1x3
1x4
3-in screws (or toggle bolts) for attaching to wall
5/8-in. dowels
Wood glue

Originally Published: June 24, 2019