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How to make a wooden shoe rack

By Bunnings magazine /

Wooden shoe rack filled with various pairs of shoes organized neatly.

Overview

This D.I.Y. wooden shoe rack has so many uses. It can double as a bench or a hallway stand, with a finished size of 1200mm wide, 285mm deep and just over 900mm high. Move it from the mud room to the spare room to your garage as needed.

If you finish it in tough, water-based enamel paint, that will help protect it from wear and tear in high traffic areas. Alternatively, leave the dowel natural and seal it with furniture oil for a different look.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

  1. 1

    Cut to size

    First, check the six 1200mm dowel are exactly the same lengths, trimming them to match the shortest piece if needed. Cut a length of 285mm x 19mm pine in half for the top and base. Cut the remaining length into thirds for the divider and two sides, checking they are the same.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Use a compound mitre saw to cut the timber to size, or have it cut in-store.
  2. 2

    Measure and mark

    To set out a grid for the holes on the divider and sides, use a combination square to mark down both sides, 70mm in from the edges. Measure down 180mm, 360mm and 540mm to mark across.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: If you don’t have a 400mm combination square, use a smaller one, checking the lines from both sides.
    Hand holding pencil, using a ruler to markup wood.
  3. 3

    Drill the pine

    Position the arbor of a 19mm holesaw on the intersections of the grid to drill halfway through. To prevent breakout, flip the pine to finish drilling from the opposite face, through the small holes made by the arbor.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: To make straight holes, clamp a square upright as a guide for holding the drill at exactly 90-degrees.
    Drill in centre of wood creating hole.
  4. 4

    Make the holes and sand

    On the top and base, mark a line across the centre and 10mm in from the ends. Use an 8G countersink bit to make holes at the centre and 30mm in from the edges. Sand all pieces with 180-grit abrasive paper to remove breakout. Test-fit the dowel, sanding inside the holes with rolled paper if needed.

    Hand drilling holes along edge of wood.
  5. 5

    Apply adhesive

    Working on a flat surface, set out the top and base against the sides, using a rafter square to check they are straight. Apply adhesive and secure through the holes with 40mm screws and clamp to dry. Repeat to install the divider at the centre. Smooth over the screw heads with filler, leaving to dry.

    Hand using rafter square to check the top and base are straight against sides.
  6. 6

    Apply primer and enamel

    Sand over the filler and then wipe with a damp cloth to remove dust. Use a mini microfibre roller to apply primer all over the cabinet, leaving to dry. Change the roller cover to apply two coats of water-based enamel, leaving to dry after each.

    Green Bunnings hammer
    Tip: Paint into the corners with the tip of the roller; avoid the inside of the holes.
    Paint roller applying white paint onto wood.
  7. 7

    Hammer nails and apply furniture oil

    Turn the cabinet upside down and tap the dowel through the holes with a rubber mallet. Use a nail punch to hammer 20mm bullet head nails through both sides of all holes in the divider, checking the overhang is even at the ends. Sand any paint or dents from the dowel and wipe away dust. Apply a protective furniture oil with a clean cloth, leaving to dry.

    Close up picture of rungs attached to sides of a shoe rack.
  8. 8

    Secure castors 

    To mark the castor holes, use a combination square to position them 20mm in from the edges, with the brakes on opposite corners. Pre-drill with a 2.5mm bit, using tape 15mm from the end of the bit as a depth gauge. Secure with 20mm button head screws.

     

    Close up shot of a castor attached to shoe rack.
  9. 9

    Keep in mind…

    • Work in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask when using cutting tools and while sanding.
    • When buying a holesaw, check it includes an arbor (the centre drill bit); otherwise, purchase it separately or as part of a kit.
    • Lock the castors when the cabinet is in place to avoid movement.
    • The cabinet is designed to hold shoes, bags and accessories. It is not for climbing or sitting on.
    • Paint colours may vary on application.
    • *Timbers vary by state and territory. Contact your local store for further information.
    • Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.
  10. 10

    Looking for more D.I.Y. inspiration?

    Check out our steps to create a key holder for the entryway.

    Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.



    Photo Credit: Natasha Dickins

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Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.