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How to Make a Closet Shelving System for Shoes


by DoItYourself Staff

what you'll need

  • Plywood boards
  • Measuring tape
  • Saw
  • Drill
  • Wood screws
  • Router
  • Sander
  • Stain or Paint
  • Paintbrush
  • Wood putty
  • Sandpaper
  • Damp cloth
  • Safety glasses
  • Gloves

Making a closet shelving system to accommodate your shoes is a good idea because it is both a practical and a good organizational organization idea. It is not a difficult task, especially if you have a knack at carpentry and you can make it to fit your space. You can also save money if you make one yourself. Here are the basic guidelines you can follow to build a shelf yourself.

Step 1: Planning

First you must plan the size and style of your closet shelving. Calculate how many pairs of shoes you have, and decide the best dimensions to apply for your closet. Also, take into account the location you have available to and do not forget that some shoes, such as boots, may need a larger area. Draw a sketch of your closet for guidance. Next, you will need to purchase sufficient plywood to cover your dimensions. Also, make sure that you have all of the tools you need for the job readily accessible.

Step 2: Cut and Sand the wood

Next, you will need to cut the wood. Wear safety goggles and gloves. Then, sand the wood planks to give them a smoother finish, especially where the saw cut through. Once ready, wipe them with a damp cloth to remove the dust particles.

Step 3: Painting

You should paint your closet before you put it together. Apply two or more coatings and allow to dry overnight in a well ventilated area. Painting your shelves before they are put up will give you a smoother finish.

Step 4: Assembly

Next, you can begin to assemble your closet. It is best to start off assembling the parts that are in a simple cubic form. Fix the two sides to the base, and then attach the top plank. Repeat this with all the box shaped parts. Then, set the base of the closet and start fixing the storage boxes on it, starting from the bottom row. Keep moving upward in an upward direction, and then when ready, you can start fixing the shelves because they are lengthier. Use wood glue and then fasten with wood screws for additional security.

Step 5: Finishing up

Last, attach a plywood board at the back and on top. The board will finalize your closet into a unit. If your wood screws chipped the wood, apply wood putty to hide any imperfections. If you painted the wood, then use a small paintbrush to paint these areas once the wood putty has dried.

Finally, wipe the closet with a cloth and move it to the area where you wish to place it. Usually the best spaces for it are behind the door, or in a walk-in-closet. Then, you can start placing your shoes in it and you canorganize them neatly and reduce the clutter in your rooms.

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