Reduce the clutter in your closet by adding some built-ins.
Built-in storage units are a relatively simple solution that can be incorporated into virtually any space, including the closet. Make the most of your closet space by constructing and installing shoe racks and stacked storage cubbies. This type of project is one that most homeowners can complete themselves and it can save the cost of hiring someone to build you a custom closet. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Built-In Shoe Rack
1. Measure the length of the wall where you plan to install your shoe rack using a measuring tape. Make a sketch of your shoe rack to determine the number and height of your shelves. Ideally, each shelf should be about 9 inches wide and 6 to 9 inches high.
2. Cut two sheets of 3/4-inch plywood to the length and depth of your shoe rack using a table saw. These boards will serve as the top and bottom panels. Cut two sheets of 3/4-inch plywood using the depth and height of your shoe rack to serve as the side panels.
3. Stand the two side panels opposite each other on their longest narrow edge. Sandwich the top and bottom panels between the ends of the side panels so the edges are all aligned. Drive three to five nails from a nail gun through the side panels into the top and bottom panels at 4-inch intervals to secure the frame of the shoe rack.
4. Cut additional sheets of 3/4-inch plywood using the same dimensions as the top and bottom panels to serve as shelves. Slide the shelves between the side panels at the desired intervals. Attach the shelves by driving nails through the side panels into the shelves.
5. Sand the plywood surfaces of your completed shoe rack gently using fine-grain sandpaper. Paint or stain the shoe rack as you desire, then apply a coat of clear varnish or polyurethane to protect the surface of the shoe rack from damage.
6. Slide the completed shoe rack into the desired location inside the closet. To secure your shoe rack in place, drive 1 1/2-inch wood screws at an angle through the frame into the closet wall at each corner.
Stacked Storage Cubbies
7. Measure the vertical space you intend to fill with your stacked storage cubbies. Determine the width and height of each individual cubby. Divide the total height of the unit by the height of each cubby, taking into account the 3/4-inch thickness of each shelf, to determine the number of cubbies you can fit in the unit.
8. Cut two 3/4-inch sheets of plywood to the length and depth dimensions of your storage unit, using the table saw, to serve as the top and bottom panels. Cut two more sheets of plywood using the depth and total height of the unit for the side panels.
9. Assemble the frame by laying the two side panels on their longest narrow edges opposite each other, and place the top and bottom panels in between the ends. Attach the four pieces of the frame by driving three to five nails through the side panels into the top and bottom panels at 4-inch intervals.
10. Cut additional sheets of 3/4-inch plywood to serve as dividers using the length and depth measurement of the storage unit. Slide these shelves between the side panels at the desired interval and attach them by driving nails through the side panels into the shelves.
11. Place the stacked storage cubby unit in the desired location inside the closet. To make the best use of the space you have, position it on top of your shoe rack. Anchor your cubby to the closet wall by driving 3-inch wood screws at an angle through the inside corners of the cubby into the wall studs.
Tags: side panels, shoe rack, bottom panels, your shoe, your shoe rack, 4-inch plywood