How to Build a Shoe Rack Under the Stairway

Mark the area on the wall under the stairs in which you plan to install your shoe rack by laying a yardstick flat against the wall, following the angle of the stairs, and drawing a line in pencil to mark the width of the storage area.

Apply the yard stick again to draw vertical lines up from the floor, connecting to the angled line to mark the sides of the storage area. Draw a horizontal line at least 10 inches long across the top of the area you mapped out to eliminate the sharp corner and to make the ceiling of the storage area flat.

Determine whether there are any studs or pipes beneath the drywall, using a stud finder. Mark the position of the studs on the wall in pencil so you can avoid them during demolition.

Score the drywall along the pencil lines using a utility knife. Hammer through the drywall and remove pieces of it by hand. If the wall has studs, hammer through the drywall around the studs and remove it carefully by hand.

Cut through the top of the studs inside the area in which you intend to install the shoe rack, using a reciprocating saw. Once you have cut through the top of the studs, use a pry bar to pull the studs away from the wall and the floor.

Frame the storage area under the stairs using 1/2-inch plywood. Measure the top, bottom, back and sides of the area using a measuring tape and cut pieces of 1/2-inch plywood to size using a table saw.

Lay the piece of plywood you cut for the back of the storage area flat against the wall under the stairs. Use a nail gun to secure it in place, driving nails through the plywood into any remaining studs above and to the side of the plywood.

Follow the same procedure to install the plywood on the bottom, top and sides of the storage area. Where studs are available, drive the nails into the studs to secure the plywood in place. If there are no studs nearby, drive the nails into the adjoining piece of plywood.

Decide on the dimensions of the shoe rack and measure and make pencil markings on the plywood inside the storage area to indicate the placement of the shoe rack shelves. You may choose to make long, open shelves or install individual cubbies. To accommodate an average size shoe, the shelves should be 8 to 10 inches tall.

Cut pieces of 1/2-inch pine to the length and depth of the individual shelves, using a table saw. Pine is an inexpensive hardwood but is sturdier than plywood, so it should not bend under the weight of shoes.

Hold up the shelves in place against the outside of the storage area and use a pencil to mark the angle on one end. Trim the shelf along this line using a jigsaw and slide the shelf into position inside the storage area so the edges sit flush with the plywood sides.

Secure the shelves in place by driving nails from a nail gun through the pine shelves at an angle into the plywood frame at the sides and back. For extra support you may choose to install a 1-by-1-inch hardwood board under each shelf along the back of the storage area, securing it to both the plywood backing and the pine shelf.

Install pine dividers in the shoe rack if you prefer individual cubbies to open shelf space. Cut the dividers to the depth and height of the shelves and slide them into place between two shelves at the interval you prefer. Secure the dividers in place by driving nails from a nail gun through the shelf above and below into the thickness of the dividers.

Paint or stain the shoe rack if you desire. If you choose to paint the rack, apply a layer of interior-grade latex primer and allow it to dry before applying the first coat of paint. When staining the shoe rack, apply thin coats of stain using a soft brush and wipe away the excess with a clean cloth.