The Build Basic Custom Closet System – Pull Out Shoe Organizer

Welcome to The Build Basic Custom Closet System! In this Series, I’m showing how to make a handful of simple DIY components that come together to create a functional, beautiful custom closet space. Even better is that ALL of the cut lists are adjustable so you can quickly and easily pick and choose the type of storage you need, and size it to fit your space!

In this tutorial, I’m showing how to add pull out shoe shelves to the “Cubby” built in Part One. These Cubbies can also house add-ons like adjustable shelving and hanging rods, and  a tilt-out hamper. In addition, this series includes free plans for an easy hideaway ironing station and built-in closet drawers that don’t require a table saw or router! Click around to see which organization options you’d add to your dream closet!

This post is sponsored by PureBond Plywood, the makers of the beautiful formaldehyde-free plywood I’m using to build this project. To learn more about their great products and how this series came about, click HERE.

The Build Basic Custom Closet System

Series Introduction

Basic Closet Cabinet

Adjustable Shelves and Hanging Rods

Tilt-out Hamper

Pull Out Shoe Organizer

Hideaway Ironing Station

Built-in Closet Drawers (the easy way)

TIP: Click the tabs below to see the tools, materials and cut list.

Steps

1. Mark the Wedges

On a 14-inch-wide piece of plywood, mark an angled line that runs from a height of 5 inches at the back edge to a height of 2 inches along the front edge. Using a circular saw or miter saw, cut the line. Repeat to create a second Wedge.

2. Cut and Prep the Shelves

Cut the shelf to a width of 1/8-inch less than the Cubby opening so that it can slide in and out of the Cubby between the Cubby’s Face Frame Stiles. Now bevel the front and back edge of the shelf at parallel 12-degree angles. Lastly, using a pilot hole jig, drill three pocket holes along the underside of the front edge of the shelf. Refer to drawing below for placement.

3. Attach the 1 x 2 to the Shelf

Apply wood glue to the front edge of the Shelf, and then place it onto a 1 x 2 cut to the width of the Shelf. Position the 1 x 2 so that its bottom edge runs flush with the bottom edge of the Shelf. Using a drill/driver, drive 1¼-inch pocket hole screws through the Shelf and into the 1 x 2 to hold the pieces in place. (Note: I’m using a Kreg Jig Right Angle Clamp to help hold the pieces during assembly.)

4. Prep the Handle

Cut the 5/8-inch square dowel Handle to the width of the Shelf. Using a drill/driver fitted with a countersink bit, drill a pilot hole ¾-inch from each end. Place a scrap block under the dowel while drilling to prevent blowout. Tip: If you don’t have a countersink drill bit, just create a shallow recess for the screw head using a larger drill bit.

5. Place the Spacers

Drive a 2-inch wood screw through each of the pilot holes in the Handle. Place a ½-inch-tall nylon spacer on the end of each screw.

6. Install the Handle

Place the Handle and spacers onto the top edge of the 1 x 2. Drive each of the screws through the Handle and Spacer, and into the 1 x 2.

7. Mark the Wedge Inset

On the underside of the assembly, mark a line ½-inch from each edge of the Shelf where the Wedges will be inset to allow space for the drawer slides.

8. Attach the Slides to the Wedges

Detach each bracket from its slider. Align the back edge of the bracket with back (taller) end of the Wedge. Level the bracket, and then screw it to the Wedge using the hardware provided with the slides or 5/8-inch wood screws.

9. Attach the Shelf to the Wedges

Apply wood glue to the top edge of each Wedge, and then align it inside the lines marked on the underside of the Shelf, flush with the Shelf’s back edge. Drive 1¼-inch finish nails through the Shelf and into the top edge of each Wedge to hold the pieces in place.

10. Install the Slides

To allow the slides to pass by the Cubby’s Face Frame, pad them out ¾-inch using a 1 x 2. Install the slides onto the boards flush with their back edge.

11. Install the Shelves

Nail the drawer slides and padding into the cubby using 1¼-inch finish nails, and then slide the Shelves into place.

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