This project was built and designed by Tyler from DIYTyler. It’s a space-saving, rotating shoe rack that can hold over 50 pairs of shoes while keeping them organized and easy to access.
Designed for tight closets or entryways, this build uses vertical storage and spinning access to maximize capacity without sacrificing convenience. It’s a clever, satisfying project that helps clear the floor and keep your shoes in good condition.
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Why a Rotating Shoe Rack Makes Sense
Closets get messy fast, especially when shoes start piling up. Traditional shelving can only go so far, and floor baskets usually lead to scuffed, mismatched pairs.
Tyler’s rotating shoe rack tackles this problem by offering vertical storage that spins like a lazy Susan. Instead of hunting through piles or digging in corners, you can simply rotate the rack and grab the pair you need.
Materials and Tools Overview
The main material used in this project is plywood—chosen for its strength, consistency, and ease of cutting. The design is fully adjustable to different closet sizes, meaning you can scale it up or down depending on your space.
Basic tools like a circular saw, jigsaw, drill, and pocket hole jig are all that’s needed. Optional tools like a router or circle-cutting jig make things easier, but they’re not required to complete the project.
Starting with the Base Layers
The foundation of the build starts with cutting large plywood circles. These circles will form the layers of the shoe rack and need to be uniform for smooth rotation.
Tyler marks out his plywood squares and uses diagonal lines to locate the center before cutting. This makes sure the lazy Susan bearing aligns properly later in the build. A circle-cutting jig helps achieve consistent curves, but templates or hand tools can work too with patience.
Cutting and Preparing the Dividers
Each level of the rack is divided into individual compartments using vertical dividers. These help separate pairs of shoes and prevent tipping or sliding.
Tyler customizes the divider height based on typical shoe sizes, but the plan is flexible depending on whether you want to store sneakers, sandals, or boots. He uses a pocket hole jig to drill connection points, allowing for quick, strong joints without visible screws.
Sanding each piece before assembly reduces rough edges and makes the finished product easier to paint later. Even a quick pass with 120- or 150-grit sandpaper makes a big difference.
Layering and Assembly
After the dividers are prepped, Tyler starts building each level of the rack. Using reference sticks, he spaces out each divider evenly, aligning everything to the center point for a clean layout.
Once aligned, each divider is secured with wood glue and pocket hole screws. This process is repeated for each circular layer, which stack up into a tall, rotating structure that’s both sturdy and organized.
The topmost circle is added last to cap off the structure, completing the cylindrical shape of the rack.
Installing the Lazy Susan Bearing
To bring the rotation to life, Tyler installs a lazy Susan bearing between the bottom base and the lowest shoe rack layer. This allows the rack to spin smoothly, giving full access to every pair of shoes.
The bearing is set into a snug recess, which is cut slightly smaller than the plywood circle itself. Pre-drilled holes allow the screws to anchor firmly without splitting the wood.
Once installed, the rotation is tested for even movement and balance. It’s a small hardware addition that transforms the rack into something both functional and fun to use.
Finishing Details and Paint
Before painting, Tyler sands the entire structure to remove any splinters or glue residue. This prep ensures a smooth, professional-looking surface that’s ready for finishing.
He applies primer and a couple of coats of paint to match the surrounding closet decor. A darker color or neutral tone helps hide scuffs from daily use while still keeping the rack looking sharp.
If desired, a clear polyurethane topcoat can be added for extra protection. This is especially helpful if the shoe rack will be used in a mudroom or entryway where dirt and moisture are more common.
A Stylish and Efficient Closet Upgrade
The final result is a tall, rotating shoe rack that looks sleek and saves space. With storage for over 50 pairs of shoes, it’s a major upgrade from the typical pile of footwear most of us deal with.
Tyler’s design is built for real-life use—easy to scale, easy to adjust, and sturdy enough for everyday wear and tear. Whether you build it exactly to spec or tweak the height and width for your own closet, the project is approachable and rewarding.
Please support Tyler by visiting his website here: diytyler.com