Build a DIY cabinet to keep shoes and small items tidy—step-by-step photos

Porch cabinet: supplies

Porch cabinet: instructions

1. Build the frame. Measure and cut two vertical supports from floor to ceiling and one half-length vertical support from the framing timber. Measure the cabinet depth and cut about five horizontal supports. Screw the horizontal supports between the vertical supports. Measure the desired width of the cabinet from the wall and attach the frame to the wall. Also screw the half-length vertical support to the front edge at the wall.

Place the frame’s horizontal supports at the front along the top, bottom, and middle, and about every 50 cm (about 20 in) on the side. If you panel the cabinet horizontally, you can reduce the number of horizontal supports on the side.

2. Build the front support structure. Measure and cut three horizontal pieces from the framing timber to match the cabinet’s width. Screw them into the vertical supports and the wall.

The front trim on the shoe shelf keeps the shoes in place and prevents sand from falling onto the floor. The angled shelf also shows off your shoes nicely.

3. Make six horizontal supports from the framing timber for the upper shelves and six angled supports for the shoe shelves. Measure and cut the supports for the lowest upper shelf at the front crosspiece, then place the others above it however you prefer. Measure and cut six supports for the shoe shelves and saw the front edges at an angle. Screw them all to the wall and the vertical supports.

4. Cut six shelf boards from laminated board.

5. Cover the frame with beadboard. Use a finish nailer. Make narrow trim pieces for the front edge of the cabinet and the shoe shelves.

Check the diagonal measurement before fully assembling the door. Measure from each top corner to the opposite bottom corner to make sure it’s the same. This way, the door stays rectangular and fits in the doorway.

6. Build the door using beadboard. Measure the door opening and cut two horizontal boards for the top and bottom. Attach the panels to these horizontal pieces. Measure the diagonal for the angled brace. Make sure the horizontal boards don’t collide with the shelves when the door is closed. Attach the hinges to the door and the cabinet frame.

7. Paint the cabinet with panel paint. Install the handle on the door and two magnetic catches, one at the top and one at the bottom. The magnets prevent the panel from warping and keep the door neatly closed.

The cabinet got the same shade and beadboard as the porch wall. A baseboard finishes the look.

The door fits nicely in the opening when you make it just under a centimeter (about 0.4 in) narrower than the doorway.