How to Build a Boot Stand

This winter, give muddy, salt-stained floors the boot with this clever stand, a perfect resting place for wet Wellies and snowy footwear. Ours gets a stylish upgrade from a mix of turned-wood stair balusters. Hit up your local salvage yard or pick up new ones at the home center, starting at $5 each.

Download the Boot Rack Cutlist.

Overview

Cut list to build a boot stand:

• Balusters: eight @ 23 inches long, with uniform base heights cut to 10°
• Boot-rack base: one 2×6 cut with 45° angled ends and to 24 inches between long points
• Boot-rack feet: two 2x4s cut with 45° angled ends and to 8 ½ inches between long points

Or download the cut list here.

Step 1: Cut the Balusters

Use a boot to determine where to cut your balusters. Trim the lengths off the baluster tops accordingly. Cut the bases at a 10° angle. We left about 8 inches of baluster beyond the opening of an adult-size boot.

Step 2: Drill Pilot Holes

On the bottom of each baluster, draw an x connecting the corners. Center a ¼-inch pilot hole where the lines intersect.

Step 3: Make the Base

Find the center line of a 2×6 board. Using the bottom of the baluster as a measuring guide, determine the length of your base and the spacing of your balusters. (Our baluster base is 1¼ inches square. We came in 2½ inches and left a 1 ¼-inch space between each baluster.) Once you’ve determined the length, cut the 2×6. (Ours is 24 inches long.) Detail the ends of the base by cutting a 45° angle on edge and then making a straight cut and snubbing off the pointed ends.

Step 4: Drill Holes for the Balusters

Find the center of each of the spaces where you want the balusters to go. Using your marks as a guide, drill holes in the base with the ¼-inch bit. Using the ⅜-inch paddle bit, recess and widen the second pilot holes from each end on the underside to countersink the fastener heads covered by the feet.

Step 5: Attach the Balusters

Using the socket wrench, tighten the lag screws through the bottom of the base into the balusters.

Step 6: Attach the Feet and Finish Attaching the Balusters

Echo the detailed ends of the base on the 2×4, snubbing the ends, to make the feet. (Our feet are 8½ inches long.) Using the drill/driver, screw the feet to the base with 2½-inch deck screws. Finish attaching the rest of the balusters. Prime and paint.

Tools: