A few years ago I made an industrial shoe rack… it’s gotten a ton of love since then, so I decided it was time to replace it with something else! I’ve worked with copper and wood in the past and had a lot of fun with the process, so I wanted to create a simple replacement for my old shoe storage – a DIY copper and wood shoe shelf! Even cooler, this project only took me ONE weekend and I was able to get it done with the help of my friends at Bernzomatic! Here’s how!
How To Make A Copper Pipe & Wood Shoe Rack
This project is sponsored by Bernzomatic and includes affiliate links. For my full disclosure policy, click here.
Want to see this build in action? Check it out on my YouTube channel!
I’m pretty stoked on the look and functionality of this copper pipe and wood shoe rack – especially since it’s treated in a way that will keep it crisp and safe from wet shoes (shou sugi ban for the win)!
In any event… let’s get started!
What You’ll Need:
Tools
Miter Saw
Table Saw (optional)
Copper Pipe Cutter
Bernzomatic TS4000
Bernzomatic Propane Tank
Bernzomatic Solder and Flux Kit
Wood Clamps
Metal File
Wire Brush
Sander/Sandpaper
Scotch Brite Pad
Wet Rag
Materials
(2) 2 x 6 x 8′ Boards
(2) ½” x 5′ Copper Pipes
(3) ½” x 2′ Copper Pipes
(12) ½” Copper Tee Fitting
(8) ½” Copper Tube Straps
(4) ½” Copper 90-Degree Cup Elbow
(4) ½” Copper Cap Fitting
Wood Glue
Wood Screws
Outdoor Sealer
Wood Stain (optional)
The Steps:
1. I started my project by laminating my 2×6 pieces into two thick panels. First, I used my table saw to square the edges and then cut them into (4) 36″ long pieces.
2. Next, I glued and clamped them together.
3. While the panels dried, I cut my copper piping to the following lengths:
(8) 6″ Long Legs
(4) 2 1/2″ Medium Legs
(4) 1″ Short Legs
(8) 12″ Side Bars
4. Next I began to solder the copper pipes to the fittings as follows to create two side panels (run a dry fit first to make sure you like the design – I ended up hating it and adding another decorative bar up top after everything was finished).
To do this, I first cleaned the outside of the copper pipes and the inside of the copper coupling to prep it for soldering.
Next, I applied flux from my Bernzomatic Solder and Flux Kit to the inside of the copper coupling and outside of the copper pipe.
I then attached the coupling to the end of the pipe and begin to heat using the Bernzomatic TS4000.
After a few minutes, I removed the direct flame and touched the connection between the pipe and the coupling with soldering wire. Once it began to melt to the copper, I let it do its thing, but kept a wet rag around to fix any dripping.
5. Once the rods cooled, I cleaned up the connections using a metal file.
6. Next, I used 320 grit sandpaper and scotch brite pad to buff and clean the copper piping.
7. Once the frame was built, it was time to finish the shelf pieces. I removed them from the clamps and cut them down to their final size of 10 ½ x 28″.
8. I wanted to waterproof the shelving, so I used the shou sugi ban method to do so. I started by running my Bernzomatic TS4000 across the wood until it was torched, sanded off the excess, and repeated this process until I was happy with the coloring. I did end up adding a dark stain to give it a more dramatic look as well, but this is optional!
9. Next, I attached the shelf to the copper piping using the copper tubing straps.
10. I then finished everything off with a coat of spray-on polyurethane and let it dry!
It’s kind of amazing how the simplest projects can sometimes make the coolest solutions. I’m really digging this look!
I’m also really not hating the fact that it only took me a weekend to make (score)!
Want to save this project for later? Make sure to Pin It!
Hope you all loved this new addition to the family! Until next project, friends… Happy DIY’ing!
Copper is an awesome material to work with. I did the same thing as this but made a three level bar cart. Used gorillas glue rather than solder the connections. And chemically cleaned the pipes so they won’t corrode. At least not quickly. Shelves are walnut and maple. It’s on my Instagram on you’re interested. @mr_a_stanton
Love! I like the soldering method because they’re not going anywhere. I for some reason always have an issue with the glue lasting. Will have to check it out!