Back-Stoop Boot Scraper
Updated: Apr. 21, 2020Win the battle against muddy feet!
Back-Stoop Boot Scraper
The basic construction for this boot scraper is simple; the only tools you need are a drill and a saw. Use short sections of 1-in. aluminum angle for the scraper, along with the toughest brushes you can find. After you cut the pieces, the project will take about an hour. If you are trying to figure out which type of wood to use for this project, check out our guide for comparing wood durability. As you work, keep these points in mind:
- Use a square corner of your worktable as a guide when building the basic frame.
- Pre-drill all screw holes with a #7 countersink bit; otherwise the 1×2 may split.
- Depending on the brushes you use, you may need to shorten more than one crosspiece (or none at all), so the brushes sit flat (Photo with step 2).
Project Directions:
1. Assemble Boot Scraper Frame
Create a square framework. Lay out and fasten the supporting 1x2s (A) to the front and back crosspieces (B). Use clamps to hold the pieces in place. The doormat is assembled upside down, so all the screws will be hidden.
2. Screw on Deck Slats
Screw on the decking. Using scrap 1x2s for spacers, set the crosspieces in place and attach them to the supports with glue and a screw. (The fourth crosspiece is short to accommodate the knobs on our brushes.) Slightly adjust the spacing for the last few crosspieces so the slat spacing remains fairly consistent.
3. Attach Boot Scraper
Attach the scrapers and brushes. Pre-drill holes and install 1-1/4-in. screws where the plastic base of the brush meets the wood. Flip over the piece and drill 3/32-in. holes through the aluminum angle where it rests on the crosspieces. Then remove the angle and widen the holes with a 9/64-in. bit, so the screws go through the metal easily.
Project Information:
Shopping list:
- 4 pieces of 1×2 x 8′ pressure treated lumber (Cut three pieces of decking (B) and one support (A) from each 8′ length.)
- 1 1″ aluminum angle
- 1 lb. 1-1/4″ deck screws
- 8 #6 x 3/4″ pan-head screws, for attaching the metal scraper
- 2 bilevel scrub brushes, or any stiff-bristle brush
- Exterior wood glue
Cutting list:
Key | Qty. | Size & description
A | 4 | 25″ supports
B | 12 | 23-1/2″ crosspieces
C | 2 | 1″ x 7-1/4″ angle iron
