How to Make a Wooden Key Rack with a Mail Slot
A wooden key rack with a mail slot is a practical and stylish addition to any home, keeping your keys and important mail organized in one place. This DIY project is perfect for beginners and woodworking enthusiasts alike. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you build your own wooden key rack with a mail slot.
Materials and Tools Needed
Materials:
- 1×8” wood board (for the back panel)
- 1×6” wood board (for the mail slot)
- 1×2” wood strips (for trim and key hooks support)
- Wood glue
- Wood screws or nails
- Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit)
- Wood stain or paint
- Clear wood finish (polyurethane or wax)
- 4-6 Key hooks (brass, stainless steel, or black iron)
- Hanging hardware (D-rings, keyhole brackets, or sawtooth hangers)
Tools:
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Square ruler
- Circular saw or jigsaw
- Drill and drill bits
- Screwdriver
- Clamps
- Sanding block or orbital sander
- Paintbrush or rag for staining
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Plan and Measure the Design
Before you start cutting wood, sketch a simple plan to determine the dimensions of your key rack. A standard size for a key rack with a mail slot is about 12” wide by 8” tall, with a mail slot depth of 3-4 inches. Adjust the size to fit your wall space and personal preferences.
Step 2: Cut the Wood Pieces
Using your circular saw or jigsaw, cut the following pieces:
- Back panel: 12” x 8” (mainboard)
- Mail slot base: 12” x 4” (bottom of the slot)
- Front panel: 12” x 3” (front guard of the slot)
- Side supports: Two pieces of 4” x 2” (supports for the mail slot)
- Key hook support strip: 12” x 1”
Sand all edges smooth with 120-grit sandpaper before assembling.
Step 3: Assemble the Mail Slot
- Position the side supports on the back panel at a slight angle to create an open slot.
- Attach the mail slot base between the side supports using wood glue and nails or screws.
- Secure the front panel across the bottom edge of the slot to hold mail in place.
Clamp the assembly together and let the glue dry for about 30 minutes before proceeding.
Step 4: Attach the Key Hook Support Strip
Position the 1×2” strip about 1 inch from the bottom of the back panel. This will provide a solid base to mount your hooks. Secure it using wood glue and screws.
Step 5: Drill Holes and Install Key Hooks
Measure equal spacing for each key hook along the strip (e.g., 2” apart for 5 hooks). Drill small pilot holes and screw in the hooks.
Step 6: Sand and Finish the Wood
- Smooth all surfaces with 220-grit sandpaper.
- Apply wood stain or paint, using a brush or rag for an even finish. Let it dry completely.
- Apply a clear polyurethane or wax finish for protection.
Step 7: Attach Hanging Hardware
Install D-rings, sawtooth hangers, or keyhole brackets on the back of the rack to make it easy to hang on the wall.
Final Thoughts
This wooden key rack with a mail slot is a functional and stylish DIY project that helps keep your space organized. You can customize it with different stains, paints, or decorative elements to match your home’s aesthetic.
For more woodworking plans and step-by-step tutorials, check out Ted’s Woodworking Course here: Teds Woodworking Course