Building a wooden coat rack with a bench seat is a practical and stylish project that can be completed with basic woodworking tools. This piece of furniture is ideal for entryways or mudrooms, offering a place to hang coats and store shoes or bags. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build your own wooden coat rack with a bench seat.
Materials Needed
- 1″ x 12″ x 8′ pine or hardwood boards (for the bench seat and rack)
- 1″ x 3″ x 8′ pine or hardwood boards (for the vertical supports and frame)
- 1″ x 2″ x 8′ pine or hardwood boards (for the coat rack slats)
- 2-3 hooks or pegs for coats
- Wood screws (1-1/2″ and 2-1/2″ lengths)
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper (medium and fine grit)
- Wood finish or paint (optional)
- Wood filler
- Drill and drill bits
- Saw (miter or circular)
- Screwdriver or impact driver
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Clamps
- Square
Step 1: Plan and Cut Your Pieces
Start by measuring and cutting the pieces you’ll need. The exact measurements will depend on the size you want for your coat rack and bench. Here are the basic cuts:
- For the bench seat:
- Cut one piece of the 1″ x 12″ wood to your desired length for the seat. A common length is 36-48 inches, but adjust this based on your space.
- For the vertical supports:
- Cut two 1″ x 3″ pieces to the height of the coat rack (typically 60 inches).
- For the coat rack slats:
- Cut three or four 1″ x 2″ pieces to the same width as your bench seat, depending on how many hooks you want. These will be used as the horizontal pieces where the hooks will attach.
- For the frame:
- Cut two 1″ x 3″ pieces for the front and back cross supports of the bench.
- Cut two 1″ x 3″ pieces for the side supports of the bench.
Step 2: Assemble the Bench Frame
Begin by assembling the frame for the bench. Take the two 1″ x 3″ side pieces and attach them to the front and back cross pieces to form a rectangular base. Use wood screws and wood glue to secure them. Be sure the corners are square using a carpenter’s square.
Step 3: Attach the Bench Seat
Once the frame is assembled, place the 1″ x 12″ piece of wood on top of the frame to serve as the bench seat. Secure it with wood screws from the underside of the frame into the bench seat. Ensure the seat is centered and level.
Step 4: Install the Vertical Supports
Next, attach the vertical 1″ x 3″ support pieces to the back of the bench. These supports will hold the coat rack slats and hooks. Position them so that they are flush with the back edge of the seat. Use wood screws to attach them securely. You may want to pre-drill the screw holes to avoid splitting the wood.
Step 5: Attach the Coat Rack Slats
Now, take the 1″ x 2″ slats and attach them horizontally to the vertical supports, spacing them evenly. These slats will be where you attach the hooks. Use wood glue and screws to secure them, ensuring that they are level and spaced evenly.
Step 6: Install the Hooks
With the slats in place, you can now attach the hooks. Measure and mark the locations where you want the hooks to go (typically 4-6 inches apart). Drill small pilot holes for the screws, then screw the hooks into place. If you’re using pegs, the process is the same, just with peg-like hooks.
Step 7: Sand and Finish
Once your coat rack with a bench seat is assembled, sand the entire project using medium-grit sandpaper, followed by fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the surfaces. Be sure to smooth any rough edges or areas where the wood may have splintered. After sanding, wipe down the entire piece to remove any dust.
You can now apply a wood finish or paint to protect and enhance the wood. If you prefer a natural wood look, consider using a clear polyurethane or varnish. If you want a colored finish, use a primer and paint.
Step 8: Final Touches
Once the finish has dried completely, inspect the coat rack for any loose screws or parts. You may need to tighten the screws or add a little more glue in spots. If the bench feels wobbly, add additional support braces under the seat for added stability.
Step 9: Mounting the Coat Rack (Optional)
If you want to mount the coat rack on the wall rather than standing freely, use a level to mark the locations of the vertical supports on the wall. Drill pilot holes into the wall and use wall anchors or screws to secure the vertical supports to the wall.
Conclusion
Building a wooden coat rack with a bench seat is a rewarding DIY project that adds both style and functionality to any space. With a bit of patience and basic woodworking skills, you can create a custom piece of furniture that will help keep your entryway organized and stylish.
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