armoire woodworking plans

Opening: A Stylish and Functional DIY Coat Rack with Drawers Tired of coats piled on chairs and cluttered entryways? Let's build a wall-mounted coat rack with drawers! This DIY project combines functionality with a touch of rustic charm, providing storage for coats, hats, gloves, and more. This guide will walk you through each step, from gathering materials to the final installation. Get ready to transform your entryway!

Step 1: Gathering Your Materials and Tools Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need. This will save you time and frustration later on. Here's a comprehensive list:

Wood: Pine, poplar, or your preferred wood type for the main frame, drawer boxes, and shelves. (Determine your dimensions and purchase accordingly. Example: 1x6s, 1x4s, plywood for drawer bottoms).

Drawer Slides: Choose the appropriate length and load capacity based on your drawer size and anticipated weight.

Coat Hooks: Select a style that complements your design.

Knobs or Pulls: For the drawers.

Screws: Wood screws of various lengths (1 1/4", 1 5/8", 2" are good to have on hand).

Wood Glue: For strong and lasting bonds.

Sandpaper: Various grits (80, 120, 220) for smoothing surfaces.

Paint, Stain, or Varnish: Your choice of finish to protect and beautify the coat rack.

Safety Glasses

Ear Protection

Measuring Tape

Pencil

Square

Saw: Circular saw, miter saw, or hand saw.

Drill/Driver: With various drill bits and driver bits.

Sander: Orbital sander or sanding block.

Clamps: To hold pieces together while glue dries.

Level

Stud Finder: For secure wall mounting.

Step 2: Planning and Design Before cutting any wood, sketch out your design. Consider the following:

Overall Dimensions: How wide, tall, and deep do you want the coat rack to be?

Number of Drawers: How many drawers do you need?

Drawer Size: Determine the interior dimensions of the drawers. Factor in the thickness of the wood used for the drawer box.

Shelf Placement: Will you include shelves above or below the drawers?

Hook Placement: How many hooks do you want, and how far apart should they be?

Mounting Method: How will you attach it to the wall? (Consider French cleats or direct screwing into studs).

Write down all your dimensions to use as cut list.

Step 3: Cutting the Wood Using your cut list, carefully cut all the pieces of wood to the required sizes. Accuracy is key to a professional-looking finished product. Double-check your measurements before each cut.

Step 4: Assembling the Frame Assemble the main frame of the coat rack using wood glue and screws. Ensure the corners are square using a square tool. Clamp the pieces together while the glue dries.

Step 5: Building the Drawers

Assemble the Drawer Boxes: Construct the drawer boxes using wood glue and screws. Again, ensure the corners are square.

Attach Drawer Bottoms: Secure the drawer bottoms to the drawer boxes using glue and nails or screws.

Install Drawer Slides: Carefully install the drawer slides onto the drawer boxes and the inside of the coat rack frame, ensuring they are level and properly aligned. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the drawer slides.

Step 6: Adding Shelves (Optional) If your design includes shelves, attach them to the frame using wood glue and screws. Ensure they are level and securely fastened.

Step 7: Sanding and Finishing Thoroughly sand all surfaces of the coat rack, starting with a coarser grit sandpaper (80 or 120) and progressing to a finer grit (220). This will create a smooth surface for finishing. Apply your chosen paint, stain, or varnish according to the manufacturer's instructions. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.

Step 8: Attaching the Hooks and Hardware Once the finish is dry, attach the coat hooks and drawer knobs or pulls. Ensure they are securely fastened.

Step 9: Mounting the Coat Rack to the Wall

Locate Wall Studs: Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs.

Mounting Options:

French Cleat: Attach a French cleat to the back of the coat rack and a corresponding cleat to the wall, ensuring it's level and securely attached to the studs.

Direct Screw Mounting: Drill pilot holes through the back of the coat rack frame and into the wall studs. Use appropriate screws to securely attach the coat rack to the wall.

Ensure Level: Use a level to ensure the coat rack is perfectly level before fully securing it to the wall.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your New Wall-Mounted Coat Rack Congratulations! You've successfully built a stylish and functional wall-mounted coat rack with drawers. Enjoy the organized and clutter-free entryway you've created. This DIY project adds both practicality and charm to your home.