Inside: Make this shiplap coat rack to add stylish organization to those spots in the house that get messy; by the front door, a mudroom, kids room, an office, etc.
So they say “fake it til you make it.”
For this project, I say fake it to make it.
That’s exactly what I did with this shiplap coat hanger. I faked shiplap, or shall I say faux for the more distinguished people out there, to create the look of shiplap without having to use numerous boards to get the same look.
I made this from scrap wood. So this project was FREE except for the hooks. Everything else I had on hand.
*This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. *Before you get started make sure you have your Safety Gear. For this project, I recommend safety goggles, ear protection and a P100 mask.
Check out this rack: DIY Pallet Towel Rack
Here is how you build the coat rack.
TOOLS FOR DIY SHIPLAP COAT RACK
- Tape measure
- Chop saw or miter saw – I use this miter saw
- Table saw
- Sander or sandpaper 60 and 150 grit, I use this orbital sander
- Carpenter square
- Wood clamps
- 18G Brad nailer or hammer and nails, I use this 18G Brad nailer
- Stud finder
SUPPLIES FOR DIY SHIPLAP COAT RACK
- 1 – 3/4″ MDF board (I used scrap but you can purchase unfinished MDF in sheets. You could also use a one by board like a 1 x 8, 1 x 10, 1 x 12, etc.)
- 18G 1 1/4 inch Brad nails
- Spray paint – I used white in flat and gray in satin
- Wood glue
- Clear spray sealer
- Keyhole hanging hooks
- Decorative hooks
CUTS FOR THE DIY SHIPLAP COAT RACK
My coat rack measured 20 1/4 x 8 1/4 inches. Adjust your measurements according to the space you have available and your preferences. I have included my measurements for reference. Due to variances in the thickness of wood, errors in measurements and cuts, I recommend cutting your pieces as you progress through the build. Remember always measure twice, cut once.
- 1 – 3/4″ MDF cut at 18 3/4 x 6 3/4 inches (shiplap)
- 2 – 3/4″ MDF at 45 degrees miter cut at 20 1/4 x 1 1/4 inches (long sides of frame)
- 2 – 3/4″ MDF at 45 degrees miter cut at 8 1/4 x 1 1/4 inches (short sides of frame)
STEPS FOR DIY SHIPLAP COAT RACK
Step 1) Create the shiplap. To create the faux shiplap lower the blade on your table saw leaving about 1/4″. Here is a pic of the depth of my blade.
Adjust the fence to the desired width of your shiplap cuts. I didn’t measure very well and I ended up with different sized widths. The middle shiplap measured 2 inches and the top and bottom measured 2 1/4 inches. Run the board over the blade.
Because the blade is lower than the depth of your board it will create a groove in the wood, giving the appearance of shiplap. Repeat as needed for your desired number of shiplap grooves.
Step 2) Make the frame. Measure and mark the frame pieces using a square if needed. Make your way around the shiplap board dry fitting the frame pieces.
Step 3) Paint the frame pieces and shiplap board. I started out by painting the pieces by hand, then I got smart and realized that spray paint is much faster and I had several cans on hand. So I spray painted a white matte spray paint for the shiplap and gray spray paint for the frame.
Step 3) Make the frame. Once your spray paint is dry attach your frame pieces around the board using wood glue and nailing with 1 1/4 inch 18G brad nails into the sides of the shiplap board.
Use wood filler to fill in the nail holes. I sprayed some spray paint in the lid and dipped a paintbrush in it to touch up the nail holes and the corners. This worked well to cover these spots. But warning I think doing this made me sick. Even though I had a mask on and the garage open I got a headache and nausea. So be careful.
Step 4) Apply a spray sealer. I applied a few coats of a matte spray sealer.
Step 5) Add hanging hardware. Since I planned to hang this in our vacation condo it needed to be very sturdy so I added keyhole hangers and put them on horizontal.
I used keyhole hangers on my pallet towel rack and they have worked very well with the constant use. After attaching the keyhole hangers I would have put these about a 1/2 inch lower than where I did to prevent an up and down rocking motion.
Step 6) Add your hooks and hang it in your desired location.
I added command strips (optional) to the back of the hanger to attach to the wall. The point of this was not for holding any weight but to prevent any up and down rocking movement.
I hung this right by the back patio doors making it convenient for our guests to hang their items.
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