How to Make Your Own Knock-Down Coat Rack

A knock-down coat rack borrows from the simple design of a clothes rack.

A knock-down coat rack provides quick accommodation for the coats of guests for holiday or any-day parties. Easily taken apart and stored under a bed or in a closet, the knock-down, or collapsible, coat rack is out of the way when not in use.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• 2-by-4 lumber
• Saw
• Drill and drill bits
• 2 1/4-inch hole-saw bit
• Hand-held sander
• Clear, water-based wood-grain filler
• Tack cloth
• Paint primer
• Color coat paint
• Paint brush
• 4 rubber- or polyurethane-wheeled swivel casters
• 16 1 1/2-inch wood screws
• Screwdriver drill bit
• 6 4-inch long wood screws
• 2 6-foot lengths of 2-inch galvanized pipes
• 4 2-inch pipe hex couplings
• 4 2-inch pipe nipples
• 4 2-inch pipe caps

Instructions

1. Cut two 18-inch lengths of 2-by-4 lumber. Cut two 5-foot lengths of 2-by-4 lumber. At one end of a 5-foot length, mark 4 1/4 inches from the end. On the other end, mark 6 1/2 inches from the end of the board.

2. Run a tape measure across the width of the board at the 4 1/4-inch mark. Find the center of the width of the board and mark this location. In the same manner, find the center on the line 6 1/2 inches from the other end of the board.

3. Place the center of your 2 1/4-inch hole-saw bit on the point marked on the 4 1/4-inch line. Drill out the hole. Drill another hole on the 6 1/2-inch line. Repeat the steps to drill matching holes in the other 5-foot length.

4. Sand all the boards to smooth the surfaces, including the ends, using a handheld electric sander. Sand with the grain. Wipe all surfaces thoroughly with a tack cloth to remove sanding dust.

5. Apply clear, water-based wood-grain filler to all wood surfaces, following the manufacturer's instructions. Sand smooth when dry.

6. Apply one coat of paint primer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Allow to dry. Apply two coats of finish paint in the color of your choice. Follow directions on the can. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly.

7. Place a caster so it is centered width-wise on one of the 18-inch boards and 3/4 inches from the end of the board. Screw the caster into place using 1 1/2-inch wood screws. Attach a caster on the other end of the board in the same manner. Repeat this step for the other 18-inch board.

8. Measure 7 1/4 inches and 10 3/4 inches from the end of one of the 18-inch boards. Place one of the 5-foot boards perpendicular and sideways to the 18-inch board, fitting the end of the 5-foot board between the marks. Center the board width-wise. Drill three screw-starter holes evenly spaced through the 18-inch board and into the narrow end of the 5-foot board. Screw the boards together using 4-inch-long wood screws. Repeat this step with the other set of boards to create upright supports for the coat rack rod.

9. Screw couplings onto the ends of both pipes. Screw pipe nipples into the couplings. Run the nipple of one pipe through the top hole in one coat rack support assembly. Screw a pipe cap to the other end of the nipple to secure the pipe in place. Run the nipple of the other pipe through the bottom hole of the same coat rack support assembly. Screw a pipe cap onto the other end of the pipe nipple. Screw couplings onto the other ends of the pipes and attach pipe nipples to them. Run the pipe nipples through the corresponding holes in the second support assembly. Cap the pipe nipples.

10. Knock down the coat rack by removing the caps from the pipe nipples. Separate pieces for storage.

Tips & Warnings

• Cover the galvanized pipe with fabric, paint or wrap with decorative tape, if desired.

References

• Refinish Furniture: Unfinished Furniture Bargain
• Design Sponge: DIY: Kate's Rolling Coat Rack
• Homes: Cool Coat Rack