How to Build a DIY Hat Rack in 4 Easy Steps

Having the skills to build things on your own can help you save money, but it can also give you a set of skills that you can be proud of and can enable you to create items that you are happy to display in your home. Whether you are new to the building game or a pro, having a DIY hat rack in your home can be beneficial.

If you're like most people, you are always looking for a place to hang coats or hats. While closets are ideal for this task, sometimes it's nice to have your items in a place that makes them quick and easy to grab. This can be especially true if you have guests who come to visit.

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What Is a Hat Rack?

Different Approaches to a DIY Hat Rack

Steps to Build a DIY Hat Rack

Conclusion

What Is a Hat Rack?

Image via Pixabay

In general, a hat rack is a piece of furniture that is used to store hats or clothing, particularly coats. It consists of a main pole on a stand with pegs that are used to hold the various items. It can be constructed out of many different elements, including wood or metal. It can also be found in various places, including near the entryway of a person's home or in various businesses.

Different Approaches to a DIY Hat Rack

When it comes to making a DIY hat rack, there are many options you can choose from. You have the ability to make a traditional form of the piece, which includes having a stand, pole, and pegs, or you can make one that hangs on the wall. For this type, you'll need to develop a frame and add the hanging elements to that.

Deciding Which One to Build

Deciding which one to build will be determined by personal preference, where you want to place the item, and your abilities. Building a framed DIY hat rack may not be as challenging as building a free-standing one. However, it will require having a place in your home where it can hang on a wall. Keep in mind that different items of various weights will be placed on the hooks, so you need to place it so that it won't get pulled out of the wall.

Building a free-standing hat rack may require having a few more skills, but you won't need a sturdy wall to hang it from. You will, however, need to make sure you have space to be able to place it on the floor of your home. This may be a sturdier hat rack to build, but it could also potentially get in the way.

Supplies

Both can be achieved with the right materials and some patience. Once you have decided which one you want to build, you'll then need to get your supplies. Most of these can be found at your local hardware store or even in your woodpile out back (if you have one).

If you decide to make a hanging hat rack, you'll need wood for the frame and hooks to hang the items on. What you decide to use for the hooks will be up to you. You can go the traditional route and get basic hooks from the store, or you may decide to use double hooks for more hanging space.

If you want to get creative, you can use the claws of hammers as the hooks or even horseshoes. Anything that has a curved edge that will keep things from falling to the floor and be able to support the weight can be used as hooks.

If you decide to create a free-standing hat rack, you'll need to gather wood for the base, the pole, and the pegs. Of course, you may decide not to place pegs on the pole and may opt instead to affix some other types of hooks. Those mentioned above can be used on this type of rack, and it may reduce the amount of work you have to put in to create this piece.

Some of the other supplies you'll need for this project include a measuring tape, saw (electric or hand), electric drill, wood glue, screws, sandpaper, wood paint (or stain), and a paintbrush.

Steps to Build a DIY Hat Rack

Once you have gathered your supplies, you are ready to start work on your DIY hat rack.

Image via Pixabay

Step 1: Choose the Dimensions

The first thing you'll need to decide when it comes to your hat rack is how big you want it. When it comes to the rack that affixes to the wall, the size will depend on where you hang it and where the studs are located. You can have a rack that will hold as few as five hats or one that can accommodate up to 50.

In addition to length for the wall-mounted DIY hat rack, you can also decide how wide it will be. This will allow you to put more than one row of hooks on the piece and hold more hats and coats. Again, the width will be decided by where you plan on placing the piece once it's done. It's also important to consider the weight when items will be placed on the hooks. If it gets too heavy, it may pull out of the wall and cause damage.

For a free-standing DIY hat rack, you'll need to decide how tall you want it. On average, these are around six-feet tall, but you can decide to make them larger or smaller. If you make them larger, keep in mind that most people may not be able to reach the top pegs to hang their items. Too short and their coats will drag on the floor.

You'll also need to decide how wide the base is going to be. This will be determined by where the item will be placed. Having a wider base will ensure that the rack is more stable, but it will also take up more room. In addition, you'll need to decide how many pegs or hooks it will have to hang items on. Again, considering weight is important. If one side gets too heavy, it can tip the rack over.

Step 2: Cut the Wood

Once you have determined the dimensions, you are ready to cut the wood. For the wall-mounted rack, you'll need to cut enough wood to create the main body of the rack, as well as the side panels to give it added strength and beauty.

For the free-standing DIY hat rack, you'll need to cut the main pole to the height you want and then cut smaller pieces for the base. You'll then need to cut some smaller pieces for the pegs. If you decided to use hooks instead of wooden pegs, this step can be ignored.

via Giphy

Step 3: Paint or Stain the Wood

Once you have all of the pieces cut and ready to go, you'll want to stain or paint them. First, you will need to sand the wood so that it is smooth and all rough edges and splinters are taken care of. After that, you can apply the paint or stain.

The color will depend on your home's décor and style, but it shouldn't be challenging to find something that matches the rest of your space. Once that has dried, usually overnight, you are then ready to put the rack together.

Step 4: Put the DIY Hat Rack Together

For the wall-mounted rack, this will include fixing the side panels to the main panel. In essence, you'll want your hat rack to look like a picture frame, with wood as the center of the piece and then smaller pieces on the outside as the frame. These can be attached using wood glue or screws. Screws will give it a better hold, but they will also be visible in the wood. If you want it to look uniform, you'll need to consider using wood glue.

For the free-standing rack, you'll need to affix the base to the center pole so that it will stand. Using screws is the best way to accomplish this task, as they will hold the pieces together better. On average, there are three legs that come out of the bottom of the center pole to hold it upright. However, for added stability, you might consider placing four.

The longer these legs are, the more stable it will make the rack. However, you may have to make them shorter depending on where the rack will be placed. Make them as long as possible to fit into the area so that they keep the rack upright when articles are hung from the pegs or hooks.

After the frames for both racks have been constructed, it's time to add the hooks or the pegs. Hooks are best applied using screws and spaced evenly across the hat rack. For pegs, you'll need to drill holes in the center pole and then use wood glue to secure the pegs into place.

Once everything has dried, you should be ready to mount the DIY rack on the wall or place it near your entryway.

Conclusion

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Placing a hat rack in your home will give you the extra space you need to hang your hats and coats, keeping them organized, out of the way, and easy to access. Creating your own DIY hat rack is a great way to add something special to your home and take pride in your ability to make something useful, as well as save some money.

Featured Image via Pixabay

How to Build a DIY Hat Rack in 4 Easy Steps

What Is a Hat Rack?

Different Approaches to a DIY Hat Rack

Deciding Which One to Build

Supplies

Steps to Build a DIY Hat Rack

Step 1: Choose the Dimensions

Step 2: Cut the Wood

Step 3: Paint or Stain the Wood

Step 4: Put the DIY Hat Rack Together

Conclusion

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