Building A Coat Rack Bench

Having already cut your teeth on building a simple coat rack, you may want to put your Electric Tools to further use building a coat rack bench. There are many fine design plans available on the market, some with a flat bench and back wall holding hooks. There are also design kits incorporating a bench seat with a newel post on either bench for hooks, as well as benches that double as storage containers. Select the coat rack bench style that best suits your needs and room design. With basic construction tools, you will be able to build and finish your new coat rack bench in a weekend.

Items Required To Build Your Coat Rack Bench

When buying a coat rack kit, some come with all required items as well as the plans. The included items can vary from all required lumber to fasteners and plans or just plans only. Review the list below for additional products you may need to buy if your kit is not all-inclusive.

Electric Tools: Most kits require basic electric tools to put the coat rack bench together. These will likely include a power drill, table saw, and a handheld electric sander. See the Tools Section of our website to upgrade your construction tools inventory if desired.

Lumber: If your kit does not include lumber, you will have to purchase the required sizes of unfinished lumber the plans ask for. Choose whichever wood species you prefer.

Fasteners: You may need to buy fasteners if not included in your kit, fasteners such as brackets, nails, and screws. Wood glue may also be required or preferred.

Finishing Products: Most benches are stained although you may wish to paint yours instead. If staining, you will need to purchase wood stain, lacquer or polyurethane to protect the wood. Regardless of finish, you will also need coarse, medium, and fine grand sandpaper.

Lumber Prep and Assembly

Check all wood pieces for blemishes. Some knots and grain patterns can enhance the attractiveness of the bench seat. Cut the seat to capitalize on unique grain features. Alternatively, if there are blemishes that are unattractive, avoid them when cutting your wood.

When the wood is cut, put the bench together using either included kit fasteners or whatever fasteners work best to reinforce the bench. We always recommend pre-drilling holes with your power drill so screws don’t split the wood when driving them. Once fully constructed, you are ready to finish the bench and posts.

Finishing the Coat Rack Bench

Use coarse to medium sandpaper on your power sander to smooth out any rough spots on the wood. Next, attach fine grain sand paper to achieve a completely smooth surface. When brushed clean of dust, stain (or paint) your new coat rack bench using a clean cloth or brush. Allow the wood to dry for 48 to 72 hours. If required by your stain, varnish the wood with a clear polyurethane sealant for protection. Attach hooks to newel posts or back wall as desired.