How to Build a Modern Walnut Coat Rack

In this guide, Matt Bork from Bork Wood shares a stylish and functional project to create a modern coat rack using air-dried walnut. This coat rack design is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any foyer or mudroom.

Materials Needed:

  • Air-dried walnut wood
  • Dowel rod
  • Wipe-on poly for finishing
  • Wood glue
  • Paste wax

Tools Required:

  • Miter saw
  • Table saw with crosscut sled
  • Joiner
  • Planer
  • Drill press
  • Orbital sander
  • Router
  • Vice

Step 1: Selecting and Cutting the Wood

Matt began by selecting some air-dried walnut. He cut the wood in half using the miter saw.

Cutting air dried walnut

Step 2: Preparing the Boards

Next, he cut two pieces to exact lengths before planing the boards flat on both sides.

Planing the boards

Step 3: Squaring the Edges

Using the joiner, Matt squared one side of the boards and then ripped the boards to their final dimensions.

Using the joiner to square edges

Step 4: Setting Up for Cuts

Matt then set up a stop block on the table saw for two-inch cuts, alternating with a one-inch spacer board.

Setting up the table saw

Step 5: Angling the Pieces

Using the miter saw, he cut a forty-five-degree angle on each end of each piece.

Cutting 45-degree angles

Step 6: Measuring for Assembly

After cutting, Matt measured where the movable pieces would intersect with the stationary pieces, finding the center point for alignment.

Measuring for intersections

Step 7: Drilling Holes

He set up stop blocks on the drill press to create repeatable holes for the dowel rod.

Setting up drill press for holes

Step 8: Testing Fit

Matt performed a test fit with the dowel rod but realized the angles didn’t work. He returned to the miter saw to trim a bit from the inside corner.

Testing dowel rod fit

Step 9: Sanding the Small Pieces

Using an orbital sander and a vice, he smoothed out all the small pieces for a fine finish.

Sanding small pieces

Step 10: Finishing the Wood

For the finish, Matt applied three coats of wipe-on poly, enhancing the walnut’s natural beauty.

Applying wipe-on poly

Step 11: Assembly

Assembly proved challenging until he decided to use paste wax, which made the tight fit easier. He only needed to glue the end pieces to secure everything in place.

Assembling the coat rack

Step 12: Adding Keyhole Slots

Finally, Matt used a router to create keyhole slots on each end and in the middle for easy mounting on the wall.

Creating keyhole slots

And there you have it! A beautiful, modern walnut coat rack that is both stylish and functional. Thanks to Matt Bork for sharing this detailed woodworking project!

Video

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