How to Build a Coat Locker for Kids

Cut the wood for the frame of your locker. Use a saw to cut two pieces of 3/4-inch-thick wood at 41 1/4 inches. These wood pieces will be the sides of your locker. Cut two more pieces at 46 1/2 inches. These pieces will be the top and bottom of the locker.

Connect a side piece of wood with the bottom shelf. Measure 4 3/4 inches from the bottom of the side piece of wood. Apply wood glue to the side of the bottom shelf and attach it to the side piece of wood. Drill pocket holes with a pocket-hole jig and drill the pocket screws in the holes to further adhere the two pieces of wood together.

Attach the bottom shelf to the other piece of side wood. Apply wood glue and adhere the shelf at a 90-degree angle to the side piece of wood 4 3/4 inches from the bottom piece of side wood. Pocket holes and screws reinforce the attachment between the pieces of wood.

Repeat the process to connect the top piece of wood to the sides. Apply wood glue at the top of the side pieces of wood. Attach the top piece at a 90-degree angle, flush with the side pieces of wood. Use a nail gun and finishing nails to permanently attach the top to the rest of the frame.

Cut two more pieces of wood 36 1/2 inches long. These two pieces will be the locker divider so each of your kids can hang their coats or one child can hang his coat, backpack and other supplies.

Install the dividers 15 inches from the side wood pieces. Pocket holes and screws added to the top and bottom of the dividers keep them in place.

Turn the locker face down. Add a piece of plywood 41 1/4 inches wide by 46 1/2 long to the back of the locker. Reinforce with nails spaced about every inch around the perimeter and the area covered by the dividers.

Add trim or crown molding to the locker if desired. Use a nail gun to keep in place. Prime and paint the coat locker if desired.

Add hooks or other items that will allow your child to hang his belongings in the locker. Screw hooks into the plywood near the top of each divided area. Decorative door knobs are a kid-friendly alternative. Cut yard sticks to the size of each divided area, nail in place and screw a hook in place to make a school-oriented coat rack for your locker.