Plans for Making a Coat Tree

Plans

• Finding the right design for the coat tree is essential to one's enjoyment of the piece. If the coat tree is too plain, than it can be an eyesore in a classy room. If the coat tree is too fancy it can be difficult to build and too fancy to fit comfortably in a room. Taking pieces from each type of design or plan is also an option and can make for some very unique pieces.

  All coat trees have a primary "trunk," which is typically a sanded and varnished 2x4 piece of wood. The branches can be anything from fancy cut planking to metal hangers. The feet are often smaller boards of the same material as the "trunk".

  Sand and varnish each piece before assembly to ensure the stable construction of the piece. Use both nails and wood glue to hold the pieces together rather than one or the other. The combination of nails and wood glue makes for a very solid hold and can prevent the coat tree from collapsing under the weight of the coats.

Materials

• There are many different types of wood that you can use make a coat tree. Metal can also be used to create these beautiful pieces. Find material that best suits the needs of the coat tree and your style. If the coat tree will be hanging a lot of heavy or wet coats and jackets, metal or a hard wood such as oak should be used. If the coat tree will only be holding light jackets or will be primarily used for decoration, use a softer wood such as pine.

  Make sure that all of the tools needed to complete the project are available. If a tool is not available, it can be better to buy the tool rather than trying to use a different tool in a manner that it was not intended. Friends and family can often help in providing tools in the form of lending a tool, but be sure to return the tools in good repair. These tools can include a table saw, a sander or sandpaper, paintbrush, hammer, nails and wood glue. Other tools to engrave or burn designs into wood can also be used to add unique flair to the coat tree.

Finishing

• Wood that is left unstained can quickly deteriorate due to water or wear. It is very important to stain the wood with a waterproof sealer. This can be done in solid colors to match the room's decor or in a natural colored stain. Whichever type of stain that you wish to use, be sure to follow the directions precisely and apply it in a well-ventilated area.

Safety

• Always remember to wear safety glasses while working on the coat tree. In addition, wear proper work gloves to prevent cuts and slivers while working. It can be very dangerous to work on wood or metal projects without the proper safety equipment. Never take a chance with your life or body while working on this project.