Build it | Clothes Rack

Creating a DIY clothes rack can be an excellent project if you’re looking to add storage space to your home. This versatile piece works well in dorm rooms and apartments, or as a temporary home for extra coats during parties.

In this video and guide, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor go over how to build the piece and offer some helpful tips along the way.

Materials and Tools Needed to Build a Clothes Rack

Maple is the perfect material for this project, and the knockdown fasteners used to attach the hanger rod and shelf to the crossed legs are the hidden stars.

Threaded inserts and furniture bolts create rock-solid connections. You can put them in and take them out as often as needed without losing holding power, unlike screws that loosen each time you drive them in and out.

Materials

• Six 1×4 hardwood boards at 72″
• 14 loose tenons
• Six 1/4-20 threaded inserts for hardwood
• Two 1/4-20-by-1 1/4-inch furniture bolts
• Four 1/4-20-by-2 1/4-inch furniture bolts
• 220-grit sanding pads
• Wood glue
• Painter’s tape
• Paint or wood finish of your choice

Tools

• Tape measure
• Miter saw
• Table saw
• Drill driver and bits
• Speed square
• Tenon jointer
• Clamps
• Router and bits
• Box wrench
• Random orbit sander
• Allen keys
• Sanding block

Step-By-Step Guide to Building the DIY Clothes Rack

With the tools and materials in hand, you’re ready to begin.

Cutting the Wood

The first step in creating your clothes rack is to cut the wood to the appropriate sizes. Here’s the cut list:

• Four pieces at 68 inches (1 1/2 by 3/4 inches) for the full length of A-frame
• Two pieces at 36 1/2 inches (1 1/2 by 3/4 inches) for the shoe rack frame length
• Five pieces at 33 3/8 inches (1 1/2 by 3/4 inches) for interior shoe rack slats
• Two pieces at 18 1/2 inches (1 1/2 by 3/4 inches) for shoe rack frame width
• Two pieces at 36 1/2 inches (1 1/2 by 1 1/2 inches) for pole connecting frame at top

Use the table saw to rip all parts to width. Cut the long rails, cross-pieces, and slats to length using a miter saw. Leave the legs and hanger bar slightly longer than their final dimensions. This allows for adjustments later.

Preparing the Legs of the Clothes Rack

The legs of your clothes rack require special attention:

1. Stack the four leg pieces together and wrap them with painter’s tape to align them.
2. Mark center points 8 5/8 inches and 56 7/8 inches from the top.
3. Draw a perpendicular line across the leg at 65 1/2 inches. This line will serve as your reference point.
4. Drill 1/4-inch holes through all four legs at the marked points using a square scrap of wood as a guide.
5. Set your miter saw to a 10-degree angle and cut the legs at the bottom measurement for a stable base.

Creating Mortises and Tenons for Your Clothes Rack

You’ll use mortise and tenon joints to build a stable structure.

1. Mark the locations for mortises on the rails, crosspieces, and slats using a pencil and a marking gauge.
2. Use a mortiser or a shop-made jig with a plunge router to cut the mortises accurately.
3. Create loose tenons from 1/4-inch-thick hardwood strips, rounding over the edges to fit the mortises snugly.

In the video above, Silva uses a Domino joiner for this step. But if you don’t have one, a shop-made jig and a plunge router equipped with a 1⁄4-inch spiral bit and a 1⁄2-inch bushing allow you to make loose-tenon mortises almost as easily.

Starting with a 1⁄2 by-4-by-8-inch piece of acrylic, scribe centerlines and lay out the slot and screw holes where shown. Drill out the slot and holes, then attach a fence so the centerlines align with your workpiece. You can make your own loose tenons, too: Rip a 1⁄4-inch-thick strip of hardwood to the width of the mortise and round over the edges.

With this out of the way, you can move on to assembly.

Assembling the Shelf of the Clothes Rack

The shelf component of your clothes rack provides additional storage for shoes or other items. Confirm all pieces fit together seamlessly before applying glue.

1. Dry-fit the slats into the crosspieces for proper alignment.
2. Apply glue to the mortises and insert loose tenons into one crosspiece.
3. Insert the slats into the glued crosspiece, making sure there’s even space between them.
4. Repeat the process with the other crosspiece–make sure both mortises are in the same orientation.
5. Use bar clamps to secure the assembly, adjusting to maintain the square.
6. Glue and join the crosspieces to the shelf’s front and back rails.
7. Use clamps across the crosspieces and rails to hold everything until the glue sets.

Creating the Hanger Rod for the Clothes Rack

The hanger rod is an important component of your clothes rack. Here’s how to create a sturdy and attractive rod:

1. Glue two 1 1/2-by-40-inch pieces face-to-face.
2. Once dry, rip the piece to create a 1-by-1 1/4-inch rod.
3. Use a router with a 1/2-inch roundover bit to soften the rod’s edges for a smooth finish.
4. Cut the hanger rod to its final length using a miter saw.

Installing Clothes Rack Hardware

The hardware isn’t challenging to install, but there are a couple of tricks. “The key is drilling the right-size hole and keeping the insert perpendicular to the wood while screwing it in,” Silva says. Here’s how the pieces come together.

1. Use a 25/64-inch bit to drill centered holes 1 inch deep in the ends of the hanger bar and shelf rails.
2. Install threaded inserts into these holes. Silva uses a screwdriver for downward pressure while an assistant turns the insert with an open-ended wrench.

For an easier installation method, consider using a power tool accessory like the E-ZLOK drive tool. This accessory threads into the insert nut to securely engage it without any chance of slipping out or marring the finished workpiece. A shoulder stops the insert when it’s flush with the surface of the wood.

Finishing Touches for Your Clothes Rack

Before final assembly, take these steps to complete your do-it-yourself clothes rack:

1. Disassemble the rack components for easy handling.
2. Sand all parts with 220-grit sandpaper for a smooth finish.
3. Apply paint or wood finish to all components, enhancing the wood’s appearance and protection.
4. Allow the finish to dry completely before assembly to avoid smudging or damage.

Final Assembly for a Clothes Rack

With all components prepared and finished, you can now assemble your clothes rack:

1. Attach the shelf to the legs using the short furniture bolts. Make sure the shelf faces up, and the beveled bottom end of each leg is inward for proper alignment.
2. Align the through holes at the tops of the legs.
3. Attach the hanger bar with the two long furniture bolts, securing it firmly to support the weight of your clothes.

Tips and Considerations

When constructing a clothes rack, consider using maple for its durability and attractiveness, though oak or walnut are suitable alternatives. Wear goggles and hearing protection when using power tools, and maintain a clean workspace. To personalize the rack, add hooks, shelves, or decorative elements, and choose a finish that complements your room’s decor, whether natural wood, paint, or stain.

For proper maintenance, dust the rack regularly with a soft cloth, using a damp cloth and mild soap for tougher dirt, before drying promptly. Touch up scratched or worn finishes by lightly sanding and reapplying. To maintain stability and safety, periodically check bolts and joints for loosening and tightening as needed.