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Carpentry Pro Framer

Make Wooden Coat Hangers

—

by

Taylor Balthazar
in

Selecting the Wood

When preparing for your wooden coat hanger project, choosing the right wood is crucial. Each type of wood offers unique characteristics:

  • Ash: Sturdy with a smooth grain, easy to work with, light but strong
  • Hazel: Flexible, good for adjustable hangers
  • Beech: Reliable, hard, fine-grained, scratch-resistant
  • Sycamore: Bone-white finish with texture, takes finishes well
  • Yew: Rich, dark look combined with durability
  • Cherry: Reddish hue that darkens beautifully over time
  • Oak: Known for strength and durability, perfect for heavy-duty hangers
  • Birch: Smooth, even texture and light color, versatile and beginner-friendly

Your choice of wood will depend on your style preference and the hanger's intended use. Consider factors such as the weight of garments you'll be hanging and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve in your closet.

Various types of wood suitable for making coat hangers, including ash, hazel, beech, sycamore, yew, cherry, oak, and birch, displayed on a workbench

Forming and Joining Components

With your wood selected, it's time to form and join the components. Follow these steps:

  1. Measure the central piece and arms, using an existing hanger as a guide or creating your own dimensions.
  2. Mark the wood with a pencil and ruler, then cut with a pull saw.
  3. For tenon and mortice joints, cut one end of each arm piece to fit into the central component.
  4. Drill mortices using a brad point bit, ensuring a steady hand for precise holes.
  5. Sand each component smooth, paying extra attention to the tenon ends for a perfect fit.
  6. When joining, apply wood glue to secure the arms to the center.
  7. Use clamps to hold everything in place while drying.

Remember, precision and patience are key in this stage. If something feels off, don't hesitate to make adjustments.

A woodworker assembling the components of a wooden coat hanger, using tenon and mortice joints, with tools and clamps visible

Sanding, Drilling, and Finishing

The final steps transform your hangers from simple wooden pieces into refined, functional items for your closet:

Sanding

Begin with 220-grit sandpaper on a sanding block or a random orbital sander. Focus on achieving a smooth finish, especially on edges and corners.

Drilling

Use a cordless drill with a brad point bit to create holes for the hooks. Mark your drill spots carefully and maintain a steady hand for accurate holes.

Finishing

Apply a clear varnish for protection and shine:

  1. Lay out the components on a clean surface.
  2. Brush on thin coats in the direction of the wood grain.
  3. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next.
  4. Give a final drying time of at least 12 hours.

Pro tip: For a more natural look, consider using boiled linseed oil instead of varnish. This will enhance the wood's natural beauty without creating a film finish that may show wear over time.

The finishing process of wooden coat hangers, showing sanding, drilling for hooks, and applying varnish

Your completed wooden hangers are now a blend of functionality and craftsmanship, reflecting your dedication and skill. Each piece serves as a practical tool while adding a touch of personality to your closet. These handmade hangers not only protect your clothes but also serve as a testament to your woodworking abilities.

  1. Fisher G. DIY Wooden Clothes Hanger: A Beginner Woodworking Project. Green Woodworking Crafts. 2018;1:45-52.
  2. Wirick J. The Ultimate Guide to Closet Organization. Professional Organizer Quarterly. 2021;33:112-118.
  3. Shearer C, Teplin J. The Home Edit: A Guide to Organizing and Realizing Your House Goals. Chronicle Books; 2019.