Pallet Coat Rack {Tutorial}

Today I am going to show you how to make this coat rack out of a pallet!  I actually guest blogged over at A Little Tipsy a few weeks ago, but I wanted to share it on my blog in case you missed it!

I actually only had to buy a couple of things for the Pallet Coat Rack.  I spent a grand total of about $7.  If you would like to make one, this is what you will need:

Pallet

Sander & Sand Paper

Hammer

Flat Head Screw Driver

Glue (I used Tacky, my fav!)

Mod Podge

Coat Hooks

Scrapbook Paper

Hanging Hardware

Sealant Spray

Drill and Drill Bits (opt.)

Decide which board you will remove.  I tried hammering off the board, but only cracked it…oops.  I discovered that it was much easier to wedge the screwdriver between the boards and hammer the end of the screwdriver.  This way the wood separates without cracking.  Remove nails.

I was about to try for a new board after cracking the first one, but then I decided the cracks added some character.  To keep them from splitting more, I attached a few of these flat metal brackets.  I found them at the hardware store.  They come in handy with wood projects all the time!

Speaking of character, I just love the words printed onto the board!

I lightly sanded the board to smooth the rough edges and ends to prevent splintering.  I didn’t want to sand too much, because I wanted the words to remain on the board.

See how much difference the sander makes?

To decorate the board, I used a paper pad that had coordinating papers.  I cut the paper into squares and rectangles to create a pattern.  I really like the look of bare wood showing through.  (I also thought it would be fun to paint chevron stripes.)  

After I figured out my layout, I glued everything on with Tacky glue (it works great on wood and paper).  Then, I brushed a layer of mod podge on top.

I looked for coat hooks at the hardware store, but they were pretty pricey.  (The joys of small town hardware stores...).  I wasn't going to spend $3 per hook, so I decided I would keep looking.  I found these egg stands at the craft store in the wood section.  When you turn them upside down, they make perfect hooks for hanging things!  

I spray painted them white so they would stand out from the paper and the natural wood color. 

To attach them, I drilled holes that were slightly smaller than my screws through the pallet. Then, I twisted the screws through until they were flush with the front of the board.  Then, I put the hooks on top and carefully twisted the screw into the wood.  (To make this easier, do this step before you glue on the paper - that's what I did!)

Then, I unscrewed my attached knobs and filled the hole in the knob with tacky glue and also put a bunch of glue around the inner section to stop slipping. 

Finish with a few layers of sealant spray, and then attach hanging hardware.  Fun, huh?  I made this for my aunt and she loved it (which made me very glad!)

I am linking this up here and here.