How to Build a Coat Rack Shelf (with Step-by-Step Plans)

DIY Coat Rack

Thinking about building your own coat rack with a built-in shelf but aren't quite sure where to start or how to do it? Then, look no further.

The coat rack you see above was built using Kee Klamp fittings and pipe and can be built by just about anyone. Even if you have no prior building experience or if you don't own any expensive power tools. All that's needed is an Allen Wrench (to assemble the frame) and a drill (to attach the wood shelf and mount the coat rack to the wall).

In this guide, we're going to cover exactly what materials you need to assemble this DIY Coat Rack and Shelf combo and layout step-by-step instructions for putting it together. So without further ado, let's get to it:

The Fittings & Materials You'll Need to Build This Coat Rack:

First, let's cover the fittings you need to build the coat rack.

Kee Klamp fittings differ from traditional pipe fittings as Kee Klamp fittings use a set screw connection. The fitting slides over pipe and is secured in place by tightening down the set screw on the fitting (using an Allen Wrench).

Traditional pipe fittings connect to pipe via a threaded connection. This limits their uses and it often makes them more difficult to use.

In this coat rack design, there are four types of pipe fittings used. The first is the Flange fitting. The Flange fitting has a socket on one side that accepts pipe. On the other side, there is a circular mounting plate with four countersunk holes. This allows the fitting to be used to mount a project to nearly any type of surface. Here, the Flange is used to mount the coat rack to the wall.

The second fitting used is the 90 Degree Elbow. This fitting is used at the top left and right front corners of the frame. At the bottom two corners, the Side Outlet Elbow is used. The last type of fitting used is the M50 - Male Single Swivel Socket Member. This fitting slides over pipe and has a tab that can be used to mount material to a pipe frame. In this case, it's used to attach the wood shelf to the coat rack frame.

Alternatively, the P50 - Offset Single Tab Panel w/Slot could be used in the same manner. The M50 can be used to provide the shelf a more "recessed" look, while the P50 would give the shelf more of a "floating" appearance.

The last item used in the construction of this coat rack is the wood shelf. We don't know exactly what type of wood was used, but there are many different options that can be used for your own coat rack shelf.

Hardwood plywood is one. Stores like Home Depot can cut a sheet of plywood to size for you if you don't have the tools to do so yourself. Laminate shelving (like this one sold at Home Depot) is also an option.

We've made it easy to order all the fittings and pipe you will need to build the coat rack. The pipe lengths can be modified to create a shorter, longer, or taller coat rack if desired. Click the "Modify This Project" button.

Specs:

  • Length: Configurable
  • Depth: Configurable
  • Height: Configurable

Assembly:

  • clock 1 Lunchtime
  • wrench Allen Key, Drill (For mounting fittings to the wall), Mounting Hardware

What's included:

All of the pipe and fittings needed to assemble the coat rack shelf.

What's not:

Wood for Shelving, Mounting Hardware, Tools

Assembling the DIY Coat Rack and Shelf:

DIY Coat Rack

As with most projects that use Kee Klamp fittings, the exact order in which you approach the assembly process is entirely up to you. There is no set order. However, we've listed below the steps that we believe to be the simplest approach.

DIY Coat Rack

First, start by assembling each of the two coat rack supports (at each end). Each support utilizes the following fittings: 2x Flange fittings, 2x M50 fittings, 1x 90 Degree Elbow, and 1x Side Outlet Elbow. Follow the diagram above to assemble each support.

Remember, each fitting is secured in place via a set screw. When each fitting is in place, make sure to fully tighten down the set screw using an Allen Wrench. Also, make sure to slide the two M50 fittings on the top pipe before attaching the 90 Degree Elbow and Flange fittings.

DIY Coat Rack

Once you have assembled both supports, they can be connected using one length of pipe. This pipe will slide into the open socket on the Side Outlet Elbow on each support. When in place, tighten down the set screw on each fitting using an Allen Wrench. The coat rack should now look like the diagram above.

DIY Coat Rack

The last step is to attach the wood shelf. Place the shelf over the M50 fittings and line it up evenly. Each M50 fitting has a tab with a hole in it that can be used for mounting. Drill a hole into the wood shelf through the tab in each fitting. Then use wood screws to attach the shelf. You should now have a complete coat rack as pictured above.

Remember, the height, depth, and length of the coat rack/shelf combo can all be adjusted by the length of pipe you order for each section.

If you have any questions on the fittings you need to build this project or on how to put the coat rack together, don't hesitate to reach out to our team for help. Our projects team is experienced in designing and building Kee Klamp projects and will work with you to come up with a design that is perfect for your application. Reach out by emailing projects@simplifiedbuilding.com or visiting our free design assistance page here.

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