I originally got the dog sign from my mom for Xmas. I am not really sure where she got it. Originally it was just hanging on the wall where the rack is now. I needed a place to put my dogs leashes and collars so figured I could incorporate it into a coat rack. I also decided last minute to add on a spot for my keys.

Overall, this project took me two weekends. I built it one weekend and stained and lacquered it the next one. This was not to tough of a built but I only had hand held tools. I live in an apartment so anything more than basic hand tools is not really possible. A table saw would make the built much quicker and easier.

MATERIALS:

Dog sign or any other sign of your choosing
3/4in Plywood
1x6
2x4
4 L-brackets
Assorted Screws (Used ones from old projects)
Circle Magnet
8 Coat Hooks
Stain
Lacquer
Brushes

I forgot to take a lot of pictures during the build. I have used AutoCAD to show the progression of the build. All holes were predrilled and countersunk. I know it looks like a lot of steps but I have kept each one short.

Step 1: MEASURE AND CUT

Here is the general dimensions of all the pieces. I cut everything first and then assembled it.

Plywood:

The back measures 37.5in by 18.25in with a 13.5in by 12in cut out centered up.

1x6:

cut 2 pieces 12in long
cut 2 pieces 19in long. Then cut a triangle out of the corner 4.75in by 5.5in as shown
cut 1 piece 37.5in long
cut 1 piece 37.5 in long and the rip it 4.75in wide

2x4:

cut 1 piece 12in long. Then cut at a 45 degree angle down the middle. Take one of the two halves and cut another 2in off of it.

Step 2: ATTACH BRACE TO SIDES

Make sure you square off the inner sides and the brace. Put the screws in a half an inch off the back edge that way they become hidden when you attach it to the back.

Step 3: ATTACH BACK

The inner sides and brace get should slide in to the cut out of the back. I over did the amount of screws needed but since everything is hanging off of this figured better be safe than sorry.

Step 4: ATTACH TOP

Center up the top and attach. I used two screws per board.

Step 5: ATTACH SHELF

Start with attaching the shelf to the inner sides. The will make it easier to put screws in from the back.

Step 6: ATTACH SIDES

It is easiest to add the sides by flipping the entire thing on its side. I attached them with a screw in each corner.

Step 7: DRILL HOLE FOR MAGNET

Drill a hole for a circle magnet. Make sure you don't go all the way through the sides. When done staining and lacquering, glue the magnet in with some wood glue. I had made the mistake of staining and lacquering first. I got lucky that I did mess up the stain in the process.

Step 8: STAIN AND LACQUER

Pick out your favorite stain. I choose a darker stain that matched some of my other furniture. Add two coats of lacquer. This helps protect the wood from dings.

Step 9: ATTACH HOOKS

Choose the number of hooks that you will use. Take 37.5 and divide by the number of hooks plus one. That will be the amount of space between each hook and the sides.

Step 10: ATTACH FELT

The felt is just to help protect the walls. I also have stucco walls so it helps with keeping it even.

Step 11: ATTACH DOG SIGN

Use L-brackets to attach the dog sign. Make sure you use screws that will not got all the way through the sign or the sides. I used 4 in total. It has plenty of strength.

Step 12: HANG WALL HANGER

The wall I was putting the dog sign coat hanger did not have any studs. If this is the case, make sure to use wall anchors. If you do have studs, you will probably only have one. You can use a regular screw there as long as you hit the stud but wall anchors should be used as well. Between the weight of the coat rack and the all the stuff on it you want to make sure it is extra strong.

Step 13: HANG ON WALL AND ENJOY

Center it up on the wall. The reason the brace on the wall is slightly smaller is to allow a little room to move it right or left on the wall. Load up all of your dogs stuff, coats, sunglasses, keys, etc. Your all done!