Introduction: Vertical Reclaimed Wood Contemporary Art Wall Coat Hanger

About: I have always been the curious type. I love to fix things, break things, make new things, explore new ideas, and have fun.
I saw a beautiful reclaimed wood contemporary art piece that is also a practical coat hanger. It would be a perfect entry way addition. At $265, the original

(http://www.etsy.com/listing/119182720/modern-wood-wall-art-sculpture-vertical?utm_source=google&utm_medium=product_listing_promoted&utm_campaign=art_mid&gclid=CMq1q6H3-rgCFY9xQgodL3QACg)

is way out of my price range for accessories so I thought, "Hey, I can make that." .  I headed out to the garage, started rummaging through the wood scraps and with about 2 hours of actual labor, I had my own knockoff designer coat hanger ready to grace my entry way.    

Tools used:

square
ruler or measuring tape
wood screws (1/2 inch)
wood glue
wood stain (what I had around already - walnut, ebony, cherry and golden oak)
polyurethane finish (interior, satin)
safety equipment
table saw
screwdriver
sandpaper (220)

Step 1: Gather Wood Scraps

I wanted the coat hanger to be about 24" x 18" overall so I planned on using a nice walnut 6 inch wide board  and cut the vertical pieces to 12 inches.

First step - gather boards that were all about 3/4 inches thick, and at least 13 or so inches long so that there would be enough to cut them square on the ends. 

Step 2: Cut Boards to Size

I cut the horizontal board to 24" and lightly sanded it.

I ripped the vertical boards to random widths and then cut them to 12" and sanded them as well.  I used a table saw for this. If you use power tools make sure that you are familiar with your tools, the manuals and that you operate them safely. You are responsible for your own safety. I still have all my fingers and plan to keep it that way.

Be sure to protect yourself from dust, random things that might get in your eyes and from noise while you're at it.

I had a piece of 1/4 inch plywood that I used as a backer. I cut it to 18" x 24" 




Step 3: Fit, Design and Stain

Check to be sure that the vertical pieces fit the base piece and decide what order/pattern you like. Then use different stains to provide some color. Follow the directions when using stains.

Wait impatiently (or read a good book) for stain to dry and repeat if you'd like.  

Step 4: Attach Boards to Backer, Add Finish

I carefully lined up the base piece with the backer board and used wood screws and glue to attach the two together. I did the same for the vertical pieces. I think if I had a biscuit joiner I would have used it to be sure all the boards were glued tight, but the screws worked. It is just kind of messy looking.

Attach the hanger while you are thinking about it and clean any glue that might have squeezed through off the front of the boards.

Wait....

When the glue is dry, spray or brush on a finish. I used interior polyurethane. Wait, repeat, wait, repeat.

As always, read and follow the directions for your products.  

Step 5: Add Hooks and You Are Done!

Take a minute and measure out the spacing for your hooks to be sure they are even, level and straight. 
I used a ruler with a 90 degree edge to be sure to get the line right. I also used a drill to pre-drill the holes for the screws to make sure they didn't end up crooked.

Now enjoy your work of art!

Thanks for reading, hope it was helpful. This is my first instructable so any feedback would be great.