Rustic Industrial Coat Rack

I’ve had this problem for years now; where do I put my wet jacket? First world problems, right? Well, this minor inconvenience prompted my latest build – a coat rack. This is not any ordinary plain-Jane coat rack. This piece of art has industrial elements bolted onto rustic style. Plus, it’s been customized for our home! Read on for the story and more pictures.

From the get-go, I was going to craft this project in the rustic/industrial theme that I’ve carried all summer. The design had to remain simple while keeping wet garments away from the wall. I chose reclaimed, weathered oak and preserved the character of the wood through the build process. To create additional texture, I planed the slats at varying thicknesses. The black iron pipe fittings certainly added the industrial element that I was after yet they function well in their utilitarian purpose. The final touch is the plaque commemorating our home. I burned the characters into the cherry surface then finished with Danish oil. The name “Antworth” was taken from both of our last names and the established date is the year of our marriage.

Until now, my wood burning experience has been limited to signing completed projects in an inconspicuous place. I’m glad that I gave this a shot! The hardest part is beginning with the proverbial blank canvas then going with the flow. Moreover, drawing is a talent that I do not possess and I’m in need of much practice. Despite the struggle, the plaque has a genuine and warm feel and it adds a finishing touch to this project. I’m excited to continue building my wood burning skill!

Since coming home, I’ve enjoyed incorporating nontraditional materials into my woodworking projects. The industrial theme has provided an outlet to experiment between the worlds of craftsmanship and artistry. This exploration has continued my growth as a woodworker in many ways.

And there it is, the rustic industrial coat rack – combining art and craftsmanship!