Free woodworking plan

Shaker Peg Rail Coat Rack

Difficulty: Beginner · Estimated time: about 2 hr of hands-on work, not counting glue and finish drying or cure time

A wall-mounted peg rail for coats and bags — one board, classic pegs, under two hours.

Mill or buy a clear board, drill evenly spaced holes, glue in Shaker-style pegs, and mount into studs. Ideal beginner layout practice with a strong, useful result for an entryway.

Materials

• Hardwood or pine board — 1 @ 3/4" x 3-1/2" x 36" (Oak, maple, or clear pine)
• Shaker pegs — 5–7 @ 3-1/2" long (Match peg tenon to your bit)
• Wood glue — small bottle
• Wood screws — 4 @ #8 x 2-1/2" (Into studs)
• Finish — wipe-on poly or oil (Optional)

Tools

• Tape measure and pencil
• Drill with brad-point bit sized to peg tenons
• Level and stud finder
• Sandpaper 120/220
• Clamps (optional)
• Saw (if trimming length) (optional)

Safety: Power tools and finishes can cause serious injury. Read and follow every tool and product manual, use guards and push sticks, wear eye and hearing protection, and work in a ventilated area. These plans are for general information; check measurements and your own skill before cutting. You build at your own risk, and Handy at Home is not liable for injury or damage. See the Terms.

Steps

1. Lay out peg spacing

   Cut or leave the rail at about 36". Mark a centerline along the board face. Space pegs 4–5" apart, keeping 2" clear at each end for mounting screws. Square every mark.

   • Odd counts (5 or 7) look balanced.
   • Dry-fit pegs in scrap first if tenons vary.

2. Drill peg holes

   Use a brad-point bit matching the peg tenons. Drill straight to the tenon depth (usually ~5/8"–3/4"), not through the board. Keep the bit perpendicular — a drill press or doweling jig helps but careful handheld work is fine.

   • Wrap tape on the bit as a depth stop.
   • Blow out dust so glue gets a clean seat.

3. Glue pegs and finish the rail

   Glue pegs with a light coat on each tenon; twist into place with the peg angled slightly upward (~5°). Wipe squeeze-out. Sand the rail, ease edges, and apply finish if desired. Let glue cure fully before hanging weight.

   • Align all peg flats the same way for a tidy look.
   • If a peg is loose, add a thin wood shim with glue — do not oversize the hole.

4. Mount into studs

   Find studs, level the rail, and drive long screws through the rail into at least two studs (predrill). For heavy coats, prefer studs over anchors. Test with light load first.

   • Countersink screw heads slightly and hide with plugs or paint if you want a cleaner face.
   • Mount high enough that long coats clear the floor.

Always follow your tools’ safety instructions and wear eye protection. Free for personal use; please don’t resell or republish these plans.

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