This beautiful hall tree is a perfect place to hang your bag or backpack. The built-in chalkboard lets you write reminders or fun notes, and it’s under $100 to build!
Having a place to hang your bag, drop your keys, and slip off your shoes at the end of the day can help your home stay a bit more organized. This rustic hall tree project not only helps you keep your belongings all in one place, but the added chalkboard makes it easy for you to write reminders, leave fun messages, or even just a place for the kids to draw.
This hall tree is inspired by one I saw in the Pottery Barn catalog, but at under $100 to build, it’s a small fraction of the price. If you have a smaller entryway, this project is the perfect addition! If your entryway is a bit larger, you can also check out the larger version of this that I also built!
Make sure to download the printable plans for this project. Keep reading for the step by step instructions and photos of the build.
How To Build A Rustic Hall Tree
- Build the 2×4 frame
Drill 1 1/2” pocket holes into the 15” 2×4 pieces. Attach with wood glue and 2 1/2” pocket screws.
- Attach the bench frame pieces
Drill 1 1/2” pocket holes into the 15” 2×2 pieces. Attach to the back frame using wood glue and 2 1/2” pocket screws.
- Build the bench
Drill 1 1/2” pocket holes into the 15” and 19” pieces that make up the frame of the bench. Attach with wood glue and 2 1/2” pocket screws. Line up and square the bench frame to the back of the hall tree. Glue and attach with 2 1/2” pocket screws.
- Attach the center supports
Drill 1 1/2” pocket holes into each end of the center support stretchers. Attach to the bench frame with 2 1/2” pocket screws and wood glue.
- Add the bench seat slats
Attach the 1×2 pieces to the bench, spacing them approximately 5/8” apart. Glue and nail into place with 1 1/4” brad nails.
- Cut the shelf supports
Use a pencil to draw the radiuses on each of the shelf brackets. With a jigsaw or bandsaw, cut along the area you drew and sand smooth. Use the first piece to trace the same radius pattern for the second piece.
- Install the shelf supports
Drill 1 1/2” pocket holes into the inside faces of the brackets. Glue and attach in place with 2 1/2” pocket screws.
- Fill the pocket holes on the shelf supports
Fill the pocket holes with wood filler or 3/8” dowels, cut flush with a hand saw. Sand down smooth.
- Attach the shelf slats
Attach the 1×2 shelf pieces with wood glue and 1 1/4” brad nails, spacing them approximately 5/8” apart.
- Fill nail holes
Fill all of the nail holes with wood filler and sand the entire hall tree smooth. Paint or stain as desired.
- Attach the chalkboard
Center the chalkboard over the back of the hall tree and attach with 1” narrow crown staples. Brad nails can also be used; however, the staples will provided added strength for the chalkboard.
Rustic Hall Tree With Chalkboard
What’s not to love about a piece of furniture that not only spruces up your entryway, but also helps you stay organized?! Make sure you download the printable plans if you’d like to build your own! They include the complete materials list and cut list to help your build go smoothly.
Do you have a cut list for this project
Hi Dave,
You can find the cut list for this project in the printable plans, which I have linked to in my post.