DIY Mug Stand

As we close in on the Holidays, I like to post a few ideas that are easily created, very affordable and would make great gifts for just about anyone on your list – like this DIY mug stand.

I’d seen a version of this on Shanty 2 Chic and thought “what a great idea!” We all have a favourite mug or two that we reach for each morning right? Why not build a little mug tree / mug stand / mug rack to hang them on so they are always within reach!

I couldn’t find the original plans on their site, but I don’t want to steal credit where credit isn’t due – so please go visit Shanty 2 Chic for a million-and-one other brilliant plans that you can make.

For my project, I had to wing it:

This is easily done with scrap wood bits, and if you plan on painting it, you can easily mix woods and no one will be the wiser. For my DIY mug stand I used;

1 piece 1×6 cut to 5.5″ (this will make a square)
1 piece 1×6 cut to 4.5″
1 piece 2×2 cut to 13″
2 2 1/2″ wood screws
wood glue
4 cup hooks

I wanted the base of my DIY mug stand / DIY mug tree to look ‘finished’, so after I cut it down to 4.5″ square, I set my mitre saw to 45 degrees and ran the wood through on it’s side (on each side) to create this nice angled edge all the way around.

In fact, I thought it turned out so well, I repeated it on the top of the 2×2 piece. (If you’re not into this shape, you can leave it flat and add a small finial or knob to decorate the top).

There was no precise measuring for this, I just cut – the square in the centre was a complete fluke!

Next you’ll want to take your 5.5″ piece and mark the centre spot on it. I find marking a line from corner to corner to be pretty accurate. Line up your 2×2 post on the centre point and trace it.

Within that square is where you’ll want to pre-drill two holes. Here you’re looking at the bottom of my DIY mug stand / DIY mug tree.

Using wood glue, glue your 4.5″ piece, centred, onto your 5.5″ base, then centre your post on top of that. Drill up from the bottom of your DIY mug stand with your 2.5″ wood screws – through your pre-drilled holes.

Everyone is going to have different favourite mugs, so the placement of your hooks is going to depend on the size of those. I usually use my Rae Dunn babies because they are so honkin’ huge, so I placed each one on a hook and then marked the placement leaving enough space above and below it so it wouldn’t knock the base or other mugs.

Sand it pretty and you’re done!

Unless you want to paint or stain it – then you’ll add another 10 minutes onto your time and expense.

I’d say this project took me a total of 20 minutes to build and paint, and cost me about $3 in hooks.

Can’t tell though can you?

Really what’s better than a gift that someone will actually — USE? Perhaps one that was made for them from the heart?

Head to the workshop, gather your scrap wood and whip out 5 right now; you’ll have the kids’ teachers, the mailman, the crossing guard and the next-door neighbours gifts done and off of your checklist! (You can tell the kids that it’s a doll coat rack and make them one as well!)