Wooden Bat Rack Projects

Keep everyday bats organized, clean and free of chipping by crafting a simple wood rack that holds and protects them. If your goal is to display collector bats in a visually appealing, more elaborate rack, numerous options are available for that idea as well. Use your own tools at home, rent them from the home improvement store or ask the store to cut your wood for you. Whatever way you decide to go, using recycled materials may help you save money.

  1. Covered Display Rack

    • If you have a single bat that you secretly value more than your car or home, building a covered display rack suits your needs. Begin this project by measuring the length of the bat then adding 2 feet to that figure. The width should be approximately 2 feet wide. If you have an autographed picture of a favorite player, signed baseball or collector cards, allow for room in the space to the left of the bat to display these items. Should you already have the necessary wood in your workshop, head out to the garage and start cutting away. If you're not so fortunate, take your measurements to the home improvement store, select the desired wood and ask them to cut it to appropriate size. Don't forget to pick up a pack of hinges for the door as well as a piece of Plexiglas also cut to size.

    Bats and More Storage

    • Store all of your favorite baseball memorabilia in one general location. Avoid misplacing smaller items of equally significant value to your bat collection by adding a lower storage shelf area for balls, cards and collector uniform pieces such as hats or cleats. This rack option stands approximately 6 feet tall when completed, so make sure that you have ample space in your intended room prior to constructing it. Print free downloadable images, supplies lists and building instructions online from a website such as Woodworkers Workshop.

    Functional Everyday Use

    • If you're simply looking for a place to store the baseball bats that you regularly use on the field, constructing an over-the-door hanger is a suitable option. Prior to starting this project, check the width of the opening between the top of your door and its arch framing. If no space is naturally apparent, grab a sander or sheet of sanding paper and slowly chip away enough wood to accommodate the top of the rack. One over-the-door option is a rack that will hold two bats, one attached to each top piece. To craft this project, simply cut your wood to size and affix two half-circle pieces to the center of the strip. One half-circle serves to secure the handle of the bat and the other the tip. You will need to use two half-circle clamp slips to avoid the bats banging against the door whenever you open or close it.

    Recycled Materials

    • If you don't want to spend a lot of money on materials when crafting a bat rack, turn to local thrift shops, garage and estate sales or Goodwill and the Salvation Army in search of materials. Allow yourself to think beyond the furnishings and pieces you initially see in front of you when searching through these stores. Remember, you can always take large portions of wood or a door off of a China cabinet or serving bar and just use a wall panel as the basis for your rack. Turn to auto junkyards for glass pieces. Call ahead before you head to your local salvage yard, as some require that you bring your own tools to remove parts. For one cool background option inside the display case, ask a country club if it has any old artificial putting green turf that you can use.