Finding a friend who shares your passion for DIY is like finding a treasure. Our reader Antonio Bongrani is exactly that kind of friend—generous with his skills and always ready to help. When a friend who collects Japanese swords needed a DIY wall-mounted wooden sword rack, Antonio stepped up. Using leftover wooden planks (1 meter long, 120 mm wide, and 20 mm thick), he created a stunning display for about ten swords. He also repurposed two 30×20 mm strips (400 mm long) as crossbars for connecting the shaped boards and mounting the structure to the wall. After assembly with hidden dowels and wood glue, he applied a clear protective coat to preserve the natural wood color. He even brought his spirit level, drill, and wall plugs to install the rack at his friend’s house. Now, the only thing left for the friend is to proudly place his collection on the supports.
Precision Work with a Jigsaw

The sword supports have a repetitive shape. Create a template from cardboard, trace it onto the planks, and cut carefully with a jigsaw. Cut just outside the line to leave room for sanding and smoothing the edges. Then drill 4 mm holes for the dowels that join the crossbars to the shaped boards.
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For this project, you'll need quality home improvement tools and supplies to ensure accuracy. A reliable jigsaw and a set of clamps will make the repetitive cuts much easier.
Materials and Tools You'll Need
- Wooden planks (1 m long, 120 mm wide, 20 mm thick)
- Two strips of wood (30×20 mm, 400 mm long)
- Wood glue and 4 mm dowels
- Jigsaw and sandpaper or a power sander
- Drill, spirit level, wall plugs, and screws
- Clear wood protector or varnish
Don't forget to check out our sheds and storage solutions for organizing your workshop, and consider adding a sturdy work surface to make future projects easier.
Step-by-Step Assembly
1. Create the Template
Draw the shape of one sword support on cardboard. This will be your master template for tracing onto the wooden planks.
2. Cut the Shapes
Use a jigsaw to cut each support shape. Cut slightly outside the traced line, then sand to the exact profile. Be sure to round over all sharp edges for a smooth finish.
3. Drill Dowel Holes
Mark and drill 4 mm holes on the crossbars and matching holes on the shaped boards. Apply wood glue, insert the dowels, and clamp the assembly until dry.
4. Apply Finish
Sand the entire rack, then apply a clear protective coat. This preserves the natural wood color while protecting against dust and moisture.
5. Mount on the Wall
Use a spirit level to mark the position, drill holes for wall plugs, and screw the rack securely to the wall. For additional wall decor ideas, browse our collection of stylish options.
Displaying Your Collection
Once the rack is mounted, arrange your swords on the supports. The open design allows each piece to be seen clearly. To complement the display, consider adding accent lighting to highlight your collection, or place a rug underneath to define the display area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of wood is best for a sword rack?
Hardwoods like oak, walnut, or maple are ideal for their strength and attractive grain. However, any sturdy wood plank will work as long as it's thick enough to support the weight.
How many swords can this rack hold?
Based on the original design, you can comfortably display up to ten swords, depending on the width of your planks and the spacing between supports.
Can I paint the rack instead of using a clear finish?
Absolutely! If you prefer a painted look, use a primer first, then apply your chosen color. For a more natural aesthetic, stick with a clear protector.
How do I ensure the rack is level?
Use a spirit level during installation. Mark the screw holes with a pencil, check the level again, then drill and mount. A quality level is essential for a professional result.
Can I use this design for other items like tools or kitchen utensils?
Yes! The same concept works for hanging tools in a workshop, kitchen utensils, or even decorative items. Adapt the support shape to fit your specific objects.
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