Dog Leash Hanger

Decide how large you want the hanger to be based on how many leashes and collars it needs to hold, plus the wording you want to fit. Cut your fence picket to your chosen length.

Sand the rough picket surface until it's smooth to the touch. It doesn't need to be perfect, but you don't want stain catching on rough fibers. Wipe off the dust when you're done.

Wipe stain onto the front, sides, top, and bottom, leaving the back unstained if it will hang flush against the wall. Wipe off any excess.

Design and cut a stencil for your lettering and any graphic (a paw print, for example), or go freehand if you're comfortable with it. Paint the design onto the board.

Predrill holes where you want your hooks, based on how many you need for your leashes, collars, or brushes. Screw the cup hooks into the predrilled holes. On the back, nail on sawtooth picture hangers — one at each end — to support the weight of multiple leashes.

Determine the spacing between your two picture hangers, mark it on the wall, check for level, and drive in your wall hardware. Hang the finished piece.

Paint the whole piece with exterior spar urethane so it can hold up to daily wear near an entryway. Apply three coats, with no sanding needed between coats.