DIY Mudroom organizer plans from Ana-White.com
I know the bench we built for Grandma's mudroom in the Momplex is humble (though sturdy!)
It's going to look like a whole lot more than the $43 we spent on it when we add the rest of the pieces to the mudroom!
The next piece we'll add is the organizer with hooks to the wall,
I drew the plans up, and off to the shop we went.
It's alot bigger than it looks!
Since the organzier doesn't need to be as sturdy as the bench, and because it's more complicated, we built it on the work table, and then painted it, and hung it on the wall (it's really just a GIANT shelf). We built it using our Kreg Jig (see the pocket holes? those will get hidden by the side walls). The wood used is 3/4" plywood for the main box, pine boards where the hooks are, and then a pine face frame.
Then we just added some hooks (Yeah, my fav drill is officially a victim of overspray. My car got oversprayed too. Guess it all comes with the territory.)
Add some baskets .... (we found these at Joann's, they were 50% off, just $8 a basket!)
And it's really starting to look like a mudroom!!!!
Just to refresh, here's what the space looked like before we built the bench and organizer ....
And here's what it looks like now ....
Amazing what two projects (custom made and sized for the space) can do to an empty nook! And look at all that storage!!!!
We custom made this organizer to fit the width of this room (man was it battle getting it in there!) so not an inch of space is wasted!
And here's the breakdown of the cost:
Plywood - $50
Pine Boards - $20
Moulding - $5
Hooks - $38 (OUCH! The hooks were pricey!)
Screws, nails and paint (we had these from the bench)
Total - $113
Not bad for a custom made, giant mudroom organizer made of 3/4" plywood and solid wood. Add the $43 bench, and for less than $150, we've really made some progress on this mudroom, without going broke.
Next up, we'll be adding storage drawers under the bench to complete the mudroom - stay tuned for that!
Now for the plans - enjoy!
XO Ana and Family
Preparation
1 - sheet 3/4" plywood cut into (3) 8' long strips, 15-3/4" wide (Have your hardware store do this) 1 - 1x12 @ 10 feet long 1 - 1x4 @ 8 feet long 2 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long I stick crown moulding or other moulding 7' long Hooks 1 - 1/4" pocket hole screws 1-1/4" finish nails (for attaching back and face frame) Long screws of attaching to studs in walls (we used 3-1/2" long screws)
2 - 3/4" plywood @ 15-3/4" x 80" (top and bottom) 6 - 3/4" plywood @ 15-3/4" x 16" (dividers) 1 - 1x12 @ 80" (back of hooks) 2 - 1x12 @ 14-3/4" (side bottom trim) FACE FRAME 1- 1x4 @ 80" 6 - 1x2 @ 13-1/4" 1- 1x2 @ 80" Crown moulding @ 80" Optional back is 80" x 28-3/4" (actually could be less because the plywood doesn't have to cover the entire 1x12 board back)
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Instructions
Step 1
First, we built the cubby portion. You can do this with pocket holes or nails (or even better, staples) and glue.
Step 2
Next, we built the base part, and then attached it to the cubby part with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws.
The main reason we built the bottom portion with 1x12s is because we jigsawed the curved cuts, it's solid wood, and no edge banding is required. If we'd used plywood for those pieces, it would have been very difficult to edge band a curved cut.
Step 3
We built the face frame separately with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws, then attached to front of cubbies with finish nails and glue.
Step 4
We actually added the moulding in place, cutting it to fit. I'd recommend a small moulding so you can still use the area on top for storage (totes anyone???).
Step 5
Step 6
Hang the organizer on the wall, screwing through the 1x12s and also the sides of the plywood into the side walls. Make sure you hit studs - this thing is heavy and will get only heavier with stuff in it!
It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Comments
Lady Goats
Fri, 04/11/2014 - 12:41
Ana!! This turned out amazing!!!
Mom Who Loves to Sew must be THRILLED! What a perfect spot for a mud room set-up. Wish we were all so lucky!
sueslager
Sun, 04/13/2014 - 07:39
how long would be safe?
Since this plan is so easy customizable ... just curious how long it could be extended and still be safe & sturdy? Obviously limited to 8' for the length of boards ... but what's your thought about when it would be necessary to add another support?
In reply to how long would be safe? by sueslager
Ana White
Sun, 04/13/2014 - 11:52
Hi - since this shelf is
Hi - since this shelf is supported on the back into the wall, it really could be any length. If you do have some support issues, adding a corbel (to match the side ones) would help out tons. Ours is almost 7 feet long and there's no support issues. Hope this helps! Ana
In reply to how long would be safe? by sueslager
Ana White
Sun, 04/13/2014 - 11:53
Hi - since this shelf is
Hi - since this shelf is supported on the back into the wall, it really could be any length. If you do have some support issues, adding a corbel (to match the side ones) would help out tons. Ours is almost 7 feet long and there's no support issues. Hope this helps! Ana
moore83a
Tue, 03/03/2015 - 08:41
missing a wall
I plan on building this but the area that it will be going will not have the wall on the left side. Will the screws holding it in the back be enough?
spiceylg
Sun, 10/25/2015 - 19:37
Question
What is the best height to hang any coat hooks over a bench?
spiceylg
Sun, 10/25/2015 - 19:38
Question
What is the best height to hang any coat hooks over a bench?
Tsu Dho Nimh
Mon, 10/26/2015 - 11:23
How high to put hooks?
1 - Low enough that your children can reach them and hang up their own coats.
2 - High enough that the coats don't drag on the bench.
This may mean having two or three heights of hooks, so a tall teenager with a trench coat and a short kindergardener with a jacket each has a hook that works for them.
And you will end up moving hooks up as kids grow.