Build a custom mudroom bench! This bench features a simple, basic design that is easy to clean under and maximum vertical height for boots, shoes, or baskets and bins. The uprights are plywood pieces, the top is made out of 1x pine boards. This is a lightweight, easy build, it's a must make for a larger mudroom space.
Free step by step plans with diagrams and build video from Ana-White.com
If the mudroom is the first thing you see when you walk in the door, why not make it beautiful and functional?
For a remote cabin, we had a awkward wall behind the front door with some bent hooks and leftover cabinets.
With about a $200 investment, using the existing cabinets, this is what it looks like now:
The bench was the game changer. It was the structure that was needed to make this wall into a mudroom.
Why We Love this Open Bottom Bench
- Easy to build design
- Customizeable in size and color for a perfect fit - even 14 feet long as shown!
- Accessible bottom is easy to clean
- Largest possible opening for taller boots, or baskets and bins
- Pairs well with other cabinets, organizers, under windows or other architectural features
How this Bench is Built
This bench is super easy to build! I was able to build it myself, in a 14 foot length. Here's the video tutorial:
Similar Options for Building Your Own Mudroom Bench
I have done two different options for mudroom benches.
The difference between the two is one is trimmed with 1x2 pieces (Face Frame Bench). The other (this plan) in not trimmed, instead the front edges of the plywood are edge banded.
See also: Plans for Mudroom Bench with Face Frame
Pin For Later!
Preparation
- Plywood panels, 17-1/4" tall x desired depth (15-1/4" as shown) - Shelf Help Configurator Tool
- 1x3 or 1x4 boards for bay supports
- 1x boards in overall length of bench for bench top
- 1-1/4" pocket hole screws (about 20-30 per bay)
- 3/4" plywood @ 17-1/4" tall x desired bench depth, front edge finished with edge banding
- 3 - 1x3 or 1x4 @ bay width (per bay)
- 1x boards in overall length for bench top
Instructions
Step 1
PLAN YOUR BENCH - First, measure the space and determine:
- Overall length (keep in mind 1x boards for the top are hard to source over 16 feet long). The bench shown in this photo is 14 feet long.
- Depth - choose 15-1/4", 20-1/4" or 23-1/4" depths. Note that the top may overhang on the front, increasing the overall bench depth
- Height - Should be 18" with a finished top. Finished top is usually 3/4" thick.
Design your bench using my free Configurator Tool using your measurements.
Download the plans and cut the plywood pieces and finish front edges with edge banding.
Step 2
Cut 1x3 or 1x4 bay supports, three per bay.
Drill 1-1/4" pocket holes as shown in the diagram. TIP: Slightly offset pocket holes to one side to avoid intersecting screws when assembling.
Assemble the bench with the bay supports.
Step 3
TOP
Figure the boards needed for the top. TIP: Cut boards 1" long, and then trim entire bench top after completion for square finished ends.
Join boards together edge to edge with 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws.
Sand top in direction of wood grain.
Attach bench top to base. Be careful to not overdrive screws into floor if assembling in a finished room.
Attach entire bench to studs in wall.
