How to Build a Mudroom Bench
Looking for ways to increase the functionality of your mudroom and considering building a mudroom bench?
Lucky you - this is a handy “how-to” to help you build your own mudroom bench!
After receiving numerous comments from people saying they wish they could recreate the mudroom bench at our most recent build in Saint Paul, we decided to offer a step-by-step tutorial for those adventurous DIY-ers.
We created this bench using extra hardwood flooring material from another area of the home along with MDF trim that matched the rest of the design within the space.
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If you don’t have extra materials on hand, don’t worry!
We have created a list of everything you’ll need to build your very own mudroom bench.
This design is simple and easy to customize for your desired look and space.
What you'll Need To Build A Mudroom Bench:
1"x2", 1"x3", 1"x4" MDF Material
Want to know one of our favorite secrets to simplify the process of doing this project? You can order all the needed items from Home Depot online in advance and select "Pick Up in Store" and they will be waiting for you to pick up when you're ready to start. No wasting time running around the store looking for your items! Prefer to have the items delivered to your home instead? They can do that too!
Related: How to Design an Organized Mudroom
How To Build A Mudroom Bench:
Step 1 -
Locate and mark studs.
Measure width of space.
Decide the height and depth you want the bench and draw a level line on back and sides.
Step 2 -
Cut 2"x4" material to your desired length, width, and depth for your bench.
Screw to studs 1.5" below where you want your finished height to be using GRK construction screws. This will act as a cleat to support your seat.
Cut 3/4" sanded plywood to the height and depth of your 2"x4" material to act as your legs. Depending on the width of your bench you may want two or more for support.
Cut notches out of 2"x4" material for your sanded plywood legs to fit into.
Cut 3/4" sanded plywood to the width and depth of your bench to act as the base for your seat.
Use GRK screws at 45 degree angle and screw into 2"x4" cleat.
Step 3 -
Install hardwood flooring material over the sanded plywood seat.
To finish the edge and cover the cleat supporting the bench we used a piece of base that matched the rest of the home and nailed it with a nail gun. You could use any piece of molding that was large enough to cover the cleat and finish the edge of your bench.
Wrap base around plywood legs to finish them.
Step 4 -
To finish the sides and back of the bench and hide any gaps between wall and flooring material we used the same material as the base and front of bench. You can use any material you like. We also added a base shoe to tie the space together.
To add a decorative wainscoting for the back of the bench you can use 1"x3" MDF for vertical pieces and 1"x4" MDF for the horizontal piece with a cap of 1"x2" MDF to finish it. These can be in any design you like and any height you prefer. Nail these in place with a nail gun.
Step 5 -
For the finishing touch we had all the woodwork enameled white which allows for more durability and easy cleaning. We also added hooks to the top of the wainscoting to add more function.
Now we want to hear from you! How would you make this mudroom bench design your own? Let us know how it turns out if you give it a try!
