A mudroom is a great tool for keeping your house clean, as it provides a space to take off dirty shoes and coats. However, if your mudroom is ill-equipped for the job, dirt and debris may find their way into your home. A mudroom bench offers visitors a convenient place to sit, remove their soiled garments, and store them away for later. Create your own personalized bench by following these steps.
Supplies
4’x8′ plywood board
1’x4′ pine lumber
stain/paint
polyurethane
wood glue
finish nails
150 and 220 grit sandpaper
wood putty
carpenter’s square
1 1/4″ drywall screws
You will also need a circular saw and a jigsaw with scroll blade for cutting the wood.
Take the plywood sheet and use the circular saw to cut two segments that are each 18″ x 64″. These will be the seat and the bottom of the bench.
Next, cut out two pieces for the sides of the bench. Each piece should by 18″ wide x 21″ high.
If you would like a divider underneath your bench, cut two pieces that will fit inside the bench box. These will be slightly smaller than the side pieces, as they have to fit in between the top and bottom layer.
Attach the two side pieces to the bottom by drilling small pilot holes on the end of each side board. Apply a small amount of wood glue and keep things extra secure by using 1 1/4″ drywall screws.
To add the dividers inside the bench, measure 14 inches in from each of the sides. Draw a straight line across the width of the bottom board using your carpenter’s square, and then attach each divider piece along this line. Once again, use wood glue and 1 1/4″ screws to secure them in place.
When you’re ready to add the top seat, follow the same process of drilling pilot holes, attaching with wood glue, and using screws. Be sure to secure the top to the side pieces first and then worry about fitting it to the dividers. For attaching to the dividers, use finish nails instead of screws and fill the holes with wood putty to hide blemishes.
Return to your saw to cut out the back and side railing using the pine lumber. The back piece will sit on the top of the bench, so it must match the length of the bench. The two side pieces will go on the ends, meaning they must match the width of the bench. Soften the ends of these pieces by using the jigsaw to cut an angle into them.
Glue the back rail in place first and secure from the bottom using finish nails. Finally, add the side rails with glue and secure them to the back railing.
Start by cutting out four pieces that match the width and length of the bottom panel of the bench. After these pieces are cut, take one long piece (for the front) and the two short pieces (for the sides) and add a slight curve to each, using a cup lid as a guide for an accurate curve. Sand out any imperfections to create a smooth edge.
Attach all of the pieces together to form a base, then attach the base to the bottom of the bench using the standard wood glue and finish nail.
By now, things should be looking pretty good – you’re nearly there! One of the final steps is to add a backing piece so shoes and clothing don’t fall out when you stuff them inside. Cut a large piece of plywood into a piece that matches the width and length of the bench.
When it’s time to attach, start by using small finish nails to secure to the back of the bench seat and the bottom board. Also use nails to attach it to the sides and the inner dividers.
Congratulations, the bench is assembled! Now it’s time for you to cover up any holes with wood putty, sand the bench so it is smooth and splinter-free, and then stain or paint it to your liking. Coat with polyurethane to seal and protect the surface.
