How to Build a Mudroom Bench
Create a built-in place for coats and storage, with a seat to perch on while you tie your shoes

The second the sun goes away, out comes the umbrellas and the raincoats and the Wellies. And with them a lot of messy wetness that can warp hardwood floors and stain your best rugs. Short of forcing your family to disrobe on the front stoop, your best bet is to create a stopping area just inside the door where everyone can leave the weather behind.
On the following pages, - saboteamos.info senior technical editor Mark Powers shows how to create the perfect catchall, complete with an open top shelf, coat hooks, and flip-top bench storage. This handsome entry hall built-in, made of plywood, shelf panels, and layered moldings, is sure to make your house more welcoming, even while protecting it from wear and tear. In fact, you may find it so convenient you'll catch yourself stopping by even when the sun's out.
How to Build a Mudbench Overview

Day-to-day Timeline for Building a Mudroom Bench
Friday: Build and trim out the seat box.
Saturday: Install the seat lid and beadboard panel.
Sunday: Assemble the shelf and paint the bench.
Cut List
(download plan here)
1x12 - 2 @ 72 inches
1x16 - 1 @ 72 inches
2x4 - 1 @ 68 inches
¾-inch plywood - 16 x 69½ inches
¾-inch plywood - 2 @ 16x15½ inches
Beadboard exterior grade plywood - 2 @ 4x4 feet
½ x 1 parting bead - 2 @ 48 inches
½ x 7/8 inch decorative shoe molding - 2 @ 72 inches
½ x 7/8 inch decorative shoe molding - 2 @ 12 inches
½ x 7/8 inch decorative shoe molding - 2 mitered returns
3/8 x 7/8 inch panel molding - 2 @ 72 inches
3/8 x 7/8 inch panel molding - 4 mitered returns
3/8 x 7/8 inch panel molding - 16 scribed to size
quarter round molding - 2 @ 72 inches
quarter round molding - 4 mitered returns
1x4 - 2 @ 72 inches
1x4 - 4 mitered returns
1x4 - 7 @ 16 inches
1x4 - 4 @ 10¾ inches
1x4 - 4 @ 30¼ inches
1x2 - 2 @ 15½ inches
1x2 - 1 @ 69½ inches