DIY Built-in Mudroom Bench – Part 1

This post is all about how to make a DIY built-in mudroom bench with cubbies for storage.

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One of the first big DIY projects I knew I wanted to tackle was adding a custom built-in bench when you walk in from our garage. I desperately needed a drop area for our jackets and bags. We had a space here that was perfect to add storage!

Follow below for how I built my mudroom bench, which is just part 1 of my design. Ultimately, I wanted to add some detailed molding and upper cubbies which you can see how I did that in part 2! Hopefully, this inspires and encourages you to tackle a built-in bench in your home too.

Supplies List for Built-in Mudroom

• Bench base:
  • 1/2-in x 24-in x 4-ft MDF (for the bench frame)
  • Screws
• Benchtop:
  • 2-in x 4-in x 8-ft boards
  • Wood glue
• Finishings:
  • 1-in x 2-in x 8-ft MDF, white (trim of bench)
  • Paintable Caulk
  • Primer
  • Paint

Materials & Tools

• Circular Saw
• Multi-tool
• Pocket Hole Kreg Jig
• Electric Sander

Steps to Build a Built-in Bench

1. Measure. Then measure again.

Isn’t measuring always the first step? Yep, it is! One of my favorite things to do to visualize the new feature is to tape it out using blue painter’s tape. This allows me to get the dimensions just right before starting. My dimensions are below:

• Height – 15″
• Depth – 14″
• Length – 60.5″
  • Each cubby was 14″ apart

2. Cut out baseboards.

For the built-in mudroom bench to look custom, I cut out spaces for the bench to sit in. Using the multi-tool I cut slots out for each bench wall and then the sides of the bench too.

3. Build the bench base.

This is the most time-intensive and difficult part of the process. I cut the 1/2-in x 24-in x 4-ft MDF board into the desired lengths using my miter saw. My bench was just shy of 4-ft so I cut the piece in half to make a 1-ft wide base (I got this done at Home Depot because I don’t have a table saw- they will do it for free!). Using a pocket hole Kreg jig, I screwed the legs to the seat of the bench.

At this point, I actually placed the built bench into the area to make sure it fit and everything lined up. I made any adjustments and then pulled the bench back out so I could make the bench top to fit. You definitely could keep the bench in your area and build the top from there.

4. Paint the bench base.

Before I assembled the bench in the mudroom, I primed the MDF base with Kilz 2 All Purpose primer. Then I painted the bench using some white paint I had on hand. You can paint your bench whatever color you want!

5. Build the bench seat top.

I decided to use 2x4s for the top of my bench because I wanted a butcher block look that matched my hardwood floors. Four 2x4s fit the depth perfectly! I glued the boards together using wood glue. Once the glue dried, I used my electric sander to smooth out the bench seat top.

I glued one more 2×4 perpendicular to the front of the bench to cover the MDF board. Then I stained the bench using a blend of two different Varathane wood stains!

6. Install and assemble the bench.

Finally, it starts to come together! I placed the bench seat into its spot first then I added on the bench seat top once in place. Because it was a snug fit and the top had some weight to it, I actually just left it vs. securing it into the bench base. You definitely could wood glue it on if you want more security!

From there, I used Gorilla Wood Glue to add 1-in x 2-in boards on the front of the base. This helped the built-in to look finished and custom-made.

7. Caulk and paint touch-ups.

Lastly, don’t forget to caulk the seams! This will finish the built-in off nicely and make it look seamless. I went through with white paint and touched up any areas again too.

Finally, the finished product turned out so good! The extra touches of removing the baseboard and adding trim to the front make it look custom.

Check out how I finish this area off in part 2 of this DIY project!

This post was all about how to build a DIY built-in mudroom bench with storage cubbies.