How to Build Mud Room Bench Hooks

Here's the Hook

A mudroom for muddy clothes and shoes helps control the dirt in the carpet and keeps all work clothes centrally located for moving to the washing machine. A mudroom bench with hooks to hang jackets or other protective garments that don't need washing every day rounds out the convenience of a mudroom.

Things You'll Need

• 2 pieces of 18-by-24-by- ¾-inch plywood
• 2 pieces of 28 ½-by-18-by- ¾-inch plywood
• Wood glue
• Variable speed drill
• Philips head screw tip
• 1 ½-inch drywall screws
• 1 piece of 30-by-72-by- ¾-inch plywood
• 18-by-22 ½-by- ¾-inch plywood
• 6 large garment hooks

Instructions

1. Set the 18-by-24-by- ¾-inch plywood on a worktable along with the 28½-by-18-by- ¾-inch plywood. Set the 24-inch pieces on their 24-inch edge, apply glue to the ends of the 28½-inch plywood and secure them to the 24-inch piece with the drywall screws--one at the top and one at the bottom. This is the base of the mudroom bench.

2. Place the 30-by-72-by- ¾-inch plywood on the worktable. Set the base of the mudroom bench from Step 1 on it and flush it with one end. Trace the outside and inside edges of it onto the 72-inch plywood and then remove it.

3. Drill pilot holes with the 1/16-inch drill bit between the lines, spacing them about 6 inches apart. Apply glue to the edges of the mudroom bench from Step 1 and secure the 72-inch piece to it with the drywall screws.

4. Turn the bench over so that its front edges are facing up. Place the 18-by-22½-by- ¾-inch plywood in the center of the opening and secure through the top and the bottom with the finish nails.

5. Measure down from the top of the 72-inch back of the mudroom bench and make several marks at 6 inches. Place the framing square on the marks and draw a line across the width of the plywood.

6. Measure from one edge and make marks on the line at 2 and 10 inches and repeat this from the other edge. Center the hooks on the marks and secure them with the screws provided with the hooks.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean up excess glue immediately with a damp cloth. Sand the inside areas of the mudroom bench before assembly.

• Do not leave power tools unattended in the presence of children. Do not stain or paint the mudroom bench without proper ventilation.

References

• Add a Colorful Cushion to a Mudroom Bench
• Free Toy Box Plans: How to Build a Wooden Toy Box
• Installing Coat Racks is Easier Than you Think

Resources

• How to Build a Mudroom Bench