A mudroom is a small anteroom of a house that one can leave their muddy boots and wet winter coats in. This keeps children and adults from tracking dirt and mud into the house.
Instead of a pile of boots and a coat rack overflowing with coats, sweaters and scarves, build your own mudroom storage lockers and keep everything organized. Children will be able to quickly find their rain boots and coats.
You will need basic woodworking tools and skills to build this project. Plywood cut to dimensions, or stock lumber can be used. Melamine is available in different lengths and dimensions but care should be taken to keep it dry. Adjustable shelf hardware, 2″ angle brackets, 1″ and 2″ screws, 3″ long repair plates with ½” screws. Everything you need is available online or at your local DIY store.
Step One
Begin by measuring the mudroom or entry hallway. Measure the length, width and the height of the area. Record this on a piece of paper.
For this project, we’ll use the figures of 8′ long by 6′ wide by 8′ high.
Step Two
Decide how many lockers you will need. It’s okay to fill the space with lockers for the family, guests and have extra storage space.
We’re going to build one locker at a time. This allows the locker to be moved for cleaning or repairs to the mudroom or to move with the family to a new residence.
Step Three
Each locker is going to measure: 16″ deep, 6 feet high and approximately 2 feet wide. Sixteen- inch wide single boards are hard to find these days. This board is easily made by using biscuits, dowels or repair plates to join two boards along the sides.
Take two – 1x10x10 (one inch thick by 10 inches wide by 10 feet long) boards, square one side and rip to 8″ wide.
Cut the leftover strip into 1 ½” by 14″ long pieces. For each frame, you will need four of these strips.
Cut each long board to 6 feet in length. Measure the cutoff and cut in half. This will make the top and bottom of the locker.
Place two 8″ wide boards together along the long edge. With the ends even, attach the strip to the top and the bottom of the boards with 1″ screws. Place another strip 2 feet down from the top across the boards. Do the same to the other 8″ boards.
Measure inside the back and front boards and mount the adjustable shelf strips according to the package directions.
Attach the top by taking the short boards and screwing them into the strip, keeping the ends even. Do the same on the bottom.
You now have a box shape. This is the beginning of your locker. Measure the inside space between the second strip and make a shelf. Additional shelves can be made for the adjustable strips for more storage.
Attach heavy-duty hooks for to the bottom of the shelf or to the inside of the top for winter coats. A closet rail can also be used.
Step Four
Using the corner brackets, attach the top to wall studs so the unit can’t be pulled over. Attach multiple units together at the top using the repair plates.
Step Five
Finish by sanding, painting or staining according to your decorating taste. Molding strips can be used to dress up your new lockers.
If you move, these lockers can be detached from the wall and by removing the repair plates from the top; they can be taken with you.
Purchased lockers are expensive. In addition, they might not fit in your space. By taking the time to measure and make your own, you can dress up your mudroom with style.
