A mudroom bench is the central piece of an entryway storage system: a seating bench at typical bench height (16-18 inches), often with cubbies underneath for shoes and storage compartments above for hats and bags. Done well, it organizes the chaos of family entry/exit. Done poorly, it's just a board on legs.
This guide covers a typical built-in mudroom bench: 14-16 inches deep, 16-18 inches tall, sized to fit a typical mudroom alcove or wall. Add cubbies, hooks, and storage above for the full system.
- Skill level
- Advanced
- Time
- 1-2 days
- Steps
- 10
- Tools
- 8, listed below
- Materials
- 9, listed below
Before you start
Three things to settle:
1. Plan storage zones. Bench top: seating + storage compartments below. Wall above bench: coat hooks at typical 60-66 inch height. Above that: shelves or upper cabinets for hats/seasonal items. Each zone has a specific function.
2. Bench seat opens or fixed?. Hinged seat top: storage inside bench (deep storage for boots, sports gear). Fixed top: cubbies underneath at floor level. Choose based on use; hinged seat needs gas-strut supports to hold open.
3. Match style to home. Mudroom bench is a focal piece of entryway. Match style: shaker rails for traditional, slab front for modern, beadboard back for cottage. Use existing trim profiles.
What you'll need
Tools
- Mitre saw or table saw
- Drill with bits
- Pocket-hole jig
- Brad nailer
- Tape measure
- Level
- Stud finder
- Sander
Materials
- 3/4 inch plywood (for bench box)
- 1×4 hardwood (for face frame and trim)
- Hardwood for bench top (or thicker plywood with edge banding)
- Hooks (cast iron or modern style)
- Hinges (if hinged seat) — heavy-duty
- Gas struts (if hinged seat)
- Pocket-hole screws and brad nails
- Wood glue, finish nails
- Stain or paint + finish
Bench top: solid wood or laminated plywood
Bench seat takes weight and wear. Solid wood (oak, maple): durable, beautiful. Laminated plywood: cheaper, edge-band the visible plywood edges.
1.5 inch thick top: rigid, supports adult weight.
Step-by-step instructions
Plan dimensions and layout
Measure mudroom space.
Bench: 16-18 inches tall, 14-16 inches deep, length to fit space.
Plan cubbies underneath (3-4 cubbies typical for family of 4).
Plan hook height (60-66 inches) and shelving above.
Build bench frame
3/4 inch plywood: bench bottom, sides, back.
Face frame: 1×4 hardwood across front.
Pocket-hole joinery internal; hidden screws.
Box square; verify with diagonals.
Add cubby dividers
Vertical 3/4 inch plywood pieces inside bench, dividing space into cubbies.
Pocket-screw to bench bottom and back.
Cubby width: 12-15 inches typical.
Anchor bench to wall
Lift bench into position.
Level on floor (shims under back if floor is uneven).
Drive screws through bench back into wall studs.
Solid anchor; bench should not shift.
Install bench top
Cut bench top to dimensions.
If hinged: install with heavy hinges and gas struts (allow open position to stay).
If fixed: brad nail and glue to bench frame.
Edge-band plywood front edge or use solid wood.
Install hooks at correct height
Hooks at 60-66 inches above floor.
Locate studs; mount hooks into studs (hooks bear coat weight and pulling load).
Pre-drill if hardwood backboard.
Space hooks 6-8 inches apart.
Add backboard or beadboard wainscoting
Backboard between bench top and hooks: 1/4 inch beadboard plywood or shiplap planks.
Adds character and protects wall.
Brad nail to wall studs.
Install upper shelves or cabinets (optional)
Above hooks: open shelves or closed cabinets for upper storage.
Sized to fit space.
Match style to bench.
Trim and finish
Crown moulding at top, baseboard at bottom — matching room.
Caulk seams.
Fill nail holes, sand smooth.
Prime, paint OR stain and clear coat.
Add cushions and decor
Bench cushion (optional): adds comfort.
Storage baskets in cubbies.
Coordinated decor for finished look.
Common mistakes that cost you
- Hooks in drywall only. Pull out under coat weight. Always into studs.
- Bench too tall. Awkward to sit on. 16-18 inches standard.
- Bench top warps. Solid wood plus moisture changes = warping. Use laminated plywood or finish all sides equally.
- No cubby dividers. Storage chaos. Dividers organize by family member.
- Mismatched style. Bench looks added-on. Match home's existing trim style.
Frequently asked questions
How wide should each cubby be?
12-15 inches: comfortable for shoes, baskets.
Smaller (9-10 inches): only for narrow items.
Larger (16-18 inches): if storing boots in winter.
What about kids' coats?
Lower hooks (40-48 inches) accessible to kids.
Or: separate kid section with lower hooks.
As kids grow, raise hooks.
Can a mudroom bench fit in a small space?
Compact bench: 30-36 inches wide × 14 inches deep × 16 inches tall.
Single cubby for shoes; two hooks above.
Even tight spaces benefit from organization.
How tall and deep should a mudroom bench be?
A mudroom bench should be 16 to 18 inches tall and 14 to 16 inches deep, with the length set by the space. A bench taller than that is awkward to sit on. A seat 1.5 inches thick, in solid wood such as oak or maple or in laminated plywood with banded edges, stays rigid under adult weight.
Anchor the bench by screwing through its back into the wall studs so it cannot shift.
How high should coat hooks go above a mudroom bench?
Coat hooks above a mudroom bench go 60 to 66 inches above the floor, spaced 6 to 8 inches apart. Mount every hook into studs, because hooks bear coat weight plus a pulling load, and hooks set in drywall alone pull out. Pre-drill if the backboard is hardwood. A backboard of 1/4 inch beadboard plywood or shiplap between the bench top and the hooks protects the wall and adds character.
When to call us instead
Mudroom benches and entryway built-ins are signature features. Our team designs and builds custom mudroom systems.
Book a free 60-minute site visit →Dream Touch Renovations · 33 Roydon Pl, Suite 210, Ottawa, ON K2E 1A3 · (613) 862-4555
Renovating homes across Ottawa, Kanata, Nepean, Barrhaven, Orléans and Stittsville.
Related Ottawa services
If your renovation includes a mudroom upgrade, our team handles custom built-ins. Book a free 60-minute consultation.
Official references
- Do I need a building permit?, City of Ottawa
- O. Reg. 163/24: Building Code, Government of Ontario