A mudroom is a great addition to any home, especially if you live in an area that experiences lots of rain, snow or mud. It’s a designated area where you can remove your shoes and outerwear before entering the rest of the house, keeping your floors clean and clutter-free. But a mudroom can quickly become disorganized and messy if it’s not properly organized. One solution is to build a mudroom storage cubby, which provides ample space for storage and organization of shoes, jackets, bags, and other items. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to build a mudroom storage cubby.
Materials Needed:
- 3/4″ plywood sheets
- 1×2″ pine boards
- 1×3″ pine boards
- Wood glue
- Wood screws
- Finishing nails
- Sandpaper
- Paint or stain
- Drawer pulls or handles
Step 1: Measure and Cut the Plywood
Measure and cut the plywood sheets into the following pieces using a table saw or circular saw:
- Two pieces for the sides: 15″ x 78″
- One piece for the top: 15″ x 37 1/2″
- One piece for the bottom: 15″ x 35″
- Two pieces for the dividers: 15″ x 16″
- One piece for the back: 78″ x 36″
Step 2: Attach the Sides to the Top and Bottom
Apply a bead of wood glue along the edge of one of the sides, then use wood screws to attach it to the top and bottom pieces. Repeat for the other side.
Step 3: Install the Dividers
Apply wood glue to the edges of the divider pieces and insert them into the slots between the top and bottom pieces. Use finishing nails to secure them in place.
Step 4: Add the Back
Attach the back piece to the cubby using wood screws. Make sure it’s flush with the sides and the top.
Step 5: Add Trim
Cut the 1×2″ pine boards to size and attach them to the front edges of the cubby using wood glue and finishing nails. Cut the 1×3″ pine boards to size and attach them to the top of the cubby using wood glue and finishing nails.
Step 6: Sand and Finish
Sand the entire cubby with sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges. Apply a coat of paint or stain to the cubby, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow the paint or stain to dry completely.
Step 7: Add Drawer Pulls
Install drawer pulls or handles on the front of the cubby to make it easy to open and close the doors.
Tips for Building a Mudroom Storage Cubby:
- Choose a durable wood species like oak or maple that can withstand the wear and tear of daily use.
- Consider adding hooks or baskets to the cubby for even more storage and organization options.
- If you want to keep the cubby looking neat and organized, label each compartment with the name of the person who uses it.
- If you’re short on space, consider building a smaller cubby that can be mounted to the wall instead of freestanding.
- Before painting or staining the cubby, apply a wood conditioner to the surface to help the finish adhere more evenly.
- Use a stud finder to locate wall studs before mounting the cubby to the wall. This will ensure that it’s securely attached and won’t fall off over time.
In conclusion, building a mudroom storage cubby is a relatively simple and affordable project that can greatly improve the organization and functionality of your mudroom. With the right materials and tools, you can easily create a custom storage solution that