How to Build a GIANT Mudroom Locker
If you are looking for additional storage space in a mudroom, entry way, or garage, adding in storage lockers is a great way get organized. Since these lockers are typically built in spaces that you first enter in a home, they are a great statement piece to show off to family and friends! In this post I will walk you through the steps I took to build these MASSIVE 16’ x 3’ mudroom lockers in a garage.
Disclaimer: Follow all safety instructions provided by the manufacturer of the tools you are using. If you do not feel comfortable making a cut or using a specific tool, do not do it! These tools are dangerous if not used properly and can cause serious harm to you or others if misused.
STEP 1: Assemble the Bench Top
To assemble the bench top first drill pocket holes along one side of two of the 1 x 12 boards. I spaced the pocket holes roughly 12 inches apart. Lay the first board down on a flat surface. Apply wood glue along the edge of the board. Align the two boards and secure using the pocket hole screws.
STEP 2: Make Cuts for Bench Frame
Given the size of this piece, I decided to build it in two 8’ sections as opposed to one single unit. For the bench frame, cut the 3/4” plywood down into 10 3’x2’ sections. These are the dividers for the bench cubbies. For the base, rip down an 8’ sheet of plywood into two 8’x3’ sections.
STEP 3: Add Pocket Holes
Add pocket holes to the top and bottom of each of the 10 cubby dividers. I spaced out each pocket hole roughly 8 inches, 4 on the top and 4 on the bottom. This is how I will secure the dividers to both the base of the bench and the top of the bench.
STEP 3: Attach Cubby Dividers to Base and Bench Top
To attach the dividers to the base lay the base flat on the ground. Apply a thin line of wood glue to the edge of the base and align the first divider board flush with the edge of the base. Use a square to ensure that the divider is at a 90 degree angle to the base and secure with pocket screws.
To evenly space the boards, take the total length of the base (96’) minus the thickness of each divider board (.75’ x 5 = 3.75’) This comes out to 92 1/4". I take that number and divide it by the total number of cubbies I will have. For this bench I will have 4 cubbies. 92.25” / 4 = 23.06”.
Once the first divider board is secured to the base I can measure from the edge of that divider 23’ and make a mark. From that mark measure out 23’ two more times. These lines are the center marks for where the remaining divider boards need to be placed. Keep in mind that when placing these divider boards on these lines you will need to center the divider board on these marks. Do not line them up to the edge of the board as we have already accounted for the thickness of the board in our initial calculations.
Repeat this process to build the second 8’ bench.
STEP 4: Add Trim to Bench
Using the 1 x 2 Pine measure and cut the trim board for the face of the benches. I recommend cutting the trim slightly proud and then trimming the board down to get the perfect fit. Regardless of how many times I measure, I find that trying to get it perfect on the first cut rarely works. Attach the trim to the bench using 2” brad nails. If you do not have a nail gun you can do this with trim nails and a hammer.
STEP 5: Make the Cuts for the Lockers
Lumber:
Cuts:
10 - 6’ x 18” of 3/4” Plywood
8- 23” x 18” of 3/4” Plywood
4- 4’ x 6’ of 1/4” Plywood
2- 8’ x 18” 1/2” Plywood
Tools:
For the locker frames, cut the 3/4” plywood down into 10- 6’ x 18” sections. These are the dividers for the lockers.
For the shelves in the lockers, cut 8- 23” x 18” of 3/4” Plywood sections.
For the spacers (at the base of the lockers and just below the shelves), cut 16- 23” of the 1 x 4 x 8 Standard Pine
For the top of the lockers, cut 2- 8’ x 18” of 1/2” Plywood.
For the back of the lockers, cut 4- 4’ x 6’ of 1/4” Plywood
STEP 6: Pocket Holes for Top Lockers
Lumber:
10 - 6’ x 18” of 3/4” Plywood
8- 23” x 18” of 3/4” Plywood
16- 23” of 1 x 4 x 8 Standard Pine
Tools:
I add pockets holes to the top lockers similar to how I added them for the bench. First, add pocket holes to the top and bottom of the 6’ x 18” boards. These will be used to secure the lockers to the bench top and the top support to the dividers. Next, add pocket holes to each side of the locker shelves. I added four pocket holes to each end for both the shelves and the dividers.
Next cut two pocket holes on the ends of each of the spacers.
STEP 7: Assemble Top Lockers
Lumber:
10 - 6’ x 18” of 3/4” Plywood
8- 23” x 18” of 3/4” Plywood
4- 4’ x 6’ of 1/4” Plywood
2- 8’ x 18” 1/2” Plywood
16- 23” 1 x 4 x 8 Standard Pine
Tools:
To assemble the top lockers, first stand each divider horizontally. Mark 18” down from the top of each divider and scribe a line on each divider board. This is where each shelve will be aligned and secured to the dividers. I apply wood glue to either the divider board or the shelve and align it to the mark I made. I make sure to align the top of the shelve to the bottom of my scribe line and keep that consistent with each shelf I add. Use a square to ensure that the shelves are all square before securing them to the divider boards with the Kreg pocket hole screws.
Add the spacers to the lockers using the 16 23” 1 x 4 x 8 standard pine boards. I start with the bottom spacers and secure them to the divider boards with wood glue and the pocket hole screws. Make sure the pocket holes are facing the back of the lockers to ensure they are not visible once fully assembled. Next, add the spacer boards directly below the shelves. Again, make sure the pocket holes are facing the back of the lockers
Attach the top of the lockers using the 8’ x 18” 1/2” Plywood. Secure it to the dividers using wood glue and the pocket hole screws.
Once the top of the lockers is attached, secure the backboard to the lockers using the 6’ of 1/4” Plywood panels. Use wood glue and brad nails for this.
STEP 8: Add Trim to Top Lockers
Using the 1 x 2 Pine measure and cut the trim board for the face of the lockers. I recommend cutting the trim slightly proud and then trimming the board down to get the perfect fit. Attach the trim to the bench using 2” brad nails. If you do not have a nail gun you can do this with trim nails and a hammer.
STEP 8: Sand and Prep for Paint
Now for everyones favorite part of any build, sanding!! I sand down the entire built in and then go back through with wood filler to fill all of the holes from the brad nailer and fill in any potential gaps/cracks. I make an additional pass after the wood filler has dried.
My first passes with the sander are with a 120 grit sand paper. My second pass with with a 220 grit.
STEP 9: Paint!
Tools:
Time to make this thing shine! First, I tape off most of the face frame. I use the wagner control painter to paint the interior of both the lockers and the bench cubbies. I go back through with a roller and a brush to hit any areas I missed or was unable to reach with the sprayer.
Once dry, I remove all of the painters tape and begin painting the trim.
Finally, I stain the bench top and this project is a wrap!
Final Thoughts
This was the first time I’ve built a mudroom locker. Tackling a 16’ piece for my first go at it was a bit of a challenge but I learned a lot along the way. Have you built something similar? If so, I’d love to hear any recommendations you have or observations. Feel free to add your thoughts in the comment section below. I hope you found this helpful and happy building!
