How to Build a Mudroom Bench

Create a built-in place for coats and storage, with a seat to perch on while you tie your shoes

Jennifer StimpsonThis Old House magazine

Step 2: Install the Hinge Support

Introduction
Overview
Step 1
Build and Install the Seat Box
Step 2
Install the Hinge Support
Step 3
Attach the Panel Molding to the Seat
Step 4
Cap and Trim the Box
Step 5
Trim the Seat Lid
Step 6
Install the Lid
Step 7
Mount the Beadboard Panel at the Back
Step 8
Hide the Beadboard Edges
Step 9
Finish the Trim
Step 10
Install the Fascia for the Shelf
Step 11
Mount the Shelf Brackets
Step 12
Secure the shelf
Step 13
Paint the Bench
Step 14
Attach the Hardware

Using a miter saw, cut a 2x4 to 68 inches, the inside width of the box. Cut a 3½-inch-wide strip of plywood to the same length. Screw the pieces together with 15/8-inch deck screws.

Position the 2x4 assembly along the back of the box, 3/4 inch proud of the top edge. Screw it on, through the box and into the studs, using 3½-inch deck screws. This piece will later be hidden by a plywood strip and molding.

Screw L-brackets inside the box and to the floor, three inside the front edge and two on each side, to hold the box in place.

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Tools List

Circular saw
Reciprocating saw
Miter saw
Stud finder
Level
Drill/driver
Hammer and nailset

Shopping List

1. 3/4-inch birch-veneer plywood to build the seat box. Get one 4x8 sheet.

2. exterior-grade beadboard plywood to make the back panel on the wall. One 4x8 sheet will cover the area.

3. 1x16 solid-wood panel to make the seat lid. Get one 6-foot board.

4. 1x12 solid-wood panel to make the fascia board and shelf. Get two 6-foot boards.

5. 2x4 to create a support strip for the hinges that hold the box lid. Get 6 feet.

6. 1x4 to create the applied paneling on the front and sides of the box. Get four 8-foot boards.

7. 1x2 to cap the unfinished top edges of the bench box. Get 10 feet.

8. 3/8x7/8-inch panel molding to add a picture-frame detail to the paneling on the box and to trim above and below the beadboard panel. Get five 8-foot lengths.

9. ½x1-inch parting bead to finish the edges of the beadboard plywood.

10. 3/4-inch quarter-round molding to trim the beadboard panel and the base of the box. Get 16 feet.11. ½x7/8-inch decorative shoe molding to trim out the shelf, seat lid, and fascia. Get three 8-foot lengths.

12. 9-inch shelf brackets

13. 2-inch L-brackets to secure the box to the floor. Get seven.

14. European cabinet hinges to allow the lid to overlay the box and open smoothly. Choose ones that are labeled "for frameless cabinets." Get three.

15. Toy-box lid supports to keep the lid from slamming shut. Get two to support the weight of the lid.

16. 1 5/8-inch deck screws

17. 3½-inch deck screws

18. 2½-inch deck screws

19. 2-inch trim-head screws

20. 2d finish nails

21. 3d finish nails

22. carpenter's glue

23. vinyl adhesive caulk

24. 180-grit sandpaper

25. shims