1x12 Shoe Bench Easy Build

Extra Wide Shoe Bench
Difficulty
Beginner Projects
| Print this plan

DIY shoe bench made with 1x12 boards.

Extra Wide Shoe Bench
Extra Wide Shoe Bench
Extra Wide Shoe Bench
Extra Wide Shoe Bench
Extra Wide Shoe Bench

Thanks for all the lovely feedback on our new mudroom! (We shared plans for the cubby wall bins last week here)

 

We are sure glad you love it as much as we do!

 

Today I'm sharing with you the bench plans!  Check them out below (or if this is the home page click Read More below)

I'll be sharing with you later this week how we used the space behind this bench as hidden boot storage, so stay tuned for that!

 

Enjoy the plans following!

Ana

 

UPDATE: Here's the video on how I converted this shoe bench into the ultimate mudroom bench by adding a hidden boot compartment in the back -

 

 

 

Pin For Later! 

Extra Wide Shoe Bench

Dimensions
Extra Wide Shoe Bench
Dimensions shown above

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 22 feet of 1x12 boards
  • 2 - 1x3 @ 8 feet long
  • 17-1/4" x 72" back (1/4" plywood or similar)
Common Materials
3/4 inch finish nails
1 1/4 inch finish nails
Cut List
  • 1 - 1x12 @ 72" (bench top)
  • 2 - 1x12 @ 16-1/2" (bench sides)
  • 1 - 1x12 @ 70-1/2" (bench bottom)
  • 2 - 1x12 @ 13-1/4" (dividers)
  • 2 - 1x12 @ 21" (shelves)
  • 2 - 1x3 @ 70-1/2" (bottom supports)
  • 1/4" plywood for back is 17-1/4" x 72"
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Circular Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander
General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1

After cutting all the boards, we built this bench by first attaching the legs to the top shelf and the bottom shelf. These are the main structural joints, so we used 3/4" pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws. Since we knew this bench would be covered on both sides by walls, we placed the pocket holes on the outsides of the sides.

For the dividers, we just nailed and glued those in place with 1-1/4" nails.

Step 2

Then we added the 1x3 supports along the bottom with nails and glue.

Step 3

Next we added the shelves. We opted for pocket holes on the underside for added strength here.

Step 4

Finally we nailed the back on with glue and 3/4" nails.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Comments

PMarie

Thu, 02/26/2015 - 09:45

I noticed the receptacle inside the boot storage area. This would work well for plugging in the smaller type boot dryers! My husband's work boots would be out-of-sight but still able to dry overnight!

juliadeer

Sat, 04/22/2017 - 22:12

That's a cool idea, also I thought of running that plug up and putting in another outlet at the top in a cubby for phone chargers and such. You could hid all the tablets and phones in a cubby.

juliadeer

Sat, 04/22/2017 - 22:09

I was wondering what type of 1x12 you suggest for the shoe area? Is your shoe wood the same as the top? Did you use pine? I am concerned about the white paint always looking dirty and holding up well to scuffs and dings. Any suggestions?

kaguardado08

Sat, 01/27/2018 - 07:31

I wanted to build a mudroom on the wall in our entry way.  How would I attach this to the wall?  There won't be side walls like you have pictured.

sop4582

Wed, 05/08/2019 - 11:25

Thanks for the quick reply.  I've just started with SketchUp, and am trying to teach myself to use it.  Did you use any tutorials to help you learn the program or did you just play around with it until you became proficient?  By the way, I love your site and have used your plans to make several pieces for friends and myself.  Thanks for sharing!