This mudroom is DIY and I spent less than $150 on it! Check out the full tutorial, you will be amazed at how easy it is to build yourself!
We are very thankful to Columbia Forest Products for providing beautiful and healthy PureBond Plywood for this project. The cost of $148 reflects an average price of $48 a sheet of PureBond Plywood. For those of you who cannot find PureBond Plywood at your local Home Depot, ask the manager of the store to start carrying it. It is comparable in cost to other hardwood plywoods, but a healthier alternative. And in the meantime, visit the PureBond website for other distributors and resellers.

Preparation
2 - Full Sheets 3/4" thick PureBond Plywood (available at the Home Depot) cut into strips 15 1/2" long and 8 feet long, referred to as 1x16 boards in this plan.
TOP SHELF CUT LIST
2 - 1x16 @ 72"
4 - 1x16 @ 16"
1 - 1x3 @ 72"
1 - 1x2 @ 72"
4 - 1x2 @ 13 1/2"
1 - Crown Moulding Strip @ 72"
2 - 1x3 @ 23 1/8" (Sides - Optional if need to support shelf from back)
1 - 1x3 @ 22 3/4" (Center - Optional if need to support shelf from back)
BENCH CUT LIST
1 - 1x16 @ 72"
4 - 1x16 @ 17 1/4"
1 - 1x3 @ 72"
4 - 1x2 @ 15 1/2"
1 - Edge Moulding Strip @ 72"
CENTER CUT LIST
2 - 1x16 @ 47 7/8"
2 - 1x3 @ 23 7/8" (cut to fit)
1 - 1x3 @ 22 3/4" (cut to fit)
2 - 1x3 @ 14 3/4" (Optional sides for extra hooks)
Have the Home Depot cut your PureBond plywood into 15 1/2" wide strips, 8 feet long. The strips will be easier to transport and cut. These strips will be referred to as 1x16 boards throughout the plan.
Make sure you measure your mudroom carefully and are certain you can move the piece in. Mine was so tight of a fit, we had to remove moulding to get it in place.
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
Build the box. This is the basic frame for the upper shelf. It will be fully framed, so nailgun lovers, nail away. I used Kreg Jig pocket holes, but you can also use 2" screws or nails - just adjust for square and use glue.
Step 2
Step 9
Step 10
Step 11
Make sure your upper shelf is well supported, screwed to at least two studs in the wall at minimum, on each end. If you used a freestanding design (no side walls) you MUST add blocking as shown above and screw through the blocking.
Attach the hook blocking as well. I used pocket holes to attach, and also nails and glue into the wall.
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
spiceylg
Mon, 09/12/2011 - 01:00
Fab!
I absolutely love this! Down the road when we do some reno, I'm keeping this in mind. I already have a pop of color on the walls, because I don't do white walls. Looks great and the color is indeed cheerful! Again, I ask, do you even sleep? Honestly, how do you find the time for this with the Momplex built and all. You are an amazing inspiration!
Guest (not verified)
Mon, 09/12/2011 - 01:29
Love it
Ana its georgous! And yellow is my favourite colour :)
What tool do you use to cut the small squares out of the big squares? (I know you use a jigsaw to cut the scrolly edge bits but do you use it to cut the straight cuts as well?)
babysteps
Mon, 09/12/2011 - 05:09
Beautiful
I love it without the drawers, the drawers would have just filled up with little bits of sand and grass and gravel. The yellow is great. My mudroom walls are painted a bright yellow.
Guest (not verified)
Mon, 09/12/2011 - 09:04
Edges?
Hey Anna!!
Love it!! I have to add this one to my growing list of projects!!! Just one question - what do you do to the edge of the plywood when you paint? Do you edge trim then paint or fill with wood putty then sand and paint - or some other technique?? Thanks Ana for all the inspiration to build yourself, and design yourself!!
In reply to Edges? by Guest (not verified)
Ana White
Mon, 09/12/2011 - 11:25
Hi, the only edges that are
Hi, the only edges that are exposed are the scalloped edges - everything else is face framed. We found the edges of the PureBond plywood to be very easy to simply patch up with wood filler where it is needed, then sanded and primed and painted. You could also do edge banding for a stained finish.
Helen Williams (not verified)
Mon, 09/12/2011 - 10:11
Hi Anna, I adore the color of
Hi Anna, I adore the color of the built in mudroom. Could you please share with me what color it is? Thanks, Helen Williams
In reply to Hi Anna, I adore the color of by Helen Williams (not verified)
Ana White
Mon, 09/12/2011 - 11:23
Hi Helen, the color is
Hi Helen, the color is Willow's Gold by Dutch boy in semigloss. Goes with everything too!
Guest (not verified)
Mon, 09/12/2011 - 10:22
I love this project. Too bad
I love this project. Too bad my entry way is too small for it. Thanks for the safe plywood tip. I found a supply near me and I can't wait to check it out. I'm trying to build only with safe materials why not that's one of the benefits of DIY.
Sheela (not verified)
Mon, 09/12/2011 - 10:42
Love the color!
I agree with Helen - I love the yellow color. What color and brand is it? Thanks, and the mud room looks great!
In reply to Love the color! by Sheela (not verified)
Ana White
Mon, 09/12/2011 - 11:55
Yellow Paint Color
Hi Sheela, the paint color is called "Willow's Gold" by Dutch Boy. Thank you so much!