How high should a mudroom bench be?

Standard mudroom bench height is 18 inches. This is comfortable for sitting to put on shoes. For taller adults, 19-20 inches works. For children's areas, 14-16 inches is more appropriate. Bench depth: 15-18 inches (deep enough to sit comfortably but not so deep it wastes floor space). Hooks above the bench: 48-54 inches from the floor for adults, 36-40 inches for kids.

What is the best material for a mudroom bench?

Painted MDF or plywood is the best for built-in mudroom benches: affordable, smooth finish, takes paint well, and easy to work with. Use 3/4" plywood for structural components (sides, bottom, shelves) and MDF for flat panels and trim. For the bench top, consider a hardwood cap (maple or oak) for durability since it gets the most wear. Avoid particle board in mudrooms — it swells with moisture.

Can I build a mudroom in a small entryway?

Yes. Even a 36-inch wide wall can become a functional mudroom. Install: a small bench (36-48" wide) with shoe storage underneath, 3-4 hooks above for coats, and a shelf above the hooks for hats/gloves. A narrow hall tree combines all of these in one freestanding unit. For closet conversions: remove the closet door, add a bench inside, hooks on the back wall, and a shelf above. This creates a built-in mudroom look with minimal renovation.

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Mudroom Bench & Entry Storage Guide: Designs, Materials & Costs

Q: How much does a mudroom bench cost?

Freestanding bench: $100-$800 (buy ready-made). Built-in bench DIY: $100-$500 in materials. Built-in bench + cubbies DIY: $200-$800. Full mudroom system (professional): $1,500-$5,000. Custom locker system: $3,000-$10,000+. A simple built-in bench with cubbies underneath is one of the best DIY projects for adding value and function to an entryway.

Lumberama Editorial Team, Home Design & Storage Specialists Jun 10, 2026 12 min read

Mudroom Components

A well-designed mudroom has four key elements: a bench for sitting (putting on/taking off shoes), hooks or pegs for coats and bags, cubbies or lockers for individual family members, and shoe storage. The best mudrooms include all four in a cohesive system.

Bench Types

Built-In Bench

Custom bench built into the wall or as part of a larger storage unit. Typically 18" high, 15-18" deep, and as wide as the available wall. Can include storage beneath (open cubbies, drawers, or flip-top lid). The most polished and space-efficient option. $500-$3,000 professionally built. DIY: $100-$500 in materials.

Freestanding Bench

A standalone bench placed against the wall. Hall tree benches include hooks and storage. Available in wood, metal, and upholstered styles. $100-$
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Easy to move and replace. Brands: Pottery Barn, IKEA (HEMNES), Wayfair.

Storage Bench

Bench with a hinged lid or drawers beneath for shoe and seasonal storage. Flip-top lids are the easiest (lift, toss items in, close). Drawers are more organized but more expensive. $150-$1,000.

Storage Systems

Open cubbies: Individual compartments for each family member. Typically 12-15" wide per cubby. Perfect for backpacks, hats, and everyday items. Open design encourages daily use. $200-$1,000 for a 3-4 cubby unit.

Lockers: Tall, narrow compartments (12-18" wide, 72-84" tall) with hooks inside, a shelf on top, and a cubby or drawer at the bottom. Can have doors (closed locker) or be open. The most organized solution for families. $300-$2,000 for a 3-4 locker unit.

Hooks and pegs: Wall-mounted hooks for coats, bags, and hats. Board-mounted (Shaker peg rail) or individual hooks. Install at 48-54" height for adults, 36-40" for kids. $2-$15 per hook. A peg rail: $20-$80.

Shoe storage: Open cubbies below the bench (most common), a shoe tray/boot tray on the floor, pull-out drawers, or angled shoe shelves. Plan 12-15" width per person for shoes.

Materials

Painted MDF/plywood: The most common for built-in mudroom systems. Smooth finish. Takes paint well. Affordable. MDF for flat panels, plywood for structural components. $1-$4/sq ft.

Solid wood (pine, maple, oak): Can be painted or stained. More durable than MDF. Adds warmth. Pine: $2-$6/linear foot. Maple/oak: $4-$10/linear foot.

Beadboard backing: A classic mudroom detail. Adds texture and visual interest to the back wall of cubbies and lockers. $1-$3/sq ft for beadboard panels.

DIY Built-In Bench

Materials: 3/4" plywood or MDF, 1x3 and 1x2 trim, wood screws, wood glue, paint/primer. Build a box frame (18" high, 15" deep, desired width). Add a plywood top. Add face frame trim. Paint. Total DIY cost: $100-$300 for a 4-foot bench. Add upper cubbies/hooks: $100-$300 more.