How much does a mudroom cost?

DIY upgrade (hooks, bench, boot tray): $195-$550. Built-in mudroom (existing space): $850-$3,200. Mudroom addition (new room): $10,000-$30,000. High-end custom: $5,000-$15,000+. Best value: a built-in bench with cubbies and hooks ($1,000-$2,000) transforms any entryway into a functional mudroom. This is one of the highest-impact low-cost home improvements for families with kids and pets.

What is the best mudroom flooring?

Porcelain tile: the best overall. Waterproof, handles salt and chemicals, easy to clean, and extremely durable. Cost: $5-$15/sq ft. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP): the best budget option. Waterproof, comfortable underfoot, and looks great. Cost: $3-$8/sq ft. Both are excellent. Choose tile for maximum durability (the mudroom sees the most abuse of any room). Choose LVP for comfort and budget. Never use: hardwood, laminate, or carpet.

How do I build a mudroom in my garage entry?

The garage-to-house entry is the most common mudroom location. Steps: add hooks on both sides of the doorway ($30-$100). Place or build a bench with shoe storage underneath ($100-$500). Add a durable boot tray ($15-$50). Install a shelf above the hooks for bags and hats ($20-$100). Upgrade the flooring in the entry area to tile or LVP ($200-$800). Budget: $365-$1,550 for a complete functional garage entry mudroom. For a more polished look: add wainscoting or beadboard ($200-$500), painted in a contrasting color.

Does a mudroom add value to a home?

Yes. A mudroom is consistently rated as one of the top 5 most-desired features by home buyers, especially families. A built-in mudroom adds $3,000-$10,000 in perceived home value. ROI: 50-80% depending on quality and local market. In northern climates (where mud, snow, and rain are constant): a mudroom is almost expected and adds proportionally more value. The key: the mudroom must look intentional and well-designed (built-in cubbies and bench, not just a row of hooks).

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Mudroom Guide: Design, Organization & Cost

Lumberama Editorial Team, Mudroom Design & Home Organization Specialists Sep 15, 2026 10 min read

What Is a Mudroom

A mudroom is a transitional space between the outdoors and your home's living areas. It is the first line of defense against dirt, mud, rain, and snow. A well-designed mudroom keeps the rest of the house cleaner and more organized. Key functions: coat and jacket storage, shoe and boot storage, bag and backpack hooks, wet weather gear, pet supplies (leashes and towels), and mail and key drop zone.

Mudroom Layouts

Dedicated mudroom: A separate room (6x8 ft minimum, 8x10 ft ideal) between the garage or exterior door and the main living area. The gold standard.

Entryway mudroom: Built into an existing entryway or foyer. Even a 3-foot wide wall can function as a mudroom with hooks, a bench, and shoe storage.

Garage entry mudroom: The most common location. Transition between garage and kitchen.

Laundry/mudroom combo: Combines mudroom function with washer and dryer. Efficient for active families.

Closet mudroom: Convert an entry closet into a mudroom nook. Remove the door, add hooks, bench, and cubbies.

Key Components

Bench: Sit to put on and take off shoes. Storage underneath (cubbies or drawers). Height: 18 inches. Width: 36-72 inches. Cost: built-in: $200-$1,000. Freestanding: $100-$500.

Hooks: For coats, bags, and hats. Install at adult height (60 inches) and kid height (36 inches). Heavy-duty hooks: $5-$15 each.

Cubbies/lockers: Individual storage for each family member. Include: hook, shelf, and shoe space. Open cubbies: $200-$800. Closed lockers: $500-$2,000.

Shoe storage: Boot tray (catches water and mud): $15-$50. Open cubbies under bench: included in bench cost. Pull-out shoe rack: $50-$200.

Upper storage: Shelf or cabinets above the hooks/cubbies. For seasonal items and infrequently used gear.

Pet station: Low hooks for leashes. Built-in dog wash (if space allows): $1,000-$3,000.

Flooring

Must handle water, mud, salt, and heavy foot traffic. Best options: porcelain tile ($5-$15/sq ft, the most durable), luxury vinyl plank ($3-$8/sq ft, warm and comfortable), slate or stone ($10-$25/sq ft, natural and beautiful). Avoid: hardwood (water damage), carpet (absorbs everything), and laminate (swells when wet). Add a washable rug or runner for comfort.

Costs

DIY mudroom upgrade (existing space): Hooks: $30-$100. Bench (freestanding): $100-$300. Boot tray: $15-$50. Storage baskets: $50-$100. Total: $195-$550.

Built-in mudroom (existing space): Custom built-in bench with cubbies: $500-$2,000. Hooks and trim: $100-$300. Flooring (50 sq ft): $200-$800. Paint: $50-$100. Total: $850-$3,200.

Mudroom addition: New room (6x8 ft): $10,000-$30,000. Includes foundation, framing, exterior, flooring, and built-ins. Garage entry conversion: $3,000-$10,000.

High-end mudroom: Custom lockers, bench, wainscoting, tile floor, and pet wash. Total: $5,000-$15,000+.