Last summer, Whit and I embarked on an exciting DIY adventure, packing our essential tools, lumber, and, of course, the kids, for a trip to Houston. Our mission? To help our sister transform her home. While we’ve previously shared the stunning revamp of her living room, today we’re thrilled to unveil another remarkable project: a custom-built DIY Wall Locker with a built-in bench, designed to revolutionize her entryway and mudroom area.
Our sister’s home had a perfectly functional entryway, but it wasn’t living up to its full potential. She expressed frustration that the current layout led to wasted space and constant clutter. With a dedicated dining room elsewhere, the existing dining table in this high-traffic zone felt redundant. Positioned right off the garage, this room served as the primary entrance for her bustling family, inevitably becoming a giant “collect-all” space, overflowing with backpacks, shoes, and miscellaneous items. It was clear that a smart, integrated storage solution was needed to bring order and efficiency to this vital family hub.
The Ultimate Entryway Transformation: Building a Custom DIY Wall Locker with Bench
Designing the Perfect Mudroom Solution: A Built-in Bench with Lockers
To tackle this common household dilemma, I requested detailed measurements of the space from our sister so I could meticulously design the wall locker before even heading to Houston. My vision was a highly functional built-in bench complemented by a spacious locker hutch. The open design underneath the bench was perfect for neatly tucking away shoe baskets, ensuring that footwear had a designated spot. Above, individual locker cubbies were designed to provide each of her four children with their own personalized space for backpacks, lunch boxes, and other daily essentials, putting an end to the entryway chaos.
During the design phase, one particular challenge emerged: the existing light switch. We received numerous questions about this, and it was indeed a critical planning point. Our sister provided precise measurements, including the exact location of the switch plate from a “before” picture. Given its placement, I was presented with a few options that required careful consideration:
- I could design the hutch to be wide enough to completely cover the switch, which would render it inaccessible – clearly not a practical solution.
- Alternatively, I could build a much shorter hutch to avoid the switch entirely, but I felt this would compromise the aesthetic and functional balance of the piece, making it look disproportionate.
- My third option was to make the individual cubbies slightly narrower.
I ultimately opted for the third solution, narrowing the cubbies. However, before finalizing this decision, I made sure to measure my own kids’ backpacks to confirm that the revised 15-inch width for each of the four cubbies would still comfortably accommodate a full backpack. Even with this adjustment, the hutch still partially covered the switch plate. To address this, I consulted with our sister, offering her two choices: either I could design the hutch to sit about an inch away from the wall, allowing her hand to slide behind it to access the switch, or I could devise a more complex solution to leave the switch completely exposed. She chose the 1-inch gap, prioritizing ease of access over a completely flush design. This small detail highlights the immense amount of planning that went into this project from the very beginning. We even tested the switch access with Leasha (our sister) before permanently attaching the hutch to the bench, ensuring it wasn’t an inconvenience. This thoughtful customization is precisely what makes DIY projects so rewarding; you can tailor every element to perfectly fit your unique needs and preferences.
Despite the detailed planning, this piece proved to be incredibly fun and surprisingly straightforward to build! If you’re inspired to create your own organized entryway, you can find the FREE printable plans at the end of this post to guide you through every step of the process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your DIY Wall Locker
Step 1: Constructing the Robust Bench Frame
The foundation of our DIY Wall Locker began with the sturdy bench frame. After carefully making all necessary cuts according to the plans, I proceeded to drill pocket holes. I drilled 1 1/2-inch pocket holes into the ends of both the front and back apron pieces, and 3/4-inch pocket holes along their length. These pocket holes are essential for creating strong, concealed joints. For this crucial step, we highly recommend using a Kreg Jig. You can find our favorite Kreg Jig model HERE on Amazon, which makes drilling precise pocket holes incredibly efficient.
Once the pocket holes were drilled, I firmly attached the front and back apron pieces to the side pieces. This was done using 2 1/2-inch pocket hole screws, combined with a generous application of wood glue for maximum strength and durability. Wood glue, when dried, creates a bond often stronger than the wood itself, making it indispensable for built-in furniture.
Here you can see one of the apron pieces securely attached to the side pieces, forming a robust corner. It’s important to ensure these connections are flush for a professional finish and a square frame.
A crucial tip for assembling the bench frame is to ensure that the pocket holes along the length of the apron pieces are consistently facing the same direction. This attention to detail will help in attaching the bench top later on, creating a seamless and sturdy structure without visible screws from the front.
Step 2: Crafting and Attaching the Bench Legs
Moving on, I cut the support pieces that would form the core of the bench legs. For these, I drilled 1 1/2-inch pocket holes and then attached them using 2 1/2-inch pocket hole screws and wood glue. To navigate the tighter spaces during this assembly, I utilized my Ryobi 18V right-angle drill. If you don’t have this specific tool, a shorter Kreg driver bit can also be an excellent alternative to reach those challenging angles.
Next, I meticulously cut the individual pieces that would make up the bench legs. Precision in these cuts is paramount for a professional and stable finished product. Each leg is constructed from a combination of wood pieces to provide the necessary support and aesthetic appeal.
To assemble the legs, I used my reliable Ryobi 18V Airstrike Nailer. I attached the 1×4 piece to the 1×3 piece using 1 1/4-inch brad nails, reinforced with wood glue. This combination of fasteners and adhesive ensures an incredibly strong and lasting joint, preventing any wobbling or instability in the finished bench.
After assembly, each leg should look like this, a solid and well-constructed unit ready to support the bench frame. The clean lines and tight joints are indicators of careful craftsmanship, ensuring a durable and attractive final piece.
The final step for the legs was attaching them to the front corners of the bench frame. I secured them with 1 1/2-inch wood screws and wood glue, working from the inside of the frame to keep the screws concealed. It’s essential that the legs are perfectly flush with the frame, creating a seamless and integrated appearance. Also, double-check that the pocket holes are facing downwards when you attach the legs, preparing for the next step of the build.
Step 3: Installing the Durable Bench Top
DIY Wall Locker – Choosing the Right Project Panel from Home Depot
For the bench top, I opted for an 18-inch by 72-inch by 3/4-inch project panel. These panels are fantastic for DIY projects, offering a smooth, uniform surface that’s ready for finishing. They are readily available and can be sourced conveniently HERE from Home Depot.
Cutting a large project panel with a miter saw might seem tricky, but it’s quite manageable with a simple technique. Make your first cut as deep as your saw allows, then simply flip the board over and complete the cut from the opposite side. This method ensures a clean, straight cut across the entire width of the panel, perfectly sizing it for your bench frame.
Step 4: Securely Mounting the Bench to the Wall
Before permanently attaching the bench top, I made sure it fit perfectly onto the frame, ensuring all dimensions were correct. However, the bench top was not yet secured. It’s crucial to attach the bench frame directly to the wall first for ultimate stability and safety, especially with built-in furniture that will see daily use by a busy family.
To securely attach the bench frame to the wall, the first and most vital step is to locate the wall studs. A reliable stud finder is indispensable for this task, ensuring that you anchor the bench into structural wood rather than just drywall. You can find our favorite stud finder HERE on Amazon, a tool that makes this process quick and accurate.
Once the studs are precisely located, use 3 1/2-inch wood screws to firmly attach the bench frame to the studs behind the wall. It’s best to drill these screws from the inside of the frame, keeping them hidden from view and maintaining the clean aesthetic of the piece. This step ensures that your built-in bench is incredibly stable and can withstand the rigors of daily family life.
Step 5: Finishing Touches – Painting and Staining
With the bench frame securely mounted to the wall, it was finally time to attach the bench top. I fastened it to the frame using 1 1/4-inch pocket hole screws, driving them through the pocket holes previously drilled into the front and back apron pieces of the bench frame. This method creates a strong, hidden connection, allowing the beauty of the stained wood to be the focal point.
Since I envisioned a beautifully stained bench top contrasting with a painted base, I proceeded to stain the top first and allowed it ample time to dry while I moved on to building the hutch. For a rich, deep finish, I applied a single coat of Varathane Dark Walnut stain. This particular stain provides excellent coverage and a durable finish. You can find this versatile stain HERE on Amazon. Once the hutch was assembled, I painted the rest of the piece in a serene and elegant shade called “Seine” by Valspar, creating a sophisticated and welcoming look for the entryway.
Step 6: Assembling the Functional Locker Hutch
The locker hutch, the organizational backbone of this project, was next. I began by making all the necessary cuts for the dividers, the bottom, and the sides of the hutch. After cutting, I drilled 3/4-inch pocket holes into both ends of each divider piece and into the side pieces. These smaller pocket holes are perfect for joining thinner pieces of wood, ensuring a clean and strong connection for the cubby structure.
Once the pocket holes were ready, I attached the side pieces to the top piece of the hutch. This was done using 1 1/4-inch pocket hole screws, combined with wood glue, creating the primary outer frame of the hutch. The precision of these joints is crucial for a square and sturdy locker unit.
Here you can see the outside frame of the hutch fully assembled, laid upside down for easier access to the attachment points. This stage confirms that the overall dimensions and squareness are correct before proceeding to install the internal dividers.
Next, I carefully attached the dividers, forming the individual locker cubbies. These were secured with 1 1/4-inch pocket hole screws and wood glue. The dividers are designed to be centered on the top board, with a 1-inch space on each side, providing a balanced and aesthetically pleasing look. Always refer to the detailed plans for the exact placement and spacing of these critical components to ensure proper alignment and cubby size.
DIY Wall Locker – Constructing the Frame Support
To create a robust frame support for the back of the hutch, I first made all the necessary cuts for the various boards. I then drilled 3/4-inch pocket holes into the ends of every board used for this support. Additionally, I drilled 3/4-inch pocket holes along the length of the two side 1×3 boards and the top and bottom 1×4 boards. This intricate network of pocket holes ensures that the back frame support is incredibly strong and ready for the plywood backing.
The frame support was then attached to the main hutch frame using 1 1/4-inch pocket hole screws, driven through the pocket holes in the side, top, and bottom pieces of the support. This frame support is designed to rest directly on the dividers and is strategically inset 1/4-inch from the back of the hutch. This precise inset creates a perfect recess for the plywood backing, ensuring a flush and professional finish once installed.
To further enhance the stability of the locker hutch, I securely attached the frame support to the internal dividers using 1 1/4-inch brad nails. This step reinforces the entire structure, making each cubby exceptionally robust and ready to handle the weight of school bags and other items.
Before attaching the final plywood backing, a thin bead of wood glue was run along the entire back of the frame support. This glue creates an additional strong bond between the plywood and the frame, eliminating any potential gaps and contributing to the overall integrity and longevity of the hutch.
The plywood backing was then securely attached using 3/4-inch brad nails from my Ryobi 18V Crown Stapler. While a nailer can also be used, we prefer staples for 1/4-inch backing because they offer superior grip on the plywood, preventing any buckling or separation over time. This creates a solid and finished back for the entire locker hutch.
And just like that, the locker hutch was fully assembled! This completed unit, with its precisely spaced cubbies and sturdy construction, was now ready to be joined with the bench, forming the integrated entryway solution.
Step 7: Final Assembly – Marrying the Locker Hutch to the Bench
The penultimate step was to securely attach the newly built hutch to the bench. This critical connection was made using 1 1/4-inch pocket hole screws, driven from the bottom of the hutch into the top of the bench. This method ensures a strong, seamless bond between the two components, creating one cohesive piece of furniture. Once attached, don’t forget the essential finishing detail: fill all visible pocket holes with wood filler. This creates a smooth surface ready for a flawless paint job, making the hidden joinery truly invisible.
The Transformed Entryway: Style Meets Unbeatable Organization
With the structure complete, it was time for the exciting final touches! I gave the entire piece a beautiful paint job, using Valspar’s “Seine” to complement the dark walnut stained bench top. Then, we added practical hooks and a few strategically placed baskets. Our sister already had the perfect hooks, which she had found at Home Depot, ready to be installed for hanging coats and backpacks. The baskets, sourced from AtHome, fit perfectly under the bench, providing easy-access storage for shoes and other items. Whit also contributed a personal touch by crafting the lovely “grateful” sign, which adds warmth and character to the space (click here for the how-to).
The transformation was truly remarkable. We were able to move her charming antique table from the busy entryway to a quiet spot next to the bay windows. This new arrangement created a serene nook for her and her husband to enjoy a peaceful cup of coffee, reclaiming a previously underutilized space. The rest of the entryway, once a chaotic catch-all, is now entirely dedicated to the kids’ belongings, providing them with structured and easily accessible storage. Every item now has a home, making daily routines smoother and the entrance to their home significantly more welcoming and organized.
The greatest validation of any DIY project is seeing it put to good use and loved by its inhabitants. When school started, our sister sent us a heartwarming message, expressing how much the new wall locker had streamlined their mornings and evenings. Her enthusiasm truly made our day! It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the piece we built is not just functional, but genuinely appreciated and integrated into their daily family life, making their home more organized and enjoyable.
We sourced the stylish storage baskets from AtHome, which perfectly complement the aesthetic of the new mudroom. Whit, with her creative touch, made the beautiful “grateful” sign that adds a personalized and inspiring element to the space, reminding everyone of the blessings in their lives. This entire project highlights how thoughtful design and DIY effort can utterly transform a functional area into a beautiful, organized, and cherished part of the home.
Ready to Build Your Own DIY Wall Locker?
Inspired to tackle your own entryway organization project? Don’t forget to download the FREE Printable Plans for this DIY Wall Locker HERE! These detailed plans will guide you through every step, making this ambitious project achievable for any DIY enthusiast. We’ve poured our experience into creating these easy-to-follow instructions, ensuring your success.
Thank you so much for joining us on this creative journey and stopping by to see our latest project! We hope this detailed guide empowers you to transform your own home.
Happy Building!
Explore More Shanty House Crash Projects!
Curious to see more of our #shantyhousecrash transformations? Our sister’s home received a complete overhaul, and this wall locker is just one piece of the puzzle. Click the links below to discover other amazing DIY projects that brought style and functionality to her living space:
DIY Crate Coffee Table on Wheels
Floating Shelves with Pulley
Window Trim
Console Table
Board and Batten Wall