Mudroom Lockers: How to Build Them, Standard Dimensions & Design Ideas

Room Sources: Wall Sconces | Hooks | Baskets | Plant

Our mudroom is one of the most utilized rooms in our house. We pass through it every time we come and go, and it’s the drop zone for shoes, backpacks, coats, and a lot of other everyday items. To get the most functionality out of this space, I designed and built custom mudroom lockers to make storing these items more convenient and organized.

Before deciding on a locker layout, it can be helpful to explore different styles and storage solutions. If you’re still planning your space, browse our favorite mudroom inspiration and ideas to see a variety of mudroom layouts, built-in storage options, and design styles that can help you determine what works best for your home.

Mudroom lockers are one of the most practical storage solutions you can add to a home. Whether you’re looking to organize backpacks, shoes, coats, sports equipment, or everyday essentials, built-in mudroom lockers can help create a more functional and clutter-free space. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how I built our DIY mudroom lockers, along with standard mudroom locker dimensions, design ideas, and planning tips to help you create a solution that works for your home.

Keep in mind that the dimensions in this tutorial are specific to the space I had available. Every mudroom is different, so you’ll likely need to adjust the measurements to fit your layout and storage needs. The overall process, however, can be adapted to mudrooms of nearly any size.

What is a mudroom?

A mudroom is a small room or area near the backdoor or garage where people can take off their shoes and coats before entering the main living area. The idea is to help keep dirt out of the house, and it can also be a handy place to store outdoor gear like umbrellas and hats. Mudrooms are especially common in homes with kids or pets, but they can be useful for anyone who wants a drop zone for items. Mudrooms usually have hooks, a bench, or built-in lockers. And sometimes they might even include a sink.

Before you start building these lockers, I recommend that you grab our printable plans to make the build much easier. The plans include more detailed instructions and the SketchUp 3D model!

How Much Do Mudroom Lockers Cost?

Our mudroom locker project cost approximately $800 to $1,000 in materials, including the sheet goods, trim, hardware, paint, and finishing supplies. By building the lockers ourselves, we were able to create a custom built-in look for a fraction of what professionally installed mudroom lockers typically cost. Depending on the materials you choose and the size of your project, your total cost may be higher or lower than ours.

Best Materials for Mudroom Lockers

Material List

• Finish Nailer
• Tape Measurer
• Wood Glue
• Miter Saw
• Table Saw
• Clamps
• Sand Paper
• 1 1/4″ Finish Nails
• 2″ Finish Nails

Wood

Since room dimensions vary, I’m only providing the types of lumber and millwork needed.

• 1×12’s
• 1×2’s
• 1×6’s stain grade wood (seating)

Everywhere I put two pieces of wood together, you can assume that I nailed and glued it. I’m telling you this here, so I won’t bore you by repeating myself in every step.

Room Sources: Wall Sconces | Hooks | Baskets | Plant

Step1: Build the Base

Any time I build built-ins, I like for the baseboard in the room to continue around the bottom of what I’m building. I think it creates a more integrated look. Our baseboard is 7 1/2″, so that played a role in determining the locker base height.

For the front of the base, I used a 1×10″. I also used 1×10″ for the ends and support pieces and cut them to the dimensions shown in the diagram above. I used my finish nailer to fasten all of the pieces.

Then using a table saw, I cut a 1×6 down to 4 3/8″ wide. I used this along with a 1×12 to make the top of the base. I nailed these two boards to the ends and supports.

Step 2: Shoe Compartments

The next step was to build the shoe compartments. I started by cutting 7 pieces of 1×12 to 15 5/8″ long.

Then I nailed the two end pieces to studs in the wall.

I connected the two ends with a piece of 1×2. Then I added each show compartment divider. I applied wood glue to the bottom of each and nailed the top to the 1×2.

Then I nailed a piece of 1×2 to the front of each divider. Refer to the dimensions in the diagram above.

Step 3: Seat

Once I had the shoe compartment built, it was time to add the seat. This might have been the easiest part of the build.

I applied wood glue to the edges of the oak and pulled them together tightly as I nailed them in place.

Step 4: Locker Dividers

Next, I added the locker dividers. I used a piece of 1×12 for each divider.

Then I nailed the two ends in place first.

I nailed some scrap wood pieces to the wall that served three purposes. They helped hold the middle two dividers in place, gave me something to nail the shiplap to, and gave me something to mount the hooks on.

To secure the bottom of the two dividers to the seat, I added some wood glue on the bottom of each piece.

Then I nailed a 2×12 to the top of the dividers.

Step 5: Vertical Shiplap

Next, I filled in the back wall of each locker section with pieces of 4″ shiplap ran vertically.

I started in the center of each section and worked my way out nailing to the scrap boards I added earlier.

Step 6: Top Shelves

I constructed each of the top shelf sections before placing them on top of the lockers.

Once I had each of the two layers built, I lifted them up and nailed them into place.

Step 7: Trim and Finishing Touches

Next, I added pieces of 1×2 to the front of the lockers to give them some additional thickness.

Then to top everything off, I added a 1×12 board and a piece of 7″ crown molding to take it all the way to the ceiling.

After I finished all of the building, I filled all of the holes and gave the lockers a good sanding. This made sure that they were nice and smooth and ready to be painted.

Later the electricians cut holes in the 1×12 above each locker section and mounted the wall sconces.

Room Sources: Wall Sconces | Hooks | Baskets | Plant

I couldn’t be happier with the way these mudroom lockers turned out. Not only do they look great, but they’ve made one of the busiest areas of our home significantly more functional. Everybody now has a dedicated place to store shoes, hang coats, and keep backpacks organized, which helps reduce clutter throughout the house.

If you’re building a new home, I highly recommend planning for mudroom lockers from the beginning. Incorporating built-in storage into the design process can make a huge difference in the functionality of the space. Many of our house plans include dedicated mudrooms and drop zones that can easily accommodate lockers, benches, and other storage solutions designed to keep everyday essentials organized and within reach.

Are Mudroom Lockers Worth It?

If your family struggles with backpacks, shoes, coats, and everyday clutter piling up near the entryway, mudroom lockers can be one of the best investments you make. They create designated storage spaces for each family member, improve organization, and can make a home feel more functional and intentional. For many homeowners, mudroom lockers quickly become one of the most-used features in the house.

FAQs

How deep should mudroom lockers be?

Most mudroom lockers are between 15 and 24 inches deep. Shallower lockers work well for coats, backpacks, and everyday items, while deeper lockers provide additional storage for larger gear and hanging clothing. For most homes, a depth of 18 to 20 inches offers a good balance between storage capacity and floor space.

How wide should mudroom lockers be?

Mudroom lockers are typically between 18 and 30 inches wide per person. Smaller lockers can work well for children, while wider lockers provide additional room for coats, backpacks, sports equipment, and seasonal items. The ideal width depends on your family’s storage needs and the amount of available space.

What is the standard height of mudroom lockers?

Most mudroom lockers range from 72 to 96 inches tall. Floor-to-ceiling lockers maximize storage and create a custom built-in appearance, while shorter lockers can help a smaller mudroom feel more open. Bench seating is typically installed at a height of 18 to 20 inches.

Are mudroom lockers worth it?

For many homeowners, mudroom lockers are one of the most useful storage upgrades they can make. They provide designated spaces for shoes, coats, backpacks, and other everyday items, helping reduce clutter and keep the home organized. Families with children often find that mudroom lockers quickly become one of the most-used features in the house.

What is the best material for mudroom lockers?

The best material depends on your budget and desired finish. MDF is a popular choice for painted mudroom lockers because it provides a smooth surface and is cost-effective. Plywood offers excellent durability for DIY projects, while hardwoods such as white oak can create a more custom, furniture-quality appearance.

How much do custom mudroom lockers cost?

Custom mudroom lockers can range from approximately $3,000 to $10,000 or more depending on the size, materials, finishes, and level of customization. DIY mudroom lockers can often be built for significantly less, making them a popular option for homeowners looking to maximize value while achieving a built-in look.

Should mudroom lockers have doors?

Both open lockers and lockers with doors have their advantages. Open lockers provide easy access and work well for busy families, while lockers with doors can help conceal clutter and create a cleaner appearance. The best choice depends on your storage needs and the overall style of your home.

Can mudroom lockers be added to an existing home?

Yes, mudroom lockers can be added to both new and existing homes. Many homeowners install built-in lockers in mudrooms, laundry rooms, garages, entryways, or other transitional spaces. With proper planning, custom lockers can be designed to fit a wide range of room sizes and layouts.

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