If you’re tired of clutter in your entryway and want a simple way to stay organized, building your own storage bench could be just what you need. Not only is it budget-friendly—saving you up to 50% compared to buying pre-made—you’ll also create a custom piece that can last 15 to 20 years.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to get started.
Should You Build Your Own Entryway Storage Bench?
Building your own entryway storage bench can be worthwhile if you prioritize customization and long-term savings. Custom-built benches typically cost between $1,000 and $3,000 upfront but can last 15 to 20 years. Over time, this means you could save up to 50% compared to buying pre-made units, which generally need replacement every 5 to 10 years. By tailoring the bench to your exact entryway dimensions, you can improve space efficiency by around 10%, ensuring no square inch goes unused. You also gain the flexibility to add decorative touches like painted trim or hardware that matches your style, and you can design for comfort with features like an 18–20 inch seat height. This project also allows you to incorporate memorial elements, such as a 3D-printed paw print badge for a deceased pet, directly into the bench for daily remembrance. When planning your design, you can consider both function and style to ensure the bench complements your overall room layout. Similar to how a lava lamp uses heat and density to drive its mesmerizing motion, the structural integrity of a wooden bench relies on understanding how materials respond to weight and moisture over time. Choosing between a pre-made unit and a custom bench involves weighing similar trade-offs in style, cost, and function.
However, building a bench yourself requires a commitment of time—typically 4 to 12 weeks—for planning, cutting, assembly, finishing, and curing adhesives. This effort involves a learning curve and skill in woodworking or carpentry. If you enjoy DIY projects or want a piece that truly fits your space and aesthetic, these investments can pay off. But if your schedule is tight or your skills are limited, buying a pre-made unit might be more practical, even if it means replacing it sooner.
【Farmhouse Warmth, Modern Function】Add rustic charm and cozy elegance to your entryway or bedroom. This farmhouse shoe bench combines sturdy wood construction and vintage metal accents for a warm, inviting touch that fits any décor style.
[Ample Storage Space & Multipurpose]: This storage bench for entryway designed with an adjustable flip door and 2 removable drawers, provides ample storage space while hiding clutter and keeping the room organized and neat. The adjustable shelf of the flip drawer allow you to easily store shoes of various sizes and the removable drawers can be used as drawers or storage shelves according to your needs
Claim Your Boho Vibes: Part of the ELLAN Collection, this shoe bench combines a woven rattan look, rounded corners, and slim pulls for a cozy, relaxed boho feel. Pair it with the matching storage cabinets to create a unified, inviting space
Materials List and Cut Sheet for a 30- to 60-Inch Bench
To build your bench, you’ll need to gather the correct materials based on its length, which can range from 30 to 60 inches. Start with core lumber: eight 2x4s cut to 24.75 inches and another eight cut to 18.25 inches for the frame. Additionally, cut four 2x2s to 18.25 inches to serve as cleats and dividers. Your specific design will determine the final cut sheet, but generally, you’ll also need three 1x4s measuring 143 inches and three measuring 40.5 inches for wall runners. For siding, rip eight 8-foot cedar 1x6s into 1×5 strips, and include an extra 6-foot board for adjustments. Choose cabinet-grade birch plywood, and cut 3/4-inch sheets for the top and back panels, along with smaller pieces for dividers. For a custom build, selecting cabinet-grade birch plywood ensures flatness and excellent stain or paint potential. When deciding on lighting for your workshop or home, remember that LED bulbs provide longer lifespan and greater energy efficiency than incandescent options. Assemble these using 2.5-inch socket head screws for the box, 1 1/4-inch pocket screws for the rails, and 1-inch screws for attaching the plywood back panel. Finish the project with carpenter’s glue and 120-grit sandpaper for a smooth surface. If you experience LED bulb flickering, consider checking for incompatible dimmers or loose connections.
LASERABLE - Laser safe plywood for vector cutting and engraving.
Premium Quality Baltic Birch Plywood: Made from high-quality B/BB grade Baltic Birch, offering superior strength, durability, and a smooth surface for all your crafting needs.
✔ REPLACE YOUR CABINET SHELVES – PERFECT FIT Custom cut to your exact width and depth for a seamless replacement inside your cabinets or pantry.
Build the Entryway Bench Frame and Dividers
Start by building the legs, which should be cut from 2x4s to 22 inches in length. Trace a curved design between the 3-inch and 1.5-inch marks on each leg, then carefully use a jigsaw to shape the curves. Notch each leg at the corners where the short rails will sit; cut notches measuring 2.5 by 5/8 inches. When cutting boards to length, follow best practices for cutting LED strip lights to ensure clean, precise results on similar materials. For cost-effective lighting choices, consider how tungsten bulbs versus LEDs compare in efficiency for your workshop. A DIY approach to this project can save on overall expenses, much like how window film costs are reduced by avoiding professional installation.
Next, prepare the 1×3 boards by drilling two pocket holes on each short side of all eight boards. Add four pocket holes to the back ends of the vertical frames. Glue and clamp the short rails to the legs, ensuring alignment, then attach the long rails using 2-1/2-inch pocket screws for a secure fit. Position the dividers 15 inches from each end of the frame to create the cubbies, applying edge banding on the 10.5-inch side that does not have pocket holes.
Secure the entire top frame with 1.25-inch screws, then attach the finished top using 2-inch screws driven through pilot holes to prevent splitting. Finish by adding decorative hardware and cushion padding for comfort and style.
Select Open Cubbies or Lift-Top Storage for Your Space
Open cubbies or lift-top storage both serve different entryway needs. Open cubbies provide quick access and visibility, making them ideal for households with frequent shoe changes. They feature vertical dividers and horizontal shelves, which can be assembled swiftly, and their openings facing forward maximize accessibility. Ventilating cubbies help manage odors and moisture, especially if you store damp or seasonal footwear. Standard depths range from 12 to 13 inches, which fits narrower hallways, while deeper options of 16 to 18 inches suit wider spaces. For a sturdy installation, you can mount the cubbies using a closet rod as a support rail for additional stability.
Lift-top benches conceal storage inside a flat seat, perfect for hiding bulkier items like blankets, handbags, or seasonal gear. Soft-close hinges prevent slamming and preserve quiet comfort. You need at least 18 to 24 inches of clearance behind the bench for comfortable access. Consider your entryway style when choosing: cubbies offer quick visibility and access, while lift-tops provide a cleaner look with hidden storage. Remember, the maximum bench depth should be your hallway width minus 36 inches. If your hallway is under 44 inches wide, skipping a bench altogether might be the best choice. For efficient assembly, use a cordless drill to drive screws into the frame.
【COMPARTMENT DESIGN MEETS OPEN STORAGE】This shoe bench comes from VASAGLE CUSTOS Collection, characterized by the open compartment design that embodies easy-to-blend-in minimalism, while ensuring everything's organized and easily accessible
【COMPARTMENT DESIGN MEETS OPEN STORAGE】This shoe bench comes from VASAGLE CUSTOS Collection, characterized by the open compartment design that embodies easy-to-blend-in minimalism, while ensuring everything's organized and easily accessible
【COMPARTMENT DESIGN MEETS OPEN STORAGE】This shoe bench comes from VASAGLE CUSTOS Collection, characterized by the open compartment design that embodies easy-to-blend-in minimalism, while ensuring everything's organized and easily accessible
Apply Paint or Stain Plus a Protective Topcoat
To bring your storage bench to life, start by prepping the surface thoroughly. Remove all hardware, then sand with medium grit followed by fine grit to create a smooth base. Wipe away all dust with a tack cloth or damp rag to ensure no debris interfere with the finish. When applying stain, stir it well to distribute color evenly. Use a 2-inch brush to first apply the lightest shade to all surfaces, then add darker stain to the outer frames for contrast. Make sure to cover interior surfaces for a polished look. Immediately after staining, seal the surface with a clear topcoat, applying multiple coats for increased durability. Lightly sand between coats if necessary for a smoother finish.
If you opt for painting instead, choose an interior latex paint with a primer-in-one if possible. Apply two even coats, using painter’s tape along edges to achieve clean lines. Remove the tape while the paint is still damp to prevent peeling. For added protection, consider a stain-blocking primer if you are covering previous finishes or problematic areas. Allow all coats to dry completely before reassembling hardware to prevent smudges or damage.
Protects indoor wood surfaces such as furniture, windows, cabinets, trim and more
PROTECT WOOD SURFACES – Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish protects and adds beauty to your interior wood projects, including woodwork, furniture, doors and cabinets. The clear top coat protects against scratches, spills, dirt and more.
PROTECT WOOD SURFACES – Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish protects and adds beauty to your interior wood projects, including woodwork, furniture, doors and cabinets. The clear top coat protects against scratches, spills, dirt and more.
Measure Your Space Before Building the Bench
Measure your space carefully before building the bench to ensure it fits perfectly. Start by measuring the length of your wall, then subtract 2 to 3 inches from each side. This extra space allows for breathing room and keeps the design looking balanced without appearing cramped. For the depth, determine the maximum protrusion by subtracting 36 inches from the hallway width, aiming for a depth of 14 to 18 inches. This range provides a comfortable walking path of 30 to 36 inches, avoiding any obstruction. When considering the bench’s form, keep in mind that the choice between chest of drawers and dresser involves weighing style and function for your space. Using reclaimed wood from a DIY hat rack project can also be a cost-effective material choice.
Next, check the height of the bench, targeting 17 to 20 inches, and measure any vertical obstacles like windowsills or molding. If your door swings into the space, mark the arc to avoid interference with the bench placement. Additionally, curtain rings can be used to hang a small storage organizer or curtain above the bench for added functionality. Use painter’s tape on the floor to visualize the dimensions and ensure the layout works in real life. For uneven flooring, consider using adjustable feet to protect the material and maintain stability. Finally, measure the height of your tallest shoes or items stored inside to confirm there is adequate internal clearance. Proper measurements now will make installation much smoother and help you avoid surprises later.
【Upgraded 2.2" Dia Large Base for Superior Stability】-Unlike other levelers,our leveling feet feature an extra-large 2.2"(55mm) diameter base which provides over 30% more surface contact than typical 1.4" bases,drastically improving stability and preventing tipping on uneven floors. Perfect for tall cabinets, heavy workbenches, and large furniture with leg diameter greater than 2.5".
Heavy Duty Leveling Feet: Built from thick steel, these industrial-grade leveling feet are made to handle the tough jobs. The wide 40mm base spreads weight evenly so each foot can support up to 330 pounds—making them a solid choice for heavy furniture like workbenches, cabinets, or aquarium stands. Unlike flimsy plastic alternatives, these furniture feet are built to last
TRUE 3/8"-16 UNC THREAD: Not for metric M10. WARNING: Ensure furniture's 3/8" (9.52mm) threaded hole. Measure outer diameter(avoid ruler for accuracy) & thread count. Longer steel threads for custom workbenches.
