A hardworking mudroom keeps the rest of your home calm. In West Des Moines homes, the best mudrooms combine a durable bench and lockers, wipeable finishes, smart shoe storage, and hooks that match real life (kids, pets, sports). This guide covers planning, design options, install basics, care, and what to expect with a coordinated build.

Custom Pieces → | Trim Carpentry →

Key Takeaways

  • Design around people and traffic first—then pick doors, drawers, and hooks to match daily routines.
  • Choose durable, wipeable finishes (enamel paint, rugged tops, boot tray zones).
  • Use a mix of open and closed storage so clutter disappears but essentials stay grab-and-go.
  • Integrate lighting, outlets, and charging so the space works in all seasons.
  • Coordinate bench height/depth, locker width, and shoe storage from the start.

What to Expect → | Our Process →

Plan Your Mudroom (Before You Pick Door Styles)

  • People & gear: Count daily users; list coats, backpacks, shoes, sports gear, pet leashes.
  • Traffic flow: Keep the path from garage/entry clear; avoid doors clashing with bench seating.
  • Zones: Drop zone with charging, bench for sitting, tall lockers, shoe wells, and a cleaning closet nearby.
  • Surfaces: Wipeable walls and floors at splash points; rugs that trap grit but don’t block doors.
  • Utilities: Outlets near the bench for charging; a dedicated circuit if adding a small freezer or boot dryer.

Benches: Comfortable, Durable, Useful

  • Ergonomics: Target ~17–19″ seat height and ~16–18″ depth.
  • Tops: Durable wood with tough finish, laminate, or composite for wipeability.
  • Under-bench storage: Open cubbies for daily shoes; drawers for off-season items; toe-kick boot trays for winter slush.
  • Hooks & hardware: Double hooks above the bench for coats/bags; kid-height hooks for independence.

Lockers & Cubbies: Clutter Control That Looks Good

  • One per person: 15–18″ width each is a helpful target; doors hide visual clutter, open cubbies speed mornings.
  • Upper cabinets: Closed storage for hats/gloves and seasonal gear.
  • Tall bays: Full-height lockers for coats, sports gear, and vacuum/mop.
  • Pet station (optional): Leash hooks, treat drawer, towel cubby; consider a nearby wash zone if space allows.

Custom Pieces →

Finishes & Materials: Built to Take a Beating

  • Walls: Beadboard or v-groove panel backs are tough and clean easily.
  • Cabinetry: Paint-grade poplar/maple with enamel; soft-close hinges and durable pulls.
  • Tops: Wood with conversion varnish, composite/laminate, or stone remnants at drop zones.
  • Floors: LVP, tile, or sealed concrete; use mats that trap grit and dry quickly.
  • Lighting: Bright, shadow-free task lighting at the bench; motion-sensor night light for late returns.

Trim Carpentry → | Built-Ins for Des Moines Homes →

Install Basics: What “Crafted” Looks Like

  • Layout & blocking: Stud finding, added blocking for hooks and cabinets; benches anchored and level.
  • Scribing & reveals: Tight scribes at walls/base; consistent reveals around doors and panels so it reads as architecture.
  • Wire & vents: Routed cable pass-throughs for chargers; keep supply/return airflow clear with toe-kick grills if needed.
  • Protection & cleanup: Floors covered; dust control and daily cleanup are standard.

Our Process → | FAQ →

Care & Timeline

  • Everyday care: Damp microfiber on enamel cabinetry; shake out rugs weekly; empty boot trays as needed.
  • Touch-ups: Keep labeled paint for nicks; tighten hooks/hinges annually.
  • Typical durations: A bench + lockers package often installs in 2–4 days plus finishing; multi-wall or added plumbing/electrical adds time. Early selections keep schedules tight.

What to Expect with Reese Builders

  • One cohesive plan: Benches, lockers, floors, lighting, and paneling coordinated from day one.
  • Visible craftsmanship: Tight scribes, consistent reveals, and durable finishes that match the rest of your home.
  • In-house capability: Built-ins, trim, and custom storage under one roof for a seamless look.
  • Clear communication: Milestones, sequencing, and site protection outlined up front.

Custom Pieces → | Trim Carpentry → | Service Areas →

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Ready to tame the entry chaos?

Tell us how many users (and pets), what needs a home, and your daily routine—we’ll design a mudroom that makes busy days easier.

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FAQs

Q: How wide should each locker be?
 A: A useful target is 15–18″ per user; go wider for bulky winter gear or sports equipment.

Q: Bench drawers or open cubbies?
 A: Open cubbies win for daily shoes; drawers hide off-season items and keep dust down.

Q: What finish holds up best?
 A: Enamel paint on poplar/maple is durable and wipeable; choose rugged pulls and soft-close hardware.

Q: Can we add a pet wash or boot dryer?
 A: Yes—plan plumbing, a durable floor zone, and dedicated power early so it integrates cleanly.

Q: How long does a typical mudroom remodel take?
 A: Many bench + locker installs are 2–4 days plus finishing; larger, multi-wall builds run longer. Early selections keep timelines tight.