This entryway organizer is perfect for holding coats, hats, gloves, and more, helping to keep clutter in check while looking stylish. You can easily build one yourself with just a few basic tools, some plywood, a single board, and affordable molding. If you'd like to add adjustable shelves, a shelf-pin jig (19.05 mm or 3/4") will allow you to do so with ease.
Materials
Wood Products
2 Plywood, 3/4" (19.05 mm) x 48" (1219.2 mm) x 96" (2438.4 mm)
1 Plywood, 3/4" (19.05 mm) x 48" (1219.2 mm) x 48" (1219.2 mm)
1 Board, 1x4 (25.4 mm x 101.6 mm) x 48" (1219.2 mm)
6 Screen molding, 1/4" (6.35 mm) x 3/4" (19.05 mm) x 96" (2438.4 mm)
Hardware & Supplies
1241 1/4" (6.35 mm) coarse-thread Kreg Pocket-Hole Screws
42" (50.8 mm) flat-head wood screws
501" (25.4 mm) 18-gauge brad nails
121/4" (31.75 mm) shelf pins
3 Coat hooks
1 Wood glue
Cut List & Parts
4 Bench Upright, 3/4" (19.05 mm) x 19 1/4" (489 mm) x 15 3/4" (400 mm)
3 Bench Back, 3/4" (19.05 mm) x 14" (355.6 mm) x 10" (254 mm)
3 Bench Rail, 3/4" (19.05 mm) x 3 1/2" (88.9 mm) x 14" (355.6 mm)
1 Bench Seat, 3/4" (19.05 mm) x 20" (508 mm) x 46 1/2" (1181.1 mm)
4 Locker Upright, 3/4" (19.05 mm) x 11 3/4" (298.5 mm) x 46 1/2" (1181.1 mm)
3 Locker Back, 3/4" (19.05 mm) x 14" (355.6 mm) x 46 1/2" (1181.1 mm)
1 Locker Top, 3/4" (19.05 mm) x 13 1/2" (342.9 mm) x 46 1/2" (1181.1 mm)
3 Locker Shelf, 3/4" (19.05 mm) x 11" (279.4 mm) x 13 7/8" (352.4 mm)
4 Cubby Upright, 3/4" (19.05 mm) x 12 3/4" (323.9 mm) x 11 3/4" (298.5 mm)
3 Cubby Back, 3/4" (19.05 mm) x 14" (355.6 mm) x 11 3/4" (298.5 mm)
1 Cubby Top, 3/4" (19.05 mm) x 13 1/2" (342.9 mm) x 46 1/2" (1181.1 mm)
24 Front Edging, 1/4" (6.35 mm) x 3/4" (19.05 mm) x cut to fit
Directions
Make the Bench Uprights
Cut four Bench Uprights to size from 3/4" (19.05 mm) plywood, as shown in the cutting diagram. With your Kreg® Pocket-Hole Jig set up for 3/4" (19.05 mm)-thick material, drill pocket holes where shown. Note that you’ll be creating two “pairs” of uprights.
Tip: Put the Best Face Outward
When you buy plywood, it usually has one face that looks better than the other. When building this project, place the pocket holes in the less-attractive face. The better-looking face will be the one that shows, so by positioning your pocket holes this way, the best-looking face of each plywood part will be the most visible.
Make the Bench Backs
Cut three Bench Backs to size from 3/4" (19.05 mm) plywood, as shown in the cutting diagram. Drill pocket holes where shown. When drilling these pocket holes, note that along the side edges, the pocket holes are offset. That’s so when you assemble the bench later, the screws won’t run into each other.
Make the Bench Rails
Cut three Bench Rails to length from a 1x4 (25.4 mm x 101.6 mm) board, as shown in the cutting diagram. Drill pocket holes where shown. These three Rails are all identical.
Assemble the Bench Base
Sand the parts smooth, and then assemble the bench base, as shown. To do that, you’ll attach the Bench Rails and Bench Backs to the Bench Uprights using 1 1/4" (31.75 mm) coarse-thread Kreg Pocket-Hole Screws. Make sure all of the parts are oriented properly before you drive in the screws.
Make the Bench Seat
Cut a Bench Top to size from 3/4" (19.05 mm) plywood, as shown in the cutting diagram. Then sand the Bench Seat smooth. Now you can attach the Bench Seat, as shown. Align the Seat so that it overhangs the base by 3/4" (19.05 mm) at the front and ends. Then attach the Seat using 1 1/4" (31.75 mm) coarse-thread Kreg Pocket-Hole Screws.
Make the Locker Uprights
Cut four Locker Uprights to size from 3/4" (19.05 mm) plywood, as shown in the cutting diagram. Select two to be the left and right “outer” Uprights. Drill pocket holes where shown.
Complete the Locker Uprights
The other two Locker Uprights will be the “inner” Uprights. Drill the same pocket holes in these inner uprights. To add adjustable shelves, use a Kreg Shelf Pin Jig to drill shelf pin holes, as shown. The advantage of the Shelf Pin Jig is that it makes it easy to get consistent shelf spacing so that you’ll have level, wobble-free shelves.
NOTE:
Kreg Shelf Pin Jig: Key Differences Between First- and Second-Generation Models
When using the Kreg Shelf Pin Jig, it's important to note the setback spacing (distance from the edge to the shelf-pin holes). The spacing shown aligns with the first-generation Kreg Shelf Pin Jig. However, the second-generation model, launched in March 2022, features updated setback spacing. Despite this difference, the vertical distance between shelf-pin holes—1 1/4" (31.75 mm)—remains identical for both models. This ensures you can create precise shelf-pin holes with either the first- or second-generation jig.
For accurate results, choose the Kreg Shelf Pin Jig that suits your project, knowing both generations deliver consistent vertical spacing.
How to Make the Locker Backs
Cut three Locker Backs from 3/4" (19.05 mm) plywood according to the dimensions provided in the cutting diagram. Drill pocket holes as indicated in the diagram, keeping in mind that the pocket holes along the side edges are offset. This ensures proper alignment during assembly and a clean, secure fit for your project.
How to Make the Locker Top
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Cut the Locker Top: Start by cutting a Locker Top from 3/4" (19.05 mm) plywood, following the dimensions in the cutting diagram.
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Drill Holes: Drill four holes near the front edge of the Locker Top as shown in the diagram. These holes will later secure the upper cubby section to the lockers.
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Prepare the Shelves: While you're at it, cut four Locker Shelves to size from the same 3/4" plywood.
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Finish: Sand the Locker Top and Shelves until smooth to ensure a clean finish and easy assembly.
How to Assemble the Locker Base
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Position the Parts: Arrange the Locker Backs and Locker Uprights as shown in the assembly diagram. Double-check that all components are properly oriented before proceeding.
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Attach the Locker Backs: Secure the Locker Backs to the Locker Uprights using 1 1/4" (31.75 mm) coarse-thread Kreg Pocket-Hole Screws. Ensure the screws are driven in straight and tight for a strong, stable connection.
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Check Alignment: As you assemble, verify that the parts are aligned correctly to ensure a seamless fit in the finished project.
How to Attach the Locker Top
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Position the Locker Top: Place the Locker Top onto the assembled base, ensuring the four pre-drilled holes are aligned at the front. Double-check that the Top overhangs the base by 3/4" (19.05 mm) at the front and both ends for proper alignment.
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Secure the Top: Attach the Locker Top to the base using 1 1/4" (31.75 mm) coarse-thread Kreg Pocket-Hole Screws. Tighten the screws securely to create a strong and stable connection.
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Verify Alignment: Before moving forward, confirm that the overhang measurements are consistent and the Locker Top is level.
How to Make the Cubby Uprights
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Cut to Size: Cut four Cubby Uprights from 3/4" (19.05 mm) plywood according to the dimensions in the cutting diagram.
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Drill Pocket Holes: Drill pocket holes in the locations specified in the diagram. These holes will be used to assemble the cubby structure securely.
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Create Pairs: Arrange the Cubby Uprights into two pairs, ensuring the pocket holes are positioned correctly for assembly.
How to Make the Cubby Backs
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Cut to Size: Using 3/4" (19.05 mm) plywood, cut three Cubby Backs according to the dimensions provided in the cutting diagram.
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Drill Pocket Holes: Set your pocket-hole jig for 3/4" (19.05 mm) material and drill pocket holes as indicated in the diagram. Take care to ensure that the pocket holes along the side edges are offset, just as in previous steps, to facilitate proper alignment during assembly.
How to Assemble the Cubby Base
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Prepare the Cubby Top: Sand the Cubby Top until smooth to ensure a clean finish and easier handling during assembly.
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Position the Parts: Arrange the Cubby Backs and Cubby Uprights as shown in the assembly diagram. Double-check that all components are properly oriented before attaching them.
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Attach the Cubby Backs: Secure the Cubby Backs to the Cubby Uprights using 1 1/4" (31.75 mm) coarse-thread Kreg Pocket-Hole Screws. Ensure the screws are driven straight and tight for a solid connection.
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Verify Alignment: Once assembled, check that the Cubby Base is square and properly aligned to maintain the structure’s stability and appearance.
How to Add the Cubby Top
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Cut the Cubby Top: Using 3/4" (19.05 mm) plywood, cut the Cubby Top to the specified size provided in the cutting diagram.
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Position the Top: Place the Cubby Top onto the assembled base, ensuring it overhangs by 3/4" (19.05 mm) at the front and both ends. Double-check the alignment before securing it in place.
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Attach the Top: Secure the Cubby Top to the base using 1 1/4" (31.75 mm) coarse-thread Kreg Pocket-Hole Screws. Drive the screws in firmly for a strong and stable connection.
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Verify Alignment: Once the Cubby Top is attached, ensure the overhang is consistent on all sides and the assembly is level.
How to Attach the Lockers to the Bench
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Position the Lockers: Place the Locker assembly on top of the bench. Ensure the Lockers are evenly positioned from side to side, with the Locker backs flush against the rear edge of the Bench Seat.
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Secure the Lockers: Using 1 1/4" (31.75 mm) coarse-thread Kreg Pocket-Hole Screws, attach the Lockers to the Bench. Make sure the screws are driven securely for a solid, stable connection.
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Check Alignment: Before fully tightening the screws, double-check the positioning to ensure everything is aligned properly and the Lockers are securely attached to the Bench.
How to Attach the Cubbies to the Lockers
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Position the Cubbies: Place the Cubby assembly on top of the Lockers, ensuring the cubbies are evenly positioned from side to side. The Cubby backs should be flush with the rear edge of the Locker.
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Mark Hole Locations: Insert a drill bit into the holes in the Locker Top from underneath, then press lightly to mark the location of the holes in the Cubby Uprights.
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Drill Pilot Holes: Remove the Cubby assembly and drill pilot holes about 3/4" (19.05 mm) deep into the marked spots on the Cubby Uprights.
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Reposition the Cubbies: Place the Cubby assembly back in position on top of the Lockers.
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Secure the Cubby Backs: Attach the Cubby Backs using 1 1/4" (31.75 mm) coarse-thread Kreg Pocket-Hole Screws.
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Secure the Cubby Uprights: Drive 2" (50.8 mm) screws through the Locker Top and into the Cubby Uprights to firmly secure the cubby structure to the Lockers.
How to Dress It Up with Screen Molding
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Cut the Molding: After assembling everything, cut the screen molding pieces to fit along the exposed plywood edges.
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Miter or Straight Cuts: For the corners of the Seat and Tops, you have two options: either miter the ends at 45° or make straight cuts, overlap the pieces, and sand the corners smooth for a seamless look.
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Attach the Molding: Use glue and brad nails to attach the molding. If you have a brad nailer, this process will go much faster and with more precision.
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Finishing Touches: Once the glue has dried, sand the entire organizer as needed for a smooth surface. Then, apply your choice of paint or stain to finish the look.
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Install Coat Hooks and Shelves: Install coat hooks in the outer lockers and slip the shelves into place.
With these final steps, your organizer will not only be functional but beautifully finished and ready for use!
