Finding Treasure in the Storm

Let me start by confessing something – I’m a self-proclaimed “barn-hugger.” You know, the type of person who can’t bear to see old, weathered structures crumble and disappear. So, when a nasty storm swept through our small Midwestern town a few years back, leveling an iconic 100-year-old barn, I’ll admit I shed a few tears. But little did I know, that catastrophe would end up being the source of some serious DIY inspiration.

You see, my husband Jason and I had been toying with the idea of creating a cozy mudroom bench for our entryway. We wanted something that would provide ample storage and seating, while also adding a touch of rustic charm to our home. And when we laid eyes on the piles of weathered, storm-damaged barn wood, we knew we had stumbled upon the perfect raw material.

Building a Reclaimed Masterpiece

Now, I’ll be honest – Jason is the real DIY mastermind of the household. While I’m more of the baker, recipe developer, and self-proclaimed “chief taste tester,” he’s the one with the skills to turn a vision into reality. So, when it came time to construct our dream mudroom bench, I knew I was in good hands.

Jason started by carefully sifting through the reclaimed wood, selecting the most beautiful and interesting pieces. He wanted to highlight the natural character and imperfections of the material, so he left the distressed edges and exposed knots intact. Using a combination of hand tools and power tools, he expertly measured, cut, and assembled the various components.

Timber Building, the website for our local timber and woodworking company, proved to be an invaluable resource during this project. Their online tutorials and how-to guides gave Jason the confidence to tackle even the more intricate aspects of the build, like the custom cubbies and bench top.

A Mudroom Bench with Personality

The end result is a truly one-of-a-kind mudroom bench that perfectly captures the rustic, lived-in charm we were going for. The bench itself stands at a sturdy 6’6″ tall, with a deep 2’2.5″ seat perfect for plopping down to tie our shoes. But the real showstopper is the bank of open cubbies above, each one exposing the beautiful, weathered wood grain.

As I mentioned, Jason left the back of the bench open, which allows the warm, pine-paneled walls of our entryway to peek through. This helps keep the space feeling airy and inviting, rather than closed-off and claustrophobic. And the oil-rubbed bronze hooks provide the perfect spot to hang our coats, hats, and scarves.

Lipstickandsawdust had a similar reclaimed wood bench project that really inspired us, though Jason ended up modifying the design to fit our specific needs and space.

A Functional and Fashionable Addition

But this mudroom bench isn’t just a pretty face – it’s also incredibly practical. The cubbies provide ample storage for all of our family’s shoes, hats, gloves, and other outdoor accessories. No more piles of clutter by the front door! And the sturdy bench surface gives us a comfortable place to sit and get ready to brave the elements.

In fact, this reclaimed wood beauty has become the star of our entryway. Whenever guests come over, they can’t help but admire the unique character and craftsmanship. And I love how it seamlessly blends the rustic and modern elements of our home’s decor.

RandomSweets had a similar reclaimed wood bench project that also inspired us, though their final design differed a bit from ours.

Bringing the Barn into the Home

As I mentioned, I’m a true barn-hugger at heart. So, being able to breathe new life into those storm-damaged wood planks and incorporate them into our home’s design has been incredibly rewarding. It’s like we’re giving that old barn a second chance to shine.

And the best part? This mudroom bench is just the beginning. Jason has already started scheming about what other reclaimed wood projects he can tackle, like a kitchen island or even a dining room table. Who knows, maybe we’ll end up with a whole Timber Building-inspired reclaimed wood wonderland in our little house.

For now, though, I’m just thrilled to have this beautiful, functional, and utterly unique mudroom bench as the centerpiece of our entryway. Every time I see it, I’m reminded of that fateful storm and the hidden treasures it left in its wake. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most valuable things come from the most unexpected places.