How to Build an Entryway Kids Locker

Since school has started and all three of my children are going to be in school.  I knew that I needed a more dedicated area for their school things. I love this idea of them having a cubbie/locker just like at school. Perhaps the familiarity will inspire them to use it as intended. I have a place in each locker for their bag and a jacket to hang up, along with a pair or two of shoes at the bottom.

If you need measurements, check out these plans for a kid’s locker.

Supplies to build these DIY Storage Lockers for your entryway:

• 2- 1″ x 12″ x 8′
• 1- 1″ x 12″ x 6′
• 1- 1″ x 12″ x 4″
• 2- 1″ x 2″ x 8′
• 1- 1″ x 3″ x 4′
• 1 sheet of 1/4″ plywood, or similar. (mine was thinner, I couldn’t find 1/4″ plywood.)
• 2″ Screws
• 2 inch Finishing Nails
• Circular Saw
• Drill
• Wood Glue, I prefer Gorilla Glue
• Wood Filler
• Stain or Paint and a Poly

Here’s how I built these storage lockers for my children.

I began by cutting all of my wood.

Generally with projects of this sort I only cut the large pieces first and then the small pieces of wood as needed to ensure the best fit. However, this time I cut all of my wood first. If you choose to pre-cut all of your wood, measure extra carefully.

I pre-drilled and countersunk every hole for the screws. When building bigger pieces of furniture it helps to have someone just to help you hold the pieces while you put them together.  Otherwise you’ll need either clamps or it may be a little awkward. Often, my husband helps me with these bigger projects, sometimes the kids can be helpful.

After the frame was build I used the finishing nails and glue to put on the back.  It’s important to nail specifically into each main board as well as around the outside for a good support.

Then I nailed the framed trim on the front piece by piece so it all fit together.  You need to make sure to nail on the trim. Due to the size of the trim, it’s better to use small nails instead of screws which may split the wood. Pre-measure each length so you can cut to exact fit.

After, I used wood putty over all of the screws and nails. Then I went back over the entire thing with my sander. I used a microfiber cloth to get all of the dust off of the locker.  Then I stained the entire thing a dark color called Jacoabean.   It’s beautiful.  Then I added a poly for a little shine. You can add more than one coat of poly, especially if you’re putting this in a high traffic area.  Just remember to lightly sand in between each coat.

I picked up regular silver hooks from the store and put one on each side of each locker.  I also got some inexpensive canvas boxes for hats, winter things, etc on the top shelf.  All in all I love it and know the kids will, too.  I’ll be adding some personal touches like stenciling their names on each locker before the school year starts.

Do you have a designated area in your home for the kids school things and shoes?I’d love to hear different ideas about how you organize their things in you home, please feel free to share in the comments.