Command Center Part 3: Hooks and Bench with basket for shoes

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I am SOOOOO happy with how this hook and bench area turned out! I struggled with how to collect the shoes, bags, and jackets that seem to inevitably creep in here from our garage mudroom/shoe area.  Once I had the corner command center Part 1 and Part 2 done, I couldn’t let the extra wood go to waste, and had already cut it up into lengths that I thought could be used for shelves somewhere else in the house.  Turns out they were perfect for this wall. 

Cost breakdown:

• Wood (saved from Command Station table): $0
• 12″ table legs (4): 4 X $4= $16
• 4 hardware plates (I got mine from Menards, but see link for similar): $15
• Coat Hooks (12): $41
• Gripper foot floor protectors (I got mine from Menards): $8 (here are some that are similar)
• Stain (Minwax mix of Provincial and Weathered Oak, left over from Command Center Desk): $0
• Minwax Satin Poly (Left over from desk): $0
• Annie Sloan Old White Paint (had it): $0
• Annie Sloan Dark and Clear Wax (had them): $0
• Chalk board stickers, left over from Command Center: $0 (although I haven’t used these, since the kids weren’t interested in that much organization)

Total: $80, though this would be more if you had to get your paint, waxes, wood, and stains.

Here was the “before.” I had a charging station up there that we never used, some hooks that our keys were on (but now they were over at the command center), how did those hats get there?, a cute shelf that didn’t look like it belonged (although it did provide some low hooks that the kids could reach.)  

To start building something more functional, I had to decide on the placement and number of hooks to use.  I wanted a low row of hooks for the kids and a higher row that hubs and I could use for jackets, purses, etc. I had to use my purse to help get the measurements right, since I didn’t want my purse in the way of the kids’ gear. Here are the measurements:

• Each board (two for the hooks, and two for the bench): 28″ by 6″ by 1″ (actual)
• Bottom of lower board: 40″ from the floor
• Bottom of upper board: 73″ from the floor

I marked the studs at the right heights, used the level, then predrilled the holes and used cabinet screws (you could just use long screws) to screw the boards right into the studs.

I screwed the hooks (6 on each board) into the wood board (no need for them to go into the wall, the wood is 1″ thick!) This worked really well, I just marked where they would go with a tape measure and pilot drilled the two holes, screwing them in with my drill. It is very stable, and the kids can pull on it all they want with no wiggle room.

Next, I got to work on the bench. I used my Kreg Jig, set for 1″ and screwed the final two board pieces (4 pocket holes) together this way:

I attached the legs  using hardware plates (straight for this project, although they also have angled).  I learned the hard way on another project that you just can’t screw the legs right into the wood.  That might be obvious to you, but it wasn’t to me 🙂 

I thought this was pretty stable, but wanted to be sure, so I screwed a scrap piece of wood across the two boards just for good measure, making sure that the screws for this piece would not go through the boards. 

The legs just screw right into the hardware plates–easy!

I added these floor protectors and didn’t want them to come off!  So I got the kind that screw in. 

The sticky part holds it in place for you to screw it in.

Then you snap in the caps to cover the screws.  Looks great! 

I started with one coat of Annie Sloan Old White .  I love this paint, it is so easy to use, goes on great. I used one coat so it would look a bit rustic.  Then I decided to use the Q tip to add some Annie Sloan Dark Wax to highlight the crevices.  

I put it in all of the crevices of one of the table legs. 

Then I used a rag to spread it around. 

It was OK, but then I tried just using a rag to spread the dark was without putting any in the crevices first, and I found that this actually highlighted it as well. I decided I liked this way better (it was easier), and did the other legs with this technique.  

After the dark wax dried just a bit (you don’t have to wait very long, I think I waited 10 minutes), I added the clear wax with a different rag, just rubbing it on.  Once I added the clear wax, it was hard to tell that I had used different dark wax techniques on the legs…I could still see it, I just put the odd leg to the back.  The next day, I buffed the clear wax (just rubbed it to a matte shine with a clean rag), and DONE. 

I added the basket that I already had (I think it was from Hobby Lobby), and now the kids can keep their shoes in there.  SD told me right away that she loved using the bench to put on her shoes and it made it easier.  So, score! I love how this turned out and hope it inspires you too!