DIY Entryway Organizer

How to Build a DIY Entryway Organizer with Mirror

1. 1 Cut the Boards

   

   Cut the following pieces with the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* 5 1/2 in. Circular Saw:

   • (2) 1 x 4 pine boards, 29" long for the frame top and bottom
   • (2) 1 x 4 pine boards, 26" long for the frame sides
   • (2) 1 x 4 pine boards, 8" long for the angle braces
   • (1) 1 x 10 pine board, 36" long for the shelf

   
   

2. 2 Drill Pocket Holes

   

   Drill two pocket holes at each end of the 29" long top and bottom frame pieces using the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* Lithium 2-Speed Cordless Drill/Driver and a pocket hole jig.

3. 3 Build the Frame

   

   Apply wood glue to both drilled ends of the two 29" pieces. Place one of them flush at the top between the two 26" long frame side pieces. Place the other 29" piece 7" up from the bottom of the side pieces. Screw the frame together using 1 5/8" pocket hole screws.

4. 4 Route the Mirror Recess

   

   Install a 3/8 x 1/4" rabbeting bit into the BLACK+DECKER 10 Amp Variable Speed Plunge Router. Run the router along the inside of the frame to create a recess for the mirror. Measure the inside of the recess for the height and width of the mirror. Order single-strength mirror 3/16" smaller than the dimensions of the opening to prevent the mirror from binding when you install it.

5. 5 Notch the Shelf

   

   Use the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* Cordless Lithium Jigsaw to cut a 3/4 x 3 1/2" notch along the back edge on both ends of the 1 x 10 shelf board. The notches allow the shelf to slip under the horizontal bottom of the mirror frame and over the sides of the frame.

6. 6 Sand the Parts

   

   Sand the frame and shelf and the two 1 x 4 angle braces smooth with the BLACK+DECKER MOUSE® Detail Sander and 100-grit sandpaper.

7. 7 Install the Shelf

   

   Drill 1/8" pilot holes 3/8" from the edge, spaced 4" apart, through the bottom of the shelf, along the back edge between the notches. Apply wood glue to the bottom edge of the bottom frame piece. Fit the shelf against the frame piece, and screw it to the frame with 1 1/2" screws.

   

   Depending on what type of screw you're using, pilot holes should be just slightly smaller than the screw.

   The idea is to allow the hole to be big enough for the screw to pass through without splitting the wood, but at the same time, small enough so that the threads grip firmly.

8. 8 Add the Braces

   

   Use the circular saw to cut 45-degree angles on both ends of the 8" brace pieces. Don't lose any of the length when cutting the angles. Drill two pilot holes, using a 1/8" bit, through one end of the angled cuts on both braces. Apply wood glue to the angled cuts, and fit the braces under the shelf. Screw them to the bottom of the shelf with 1 1/4" screws. Drill pilot holes from the back of the frame, and screw on the bottom part of the brace from the back of the frame with 1 1/4" screws.

9. 9 Finish the Organizer

   

   Apply wood stain, if desired, following the manufacturer's directions for application technique and drying time. Finish the unit with two coats of aerosol lacquer, allowing each coat to dry as directed.

10. 10 Install the Mirror

    

    Apply a thin bead of clear silicone caulk to the rabbeted edges on the back of the frame. Drop the mirror into the back of the frame. Press the mirror gently into the silicone. Allow it to dry overnight.

11. 11 Install the Coat Hooks

    

    Use 3/4" screws to hang the hooks, evenly spaced, along the bottom of the shelf. Use the BLACK+DECKER BullsEye® Auto Leveling Laser with Stud Sensor to locate at least two studs in the wall, and to level the organizer. Screw the organizer to the wall studs through the top of the frame, using 3" screws.