What is a Mudroom?

A mudroom is a space dedicated to hanging up and putting on hats, scarves, coats, shoes, and other outdoor gear. It is also an area designed to keep all the dirt that is tracked into the house, doubling as an easy-to-clean spot. Components that make up a mudroom include but are not limited to; shelving, wall hooks, and in most cases, seating. 

Choosing The Space

A mudroom can go virtually in any room of the house. However, Ideally, you would want to place your mudroom in a spot that is closest to the main entrance, where people will put on and take off outdoor gear. Common places homeowners use to turn into a mudroom include:

• The front hallway,
• The front or back porch,
• Laundry room,
• Pantry,
• And any other space that happens to lead to the front door. 

Some mudrooms are even built into stairwell landings or closets. So, never shut out the possibility of having a mudroom in your home.

Recessed Mudroom

Along with being able to be installed in just about every room on the middle floor, mudrooms can also be created in two ways. One of them is to create a recessed mudroom where the cabinetry that holds all the hooks, shelving, and seating is built into the wall. In these cases, a wooden backing will be added to protect the wall from any dents or dings. A closet mudroom would naturally be a recessed mudroom.

Mudroom Cabinetry

The other way you could go about creating a mudroom is via built-in cabinetry. These mudrooms tend to stand out while also complementing the interior design of your laundry, kitchen, pantry, living room, or hallway. 

Simplicity Is Key

It is essential to keep it as simple as possible. But keep in mind how many wall hooks you will need and how much storage you need for coats, hats, shoes, umbrellas, and other outdoor gear. Adding a dedicated space for your keys may also be something you’d enjoy. However, simplicity is key, since you don’t want to contribute to the clutter with a massive mudroom that will do everything but keep things organized. 

Contact an Expert Mudroom Remodeling Contractor at Rudd Builders

Still unsure how to approach the installation of a mudroom? The expert contractors at Rudd Builders can help. Rudd Builders has a combined experience of almost 100 years. We have made our name as one of the best Salt Lake City remodeling companies in kitchens, bathrooms, garages, mudrooms, decks, and more. 

At Rudd Builders, we want our clients to get quality installation and products at a fair price. Call our office during regular business hours today for a free consultation on your dream project. 

The post Creating a Mudroom 101 appeared first on Salt Lake City Contractors.

Prepare

Tools and materials are the starting point to any DIY project; you will need the following for this project:

Tools: Drill, drill bits, tape measure, tapping block, hand stapler, pneumatic finish nailer, and a rubber mallet.

Materials: Wood flooring, handrail, support brace, lag bolts, wood putty, screws, risers, balusters, and finish nails. 

Measure, Cut, and Install

Measure each tread according to your design; we recommend measuring twice before cutting any material. 

After cutting your tread, the next step is to install them. When installing them, always work your way from the bottom. Make sure to screw them in as securely as possible. 

Consider adding a brace between the stringers and top step to add more support to your new stairs. 

Newel posts

If you have half newel posts, pre-drill them, also make sure there are prepared holes on your wall for toggle bolts. Insert the screws for the toggle bolts and then attach the toggles. Insert toggles to the wall and secure them tightly. For all other newel posts, use lag bolts.

Cut the rail

Now that you have your treads and newels installed, next comes the railing. Measure and mark it for angled cuts, then cut them. It may be a good idea to undercut the railing and rest it along the stairs to get a perfect fit.

Balusters

Don’t immediately install your rail after you have cut them. You need to install the balusters first. Pre-drill your treads for the baluster. Secure your balusters to your treads.

Attach railing

With your balusters and newels in place, next comes the railing. Attach the rail fasteners to the newel posts. Insert the balusters into the holes on the railing. 

Finishing

You’re done! However, to get that clean look, you need to clean things up a little bit. If there are any screw holes, fill them up with matching wood putty. You may need to install moldings to achieve an even cleaner look.

We can help

Stairs can be a work of art and it can make you proud to have built your own stairs – your own masterpiece. However, make sure that you seek professional help whenever you need it. Here at Rudd Contractors, we pride ourselves in working along with our clients to make sure their dream homes come to life. So, give us a call whenever you need help! 

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