0% Intro APR for 15 months on purchases and b… Citi Strata℠ Card Calculators How we make money
VOATLAS
How to Pay for a Custom Mudroom Bench

How to · Home

How to Pay for a Custom Mudroom Bench

Organize your entryway chaos for $111 a month without paying interest for a year and a half.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $2,000 before anything else
Across the 0% window $111.11/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,000 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A custom mudroom system stops the morning scramble for lost shoes and coats. Once the lockers and bench are in, everything has a home and your hallway stays clear. It usually takes a weekend to build yourself or three days for a pro to finish. Your home feels bigger because the clutter finally has a place to go.

Fall is the smartest time to start because lumber and hardware prices often dip as retailers clear out DIY stock. If you aren't building it yourself, get at least three quotes from local carpenters. Prices for labor can vary wildly, and a few emails can save you hundreds of dollars before you buy a single board.

Keep in mind that the 0% interest period is a hard deadline, not a permanent discount. If you haven't paid off the full balance by the time the 18 months are up, you'll start owing interest on whatever is left at the standard variable rate.

The steps

  1. 01

    Map the space

    Measure every inch of your wall and account for baseboards. Think about the height of your tallest boots and the width of the kids' backpacks. A bad measurement means wasted wood and a higher bill.

  2. 02

    Shop the fall sales

    Big box stores and lumber yards often discount materials in the autumn. You can usually grab your wood, hooks, and baskets for less if you time it right. This is when your $2,000 budget goes the furthest.

  3. 03

    Use the 18-month window

    The Citi Simplicity® Credit Card (Citi) gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. To pay off a $2,000 project within that window, you only need to set aside $111.11 per month.

  4. 04

    Prep the walls

    Remove any old shelving and patch the holes before the new lockers arrive. If you're hiring a pro, doing the demo yourself can shave a bit off the labor cost. It gives you a clean slate for the install.

  5. 05

    Pick a tough finish

    Mudrooms take a lot of abuse from wet shoes and grit. Spend a little extra on floor-grade paint or a heavy-duty sealant. It keeps the wood from warping and makes it much easier to wipe down later.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Is a custom bench better than a store-bought one?

Custom is usually better because it uses every available inch of your wall. Store-bought units often leave awkward gaps where dust and stray socks collect.

Can I build this myself to save money?

You can, but you'll need a miter saw and a drill. If you have the tools, you might get the material cost down to $1,000, but it will take you at least two full days of work.

What happens if I miss a payment?

This card doesn't charge late fees, but a late payment can still damage your credit score. Stick to the $111.11 monthly plan to stay on track.

Should I add a sink to the mudroom?

Only if you already have plumbing in that wall. Adding new pipes will easily double your $2,000 budget and turn a simple project into a major renovation.