Building a Hall Tree!

Thanks for checking out DIY Woodn't You!
In this video we're building a hall tree for my buddy's wife's birthday. This is the first hall tree I've ever built, and it was a ton of fun. I'm pumped with how it turned out, and my buddy's wife loved it! It's a "built in" style hall tree, and in an attempt to define the space, but not close in the foyer and block your line of vision to the front door, we used 1x4's for the side supports. Below is a material list for this build. I hope you guys enjoy the video. If so, please feel free to like it. I'd also love it if you'd subscribe to the channel, and tag along with our journey.
Hall Tree Material List :
2 sheets ½ (15/32) plywood
3 pieces of 1x4x8' (pre primed)
1 piece of 1x3x8' (pre primed)
6 pieces of 1x2x8' (pre primed)
1 piece of 2-1/4 pime wood casing (pre primed)
1 piece of 3/4” quarter round (pre primed)
1 1x16x6'
Primed with Kilz 2
Painted with Sherwin Williams Showcase (White)
Bench top stained with Minwax dark walnut
My Affiliate Links:
My DSLR camera : Canon EOS Rebel SL2 : amzn.to/42pbKji
My favorite lens : Canon Wide Angle, 10 - 18mm : amzn.to/42avJCD
My microphone : Rode Video Micro : amzn.to/42xQYy1
My secondary camera : GoPro Hero 4 Silver : amzn.to/42ugP9Z
GoPro accessory bundle : amzn.to/3pgGwN0
Flexible Leg Tripod (super convenient and versitile!) : amzn.to/3VEh2VL
Pocket Hole Jig : amzn.to/407zGpN
Countersink drill bit set (This is truthfully one of my most used tools!) : amzn.to/3oqMtqb
1-1/4” Surfacing Router Bit : amzn.to/45uS9k0
Round Nose Router Bit Set : amzn.to/3OFjauU
I used music from KZbin Sound Library :
kzbin.infomusic?nv=1
I also used music by my buddy, Autolight, check out his music below!
Autolight : soundcloud.com/user-606947046

[@waynewheaton3210]

Nice build and video. It's good to see people building things in their garage and driveway like most of us, and not a 100K shop.

[@robertsimmons9026]

I love making other people’s wives dreams come true! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 legend!

[@littlemisscantbewrong3138]

😂

[@annealston4858]

I really appreciate the measurements in the video. Super helpful. I’m definitely trying this for my home. Thank you ❤❤❤❤🎉

[@DIYWoodntYou]

Yeah, of course! I’m glad it was helpful. I hope you have fun with your build! I may be building one in my own house soon. 😂

[@golongboard]

Looks great. I recently watched this about 100 times and copied your steps to build this for my wifes Christmas present.

[@DIYWoodntYou]

Thank you! That’s awesome! Hey if you care to, after you do the install, I’ve got a Facebook group if you want to share pictures of it. I’d love to see it.

[@cwmwcw]

Great video. I have watched several others but you are the first to share all your measurements which is really helpful.

[@DIYWoodntYou]

Thanks so much! I’m glad it was helpful. I hope your build goes well!

[@theapplenut2299]

I love it! Such a great build! You actually added nice details to it, that’s way better than most KZbin diy boxes without any personality. Terrific job!

[@cpressley57]

Awesome job.

[@DIYWoodntYou]

Thank you!

[@imsowright90]

Nice build. Getting ideas to build one.

[@Richard-y5n]

DIY, I loved your video and am going to build one exactly like it for my wife. Great design and it looks stunning. You do superb at explaining everything and showing us how it fits together . Thanks so much .

[@DIYWoodntYou]

Thanks so much Richard! Also, thanks for the encouraging words. I hope your build goes well and your wife loves it! Please feel free to reach out with any questions along the way. 👍🏻

[@Goose8219]

Man that thing is a beast of a hallway tree It’s simple and adds a lot of character to the home. My wife is bugging me for the same exact one. I just finished a barn door style TV, Console and now project number two. No rest for the wicked.

[@KarrieFord]

Material list! Well done!!

[@DIYWoodntYou]

Thank you! I’m hope it was helpful!

[@DavidBoston-rx2yi]

Great job

[@DIYWoodntYou]

Thanks David!

[@andymcdonald7533]

Excellent result! I have been looking to try something similar as a beginner, but all other videos I have found so far require an expensive setup. This one keeps it to simple tools and something that can be built in a small garage. Thanks for sharing!

[@DIYWoodntYou]

Thanks so much! I’m glad it was helpful. Good luck with your build.

[@wgrant12000]

Great work, I'm gonna copy it 😊

[@paynescarpentry]

Turned out great

[@DIYWoodntYou]

Thanks!

[@kirkking6601]

Nice build. Man I’d have to build me a table with some saw horses or something to work on though. Bent over is rough.

[@DIYWoodntYou]

Thanks! You’re right. It would really benefit me to make a secondary saw horse work bench. 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@foodvac7924]

Awesome dude!

[@jwhite6452]

Great job!

[@The_King_Slayer8]

Great job man! How much difficulty would be added to turn those lower cubbies into sliding drawers?!

[@DIYWoodntYou]

Thanks! For some reason my email settings changed and deleted a bunch of my responses. It would be pretty easy to create sliding drawers in the lower cubbies actually. I’m designing a hall tree for our house, and am leaning towards drawers in the bottom. 👍🏻

[@christiankruse1970]

Great build and great video. Were the depths of the "top box" the same as the bottom seat box?

[@DIYWoodntYou]

Thanks so much! I made the depth of the bench top 16” and the overall depth of the top cubbies 12”.

[@brittneymerryweather9405]

I love this!! Quick question, I notice that there is a space between the bottom sheet and the ground, I notice this is standard.... why is there a space underneath? Is it for keeping it breathable so mold doesn't grow under the bench?

[@DIYWoodntYou]

Thanks Brittney! I could be wrong, but I don’t believe it has anything to do with mold. For me it’s just more appealing to the eye, because you can have it trimmed out nicely at the bottom, and it makes it structurally sound. I have seen people doing hall tree benches with vertical dividers opened to the floor lately, and I like the look. I feel like it would be pretty easy to knock one of them out of whack though….so I dunno. 🤷🏼

[@Robin-jc6ei]

Hello, nice job, could you please where you brought the top bench piece? Can you tell me the name/keyword of the product from Home Depot?

[@DIYWoodntYou]

Thanks so much! I bought it from Lowe’s, but I know they have it at Home Depot as well. It’s called a “pine edge glued board”.

[@dale_E24]

looks good! for the end shots of the different angles and up close and pulling out- do it slow and dont speed them up in post. change the music to a slower beat and let the piece speak for itself instead of the short, jerky pull out shots.

[@davidhume2842]

What size nail gun were you using?

[@0130oste]

Quick question - The bullnose for the bench seat. Did you rip that from the edge--glued pine? Or use scrap laying around? Measurements say no, but wanted to confirm. thanks!

[@DIYWoodntYou]

Yep, you’d be right! I actually used some drop that I had from another bench that I made. I have done it with a full 1 x 2 for the bullnose. I think I prefer that method.

[@henrymcwhorter1541]

I am currently working on this project and would like to know the dimensions of the top cubby. Do they end up being the same as the bottom cubbies?

[@DIYWoodntYou]

Awesome! I hope it’s going well for you. They are slightly different sizes (I think an inch maybe). If you go to about the 1:45 mark in the video you can capture the overall dimensions for the face frame sizes, which will give you the cubby dimensions.

[@henrymcwhorter1541]

Thank you for the quick response, great videos on your page keep them coming. Unfortunately I messed up on this project and will going to buy another sheet of plywood tomorrow.

[@DIYWoodntYou]

Thanks for the encouragement Henry! Oh man, I know that all too well. 😂

[@jonathanpwolfjpw]

Looks great! Do you have a sketch that includes the dimensions that you used?

[@jonathanpwolfjpw]

I figured it out…took the dimensions you showed on the face frame and then expanded from there. Thanks!

[@AZbone]

Maybe I missed it but what are the dimensions on the side pieces for the bottom cubby? 15.25 by?

[@DIYWoodntYou]

The side panels should be 15.25 h x 14.5 w to achieve a bench that’s 16” high, and 16” deep. Because you have the face frame and the bullnose which are both .75 thick. 👍🏻

[@juanalcantargomez3020]

Where you buy the big clamps

[@DIYWoodntYou]

I got them at Harbor freight. They’re super handy!

[@alienmushroomz]

Could you tell me what the dimensions of this build is? And what it would be if we did the hall tree in your inspiration photo with the 4 cubbies across? Also how it would change the lengths in wood we would need.

[@DIYWoodntYou]

In the video I break down the dimensions pretty detailed to try to make it easy to replicate. As far as the inspiration photo, it kind of depends on the size that you want to make it, as to what your material list looks like. It helps me to sit down and actually draw it out to figure up my material list.

[@rbensley7]

How much would you charge someone altogether; materials and labor to build this and install it?

[@DIYWoodntYou]

There are a couple variables that I take into account when pricing. The size, finish, material and intricacy of the desired result plays into it. I’m happy to discuss it further if you email me.

[@AC-bz5br]

Do you have a link for the veneer tape?

[@gArBgebIN]

When you attach it to the wall, how do you where the studs are in the wall?

[@DIYWoodntYou]

I used a stud finder and marked where the studs were before installing, and checked again after getting everything in place to make sure I hit them. 👍🏻

[@davidboston4574]

Any plans ? Great job…

[@DIYWoodntYou]

Thanks! I don’t have plans drawn up for it. I really should though. If I do, I’ll let you know.

[@damonriegel3474]

What size finish nails were you using with that pneumatic nailer?

[@DIYWoodntYou]

I believe I used 1-1/2, however there were 1 or 2 that came out the side. I’ve found 1-1/4 to be ideal. 👍🏻

[@damonriegel3474]

@@DIYWoodntYou what gauge?

[@DIYWoodntYou]

16 gauge finish nails.

[@ZoeK-m2w]

I want to build an entryway tree but I don’t understand anything you’re saying 😭😭😭 I tried to download a 3D model program but I don’t know how to use it either.. I have a bunch of tools but I also don’t know what to do with them. How do I even learn? I have a model with measurements. Is it really this extensive?

[@ZoeK-m2w]

I’m a female btw. This would be my first project. Like I know some things but it’s clearly not enough

[@DIYWoodntYou]

Thanks for reaching out Zoe! I understand how this can be completely overwhelming, both the build aspect, and learning a design software. Here's how my brain works, so it's not so overwhelming...Break it down into manageable pieces. Grab a tape measure, sharp pencil, calculator and note pad. Figure out how deep and tall you want the bench to be. Break it down into layers from there. The bench needs a face frame, side panels, inside panels, back panel, bottom panel, and top. What are the actual dimensions of the material used to build that? Good thing to know : 1 x 2's actually measure 3/4" x 1-1/2", not 1" x 2" 🙄. Same goes for all lumber from a big box store. Alright, so the depth front to back of the face frame (white primed pieces in the video) is 3/4", then you figure you want a bullnose that sticks out on the front, that also measures 3/4". So now you have 1-1/2" of material thickness. If you want your overall bench depth to be 16", then you subtract the thickness of what you just figured out from that (16" - 1-1/2" = 14 -1/2"). Now you see that your side panels will be 14 - 1/2" deep. Just go piece by piece, and do the same thing, and it will come together! Reach back out if you need to along the way. I'm going to try to sit down and actually make a downloadable build drawing of this. That would be helpful... 😁

[@damonriegel3474]

What did you use to fasten the top and back to the base? Are those dowels your sliding it down on?

[@DIYWoodntYou]

I thought about using dowels, but I didn’t end up using anything to attach the top and bottom. We just placed it gently on there so we wouldn’t have to slide it. Dowels wouldn’t be a bad idea though to strengthen the bottom of the side panels.

[@tocsore]

hi you said your seat height was 16 inches but isn't 18 1/4 since the face is 17 1/4 high plus the 1 inch for the top or did i screrw up

[@tocsore]

thanks i actually just realized my fault thanks@@DIYWoodntYou

[@michaelcarson6744]

What's 15.25?

[@DIYWoodntYou]

If you’re talking about at the minute and a half mark in the video, the 15.25” dimension is the height of the bench frame.

[@SuperDs06]

how did you attach the 1x4 on the plywood?

[@DIYWoodntYou]

For the 1x4’s on the sides, I used wood glue and finish nails through the back of the plywood.

[@SuperDs06]

thank you. building this now…😁

[@SuperDs06]

what about the 1x4 with the hooks? did you do the same? finish nail though the back? or brad nail from front?

[@DIYWoodntYou]

@@SuperDs06 I believe I went through the front on those, because I had the top assembly laying on the garage floor to lay out those pieces. Awesome! I hope you’re having fun with the build!

[@SuperDs06]

Thanks! Your video has been very helpful! Thank you!🙏

[@christriplett4901]

How much was the total cost for lumber?

[@DIYWoodntYou]

I think the total cost of everything including caulk, primer, paint, etc was right over $300, so lumber was probably right about $250.

[@christriplett4901]

Not bad at all! Thanks for the response

[@HiddenBlessingsHomestead]

Want to build me one for my birthday ;)

[@DIYWoodntYou]

Absolutely! Tell me when and where. 😆

[@ArranAviation-dr7zs]

First time I’ve ever seen someone shoot a nail gun at themselves 😮 🙄

[@DIYWoodntYou]

Hmmm. I’m pretty sure your perspective was skewed, cause I don’t believe I shot any nails toward myself. 🤔Thanks for tuning in though!

[@79cabin]

Love it!! Hope to build one like this in our cabin! Check out our cabin build channel! 🤍🤍🤍

[@DIYWoodntYou]

Thanks! Yeah you definitely need one in your cabin. I’m watching y’all’s videos right now. I’ll tag along! One of my goals for the channel is to build a cabin (or some cabins).

[@Loljjkb]

This is so stupid why would you install it permanently? What if you want something different in a couple of years?

[@christiankruse1970]

Why don't you build one and make us a video showing how much better it is in an earthquake!😜👍

[@DIYWoodntYou]

😂 Yep, what Christian said. The customer asked it to be built in….so it’s a built in. If they want something different, trim, putty, and paint is fairly affordable.

[@FasterBastard1]

Fkn shed is beautiful 👍

[@elabelaxx5719]

Why you put veneer edges and 1x4 wood on same side 😂

[@DIYWoodntYou]

So that you don’t see the cut edge of the plywood bud. It was either that or notch the plywood to flush the 1x4 up with the back, and that idea didn’t seem great.

[@leanchasersx]

it looks good. Instead of glue, I use L brackets with wide screw holes to allow for wood movement

[@DIYWoodntYou]

Thanks! That’s a good idea. Thanks for the tip!