This Entryway Drop Zone Makeover was an easy DIY project we completed in one weekend!!
Wait, you can do this in one weekend?
Do you ever feel like most DIY projects are just out of reach? Whether it is your skillset or the time frame to completion.
This project is not out of your reach in any way. We are here to give you all the tools you will need to be successful in this Entryway Drop Zone Makeover and love the finished space!
The space before just didn’t function for this couple. With this drop zone addition not only did it give them the function they needed. It also made the space feel like its own area with a purpose that also looks good!
Yes, you can 100% complete this project in a weekend. I will break it down for you day by day. With a supplies list and also what should be done each day to stay on track to finishing this in one weekend!
Let’s get started and get you your dream Entryway Drop Zone Makeover!
Tools Needed
You will need only a couple tools to make this project a reality. Some people think you need a professional workshop and tools to do projects like this. NOT TRUE!
Hopefully you already have these tools on hand! If not, I suggest borrowing from a friend or family member if this is going to be a one time kinda project for you.
If you think you have other projects in mind for the future…it might be best to invest in these tools to get your DIY tool stash going!
Miter Saw
A Miter Saw will be the fist tool you will need to complete this project. You can also use a Miter Box which is much cheaper but you won’t get the cleanest cuts from it. I would just stick with the miter saw to make sure you get that professional finish look with clean cuts.
You will use your Miter saw to cut all the lengths of your trim pieces. This tutorial does not have any miter cuts. Those are a bit trickier to tackle. The cuts for this project are all straight easy cuts.
Nail Gun
Any nail gun will work for this project. I prefer a battery operated brad nailer for a couple reasons. No cords or wires to deal with, no noisy compressor needed and more affordable.
You can find Battery Operated Brad Nailers on sale all the time. We got ours on sale a while back for $100.
Supplies Needed
Trim Pieces
The boards we used were 1×2 (top picture ledge), 1×3 (vertical pieces) & 1×4 (horizontal pieces) all primed pine. I prefer using primed pine for all of my accent wall projects. It saves time in having to prime before painting.
The trim pieces can be different sizes than listed above depending on the look you are going for with your drop zone.
Board sizes can vary on these drop zones based on your preference and size of the space you are working with. The sizes we chose here are very common sizes for this kind of project.
The entire dimensions of the drop zone area is 4′ wide x 5′ tall and this home has 10′ ceilings. Your ceiling height will play a huge factor into how tall you make your drop zone.
Brad Nails
We use 1.25” brad nails for this project. We only needed to go through the trim boards which is roughly ½” thick and ¾” drywall.
Make sure you are choosing the proper length nail so you aren’t going through the drywall/cabinets and into pipes. Most islands have pipes or wiring in them…so be very mindful of those in there and where they may be.
Construction Adhesive
We like to use Liquid Nails for the majority of our construction projects at home!
This one is gonna be a pain point for some people. Some will argue and say never use it because it’s a pain to get off if you change your mind one day.
I say commit to what you are doing for a long time and love it. Also, make sure it is going to be secure for many years to come. If you want to change it down the road, worry about that then.
Wood Filler & Sanding Pad
Wood filler will make sure you cover all those nail holes and finish with a professional look. You will also need to wood fill all the flat seams between your trim pieces.
Get the foam sanding pads 220/300 grit or higher. These are inexpensive and leave a great finished look for painting.
Caulking
Caulking is every DIYers best friend. It can make or break getting that professional finished look. You will use caulk in any corner edges that are not flat to fill gaps to look seamless.
Primer & Paint
Your pine boards should already be primed. Which means you can skip the priming part. That is why I choose to use those boards for 99% of our home DIY projects.
You’ll spend more on them but save time not sanding and priming. You also save on not having to buy a separate tub of primer.
DO NOT SKIMP ON THIS PART!
Most people want to buy the cheapest paint. DO NOT DO THAT for this project. Drop Zones take a beating and may need to be wiped down from time to time. Spend a little extra and get a better quality paint that won’t chip on you and scuff easily.
Step-by-Step Day Instructions
These are the steps that will make this projects move fast and seamless for you in one weekend.
Day 1 – Friday Night
I like to consider Friday nights the demo and prep day for weekend projects. You can use Friday night to demo any trim or things that need to be moved before starting. It is also a great time to go grab your supplies from the home improvement store.
This makes sure that Saturday morning you are ready to hit the ground running with no interruptions. Because let’s be real…there is nothing more frustrating than not finishing that project and having to wait until the following weekend to finish it.
Day 2 – Saturday
Start early and give yourself enough time to cut all of your pieces and install them all. Then wood fill and caulk so those can dry overnight.
- Cut all Boards to the lengths you need them.
- Glue & Nail each board in the right spot based on dimensions of your project
- Attach your boards starting with your bottom and top boards (make sure they are level when you install)
- Install the vertical boards next
- Then install any small in between horizontal boards last
- Attaching your top ledge 1″ x 2″ board as your final piece
- Wood fill all nail holes on trim pieces and flat trim seems
- Caulk all corner edges that are visible to fill gaps
- Let dry overnight
Day 3 – Sunday
First you will want to focus on sanding all of your wood filled areas. Make sure to wipe all fine dust off before painting. Start painting and enjoy your new island before the weekend is over!
- Sand your wood fill areas flush once dry
- Wipe all fine dust off before painting with a tack cloth
- Paint 2-3 coats of your paint choice
The Details are everything…
Paint & Hooks:
We used Sherwin Williams Extra White as the color for this drop zone.
You can choose any hooks that suit the decor and style of your home. Here are some hook ideas to get you started from wayfair.
In case you are an avid prime shopper like me. Here are my amazon hook finds for you. These black iron hooks are close to the ones we used in this project. You can use whatever hooks you like.
PRO TIP: The dimensions we listed are a great place to start with your Entryway Drop Zone Makeover. Don’t feel like you have to use these exact dimensions and size boards. I encourage you to pick the size and height that will fit the scale best needed for your space.
Get bold with color choices! You do not have to do a white drop zone. I am a sucker for bold choices when adding these accent spaces in your home. Your paint color will really make this space its own!
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