How to Make a Bench Out of a Bed Headboard

How to turn a headboard into an indoor bench that is both beautiful and functional.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pencil
• Tape Measure
• Saw
• Drill
• Bolts
• Wrench
• Wood Stain
• Paint Brushes
• Headboard
• Flat Top Chest

1. The first step in creating your new storage bench is to find the headboard and chest you wish to use. Shop around for these items, if you do not already have them. Before you purchase these items have an idea of how large you want the finished project to be. Bring a tape measure with you to be sure that each piece is the right size and both with fit together nicely.

2. After you have both the headboard and chest, lean the headboard against a wall and place the chest in front of it. This allows you to not only get a rough view of the finished project, but also see if the legs of the headboard need to be shortened. If the legs are a bit too long don't worry. Measure the distance that is between the bottom of the headboard and the top of the chest, then take the measurement to the BOTTOM of the legs on the headboard. Mark with a pencil. Then saw on the mark. FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE HEADBOARD LEGS.

3. The next step in creating your functional masterpiece is to pick a wood stain. Wood stain can be picked up at any local hardware or home improvement store. Once you have found the perfect hue for your project go ahead and stain the two pieces separately. This allows for better coverage on both the headboard and chest.

4. After staining the pieces it's time to break out the power tools. Now is the time for marking the holes that will hold the pieces together. Make sure to use the tape measure on the headboard and chest individually and mark the location with the pencil. Now you simply drill over the marks and place the bolts through the holes, tightening with the wrench. Thus holding the headboard to the chest.

5. ENJOY! This is a necessary step at the end of any project you complete. You now have a indoor bench that can be used for extra seating as well as extra storage!

Tips & Warnings

• Thrift Stores, Goodwill, and even yard sales are always great places to find furniture that won't break the budget.
• A wood stain that accents other colors in your home or the area you wish to place the bench is a good place to start when deciding on a stain color.
• It is always best to seal the wood after staining, but it is not a necessary step.
• Paint can also be used in place of a stain, but keep in mind that stains can be customized.
• Measure, measure, measure, and then measure again! Correct measurements are important to having a masterpiece.
• Remember it is better to cut long than short, if the distance is still to great than you can always cut again!
• Make sure you read the directions on the wood stain BEFORE you begin and follow them to the letter.
• You may need a wall anchor to prevent the bench for being top heavy.

[edieness]

on 5/14/2009 Awesome idea and it just so happens I have an extra headboard in my basement. Now I know what I can do with it. Kudos to you and your great idea. 5*

[gallery08]

on 4/16/2009 Fantastic idea. Thanks a bunch.