Two Recycled Chairs Make a Double Chair Bench
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I will show you how to make a double chair bench with repurposed chairs. Or maybe how NOT to make a double chair bench.
Have you ever had a repurposed furniture project fail? I do. I never really have a plan when I jump into a project. Because I always wing it. Most of the time, that works out okay, sometimes not so much. This recycled chair bench would be one of those projects.
Vintage Chairs Without Seats
I picked up these two chairs at Tickled Pink a few months ago.
It didn’t bother me that they were missing their seats.
See more Chair Projects & Benches HERE.
The Design Stage of a Chair Bench
I decided to make a double chair bench out of the chairs. Then, I wished I had a back and realized I could use this sign that hadn’t sold yet.
Dismantling Recycled Chairs For a New Project
I needed to dismantle the front rungs of the chairs. The Dremel Multi-Max ]does a great “flush” cut.
I also had to use a hammer and a small pry bar because the back of the chair had several nails in it.
These would be said nails.
More Trial And Error Designing
This image shows a dry fit of the repurposed chairs. Clamps held everything in place to see if things would work.
For this project, I used some old scrap 1x’s. Some were from a local lumber store that closed about 30 years ago.
At this point, things go wrong. (but I didn’t know it at the time)
I made a box for the top boards to rest upon.
Time to Paint
You can see that I used my Kreg Jig® K4 to make pocket holes to assemble the box. I painted the repurposed chair bench and the slats separately.
I did so because I wanted to be able to get in between the slatted boards.
After all that, I put the headboard (sign) back on and realized it was about this much too short.
Is It a Project Failure?
Major project fail! What I don’t like about this piece is
- It’s too long
- I have to figure out a new back IF I decide to move forward
- I wouldn’t say I like it black
Maybe I’ll paint the repurposed chair bench another color; I may or may not put a back on it. It may end up in a burn pile somewhere! (I don’t have one) I could put it at the curb to see if anyone wants to pick it up.
Want to hear something funny? This recycled chair bench is not my first double bench project fail. I made another one several years ago. Aren’t we supposed to learn from our mistakes?
We Should Learn From Our DIY Mistakes
This is the original project fail-double chair bench.
You can probably tell I’ve never had a bench for the end of the bed. The good news is this repurposed chair bench did sell at one of my yard sales. Oh, how I wish I had learned from my mistake.
So, please leave a comment below and tell me I am not the only one with project failures! What was your biggest or your last project failure?
gail
UPDATE: I changed up this bench for the better. I hope you love it as much as I do.
So, I purchased 3 new boards to create the back for the repurposed chairs.
I clamped the boards onto the bench and drew a line, then used my jigsaw to curve the boards to match the curve of the original chairs.
Painting And a Dark Wash
Using a light turquoise, I sprayed the double chair bench with my HomeRight Finish Max Fine Finish Sprayer.
Then I gave the chair bench a black “wash’ with some watered-down black paint.
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I’m glad I didn’t give up on this project’s failure with repurposed chairs! I think this is a very versatile piece and can be used in many different ways.
If you love this project but maybe you think it’s a little too difficult, here’s the easiest chair bench ever:
See how to make the easiest bench made from chairs.
I don’t usually care for “chair” benches but this is one I wouldn’t mind having. Excellent design on the save – thanks for sharing.
Sheila
Thanks Sheila!
I appreciate you letting me know you like this one. It took awhile to get there, that’s for sure.
gail
That came our great! I’ve seen many of these chair to bench projects and they have been horrible. By having the chair and bench backs at the same height, you made it work. Now I know that’s the key!
That “fail” turned out to be such a beautiful WIN!!! Looks great and I love the turquoise color with black wash. Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful, you are so creative, I love the bench!!
Thank you so much Terri! I truly appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment!
gail
I was so inspired by your bench that I had to try my hand at it. I had some chairs that were going to the trash so decided to make two benches. Sized them to some settee cushions I found. I cut the second one wrong so I think it’s destined to become a coffee table but the bench is awesome! It is nearly done and I’m so proud of it I can’t wait to show it off. Thanks for the great idea and tutorial.
Toni,
I’m so excited for you! Thank you so much for letting me know I inspired you. I hope you share with me on Facebook or via email. I can’t wait to see it.
gail
So excited for this project! THANKS for sharing in detail! I love all of your projects.
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment Angie! I truly appreciate it. This is still one of my long time favs.
gail
How wide was the finished bench approximately?
I no longer have this bench, it’s gone to it’s forever home. The chairs were the standard wider chairs, hope that helps!
gail
I am a repurposer myself…… and I have a plan in my head, but truely am a wing-it type of person too….. I just finished making a bench out of an old dresser someone was going to throw away… as for me I look at the wood and not the item.. if the wood is still sound you can use it for anything….. I love the 2 chair bench idea… less cost in material, but still get a great look and style…. I am also all about comfort……. I would have lowered the sides just slightly so your arms rested comfortably…… I also love your original idea with the sign… I wish you would have kept that or made another sign that would have worked…. Remember… ” to try and fail is really success if you learned from your mistakes…!”
Thanks for stopping by and checking out this project from the archives. We all learn from each project. Were I to do this project today, it would be different. However, I wouldn’t lower the chair back heights because this isn’t a “sitting” bench for reading a book. It’s a resting place to kick off your boots, or set your handbag while you put on your scarf. 🙂
I hope you check out some more of my repurposed items someday soon!
gail
On the double chair bench how did you connect the bottom boards.
I rested the boards on the bottom rung of the chair.
I hope that helps.
gail