Two Recycled Chairs Make a Double Chair Bench

This project didn’t exactly go as planned… and that’s part of the story. What started as a simple idea to turn two chairs into a bench quickly became one of those “learn as you go” builds. Even when things felt off along the way, I kept going, and that’s what repurposing is all about. Sometimes the best pieces come from figuring it out one step at a time.

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.

Key Takeaways

• The project started with two vintage chairs and turned into a trial-and-error journey of creating a repurposed chair bench.
• Gail faced design challenges, including a bench that was too long and the need for a new back.
• Despite initial setbacks, she painted the bench and gave it a dark wash, turning it into a versatile piece.
• Project failures are seen as valuable lessons; Gail encourages readers to embrace their own DIY mistakes.
• Ultimately, the bench symbolizes that even imperfect projects can lead to worthwhile outcomes.

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 chair’s back had several nails.

These would be said nails. Aren’t they so very interesting?

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 for assembling the box. I painted the repurposed chair bench and the slats separately.

I did so because I wanted to get 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 add a back. 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: a fail-double chair bench.

You can probably tell I’ve never had a bench for the end of the bed. The good news is that 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 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 to the bench, drew a line, then used my jigsaw to curve them to match the original chairs’ curve.

Painting and Adding 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.

Related Content: Navy Blue Furniture Projects

I’m glad I didn’t give up on this project despite the repurposed chairs’ failure! I think this is a very versatile piece and can be used in many different ways.

This bench may have started as a “failure,” but it became a powerful reminder that not every project needs to be perfect to be worthwhile. A few changes, a little patience, and a willingness to rethink the plan can completely change the outcome. If you’ve ever had a project go sideways, you’re in good company. Sometimes those are the ones that teach us the most.

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.

End of Bed Bench

You can see more bench projects here

See more chair projects here