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.
It’s very nice..so glad u took the time to show how to do it….I think you need to do a bench using the sign..I really liked it.
Absolutely beautiful !!!
Thank you Thom. I appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment.
gail
Love the looks, inspiring, will follow!!!
I love the classic lines of the re-jiggered bench. and of all the benches you show in the photos, this is my favorite.
I just love this bench! I wanted to know how you attached the bottom shelf on the bench.
Thanks
It’s been a while, and I tend to forget these things… but if you look at double chair bench (13) (hover over the picture for the name) you can see that there are rungs on the bottom of the chair that allowed the shelf boards to rest.
gail
I have a couple of old wooden chairs that the seat if splitting down the middle. How can I fix them?
Linda,
I would try turning them over, gluing with Gorilla Wood Glue, and clamping them tightly. (Not so tightly that all of the glue oozes out)
If you don’t have clamps, you can try belts, rope, or some other means. You could use a Kreg jig to give a tighter repair (google My Repurposed Life Kreg Jig)
You could also (along with gluing) use some mending plates (found at your local hardware store)
While you’re visiting your hardware store, talk to the employees, they may have additional ideas.
good luck,
gail
Hi Gail!
I love your bench … it is simply magnificent.
Must say the change of the back and colour did it for me 😉
Wow I love the bench seat, what a clever idea.
Thank you Janet! I appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment on this double chair bench project!
gail
I love how this turned out! Sometimes our “mistakes/fails” turn out to be the best designs!
I love your project. Thank’s for sharing.
Your finished piece is lovely, but I have a question/comment. There is very little left of the original chairs. Was it worth it, or would you have been just as well off building a bench from scratch? I too have two seatless chairs (impulse purchase) that I’m trying to figure out what to do with. My husband doesn’t like them period and says to just ditch them. I hate to admit a project fail before I even start, but I hate to get sucked into a bigger project than I originally had in mind. Been there, done that. My current thinking is to turn them into planters. I’m a better gardener than woodworker. lol. Anyway, thanks for sharing your project. It’s nice hear about the fails amid the overwhelming Pinterest perfection.
It was so totally worth it. I love a good challenge. 🙂 I don’t really like making stuff from scratch. I’d much rather repurpose something. I also love using old chairs in the garden. Good luck with whatever you decide. have fun!
gail
I love all your ideas. So glad to hear of someone else who just jumps in and figures it out as she’s going along 🙂 The benches are beautiful and have inspired me to explore further. Thanks!
yep, that’s me–I just jump in! 🙂 I like to make stuff up as I go along, sounds like we have that in common.
I sure hope you find something to inspire you.
gail