Two Recycled Chairs Make a Double Chair Bench
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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.
Key Takeaways
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.
You can see more bench projects here
Hi! Thank you for posting your project fail. I am beginning my journey into the repurposed world and its nice to know even those who have been here for a while still have “uh- oh” moments lol.
This bench turned out great! I really like how the boards for the back go with the curve of the chairs.
I love your blog. You have given me so many ideas. Looking forward to future projects.
Cristi,
Thank you very much for your comment. Oh… we all have our fails. Especially when you do as many projects as I do. 🙂 I’m so happy you love My Repurposed Life! I do so love what I do!
gail
I have two chairs with no seats. Been trying to think of how to repurpose.? Now I know! Thanks! I think these are adorable!
So happy to inspire you Carrie! Happy you found my double chair bench tutorial.
have fun!
gail
I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the way that this “fail” turned out. If only half of my fails would eventually turn into something this beautiful- then I would be very happy. You are most definitely not the only person with pinterest project fails… Or up cycle project fails. I have had many. ????????. But I continue to try and try again, and have had some great successes in there as well. Have a wonderful day- and keep up the great work.
Thank you Bridget for your kind comment. No, I’m not the only one with fails, but sometimes people may get the wrong idea about diy bloggers thinking we always get it right. Sometimes we get it right only after we “don’t give up”.
Don’t be a stranger, I’d love for you to stop by again sometime soon.
gail
I’ve seen the headboard bench ideas, but never a chair to bench!
LOVE the look of this! Will have to try it myself. Thanks for your post!
So happy you happened by Sue! I love sharing my tutorials with new friends. 🙂
gail
Merci pour tes superbes idées très beau banc.
Gail, i really think it was a happy accident. Not that the headboard wasnt cute too but the slatted back on the finished bench had a classic style. I wish i had been your buyer! Keep up the good work. KUDOS
Yay! Thanks so my Yvonne–so happy you love it! I still smile every time I see it on Pinterest…. for an “almost” failure, I’m really pleased with how it turned out.
gail
I would like to see somebody sitting on one of the bench chairs.
Do you doubt that it holds the weight of real people? My furniture is always sturdy enough to do what I build it to do. 🙂
I believe you did a beautiful job and truly believe you thought of the wieght of the people who would be sitting on it. I make a lot of projects and tutus and always make sure of the weight or fitting first before I make it. Awesome job!
I love repurposed idea’s, if you have any more be sure to post, now I can create a treasure that could’ve been trash!!
Omg. Lovely finished bench.
thank you so very much! I appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to leave such a sweet comment.
gail
Wow! I’m SO glad you stuck with it! The bench is fantastic! Almost every thing I build is a fail, but I stick with it; I take a break and rethink of a way to fix what I messed up, because there is always a solution. And after every project I remind myself how much I hate construction, and I say I will NEVER make anything ever again……until the next project 😉
thank you Heather!
I’m so glad I stuck with it as well.
Building and designing is my very favorite part of the process. Granted, some are more challenging than others! Since I never do sketches or drawings, I’m always flying by the seat of my pants! 🙂
This bench found a new home with a lady that loves it. It’s a win/win for me.
gail
Gorgeous Job! I love the black wash you added at the very end. It really makes this project jump from great to wow! that’s one fab project.
Oh! and yes I have lots of fails, that’s what makes the ones that turn out right feel so great don’t you think!
Marie
failures… we all have them, right?
I appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment.
gail
I love your benches. I’m sure if you put it to the curb, it was snatched up immediately.
This bench as been so popular on pinterest and facebook. I ended up selling it, and I’m so glad I stayed with it and completed it. 🙂