I have finished another bench. You can see the tutorial on building this bench in my post Pretty Headboard Bench.
I got this headboard and foot board free last year at a yard sale.
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This bench was easy to build, but it sat like this since last summer, waiting for a seat.
This was the planned seat, leftover hardwood flooring. Fast forward 9 months, and I had a change of plans.
I decided to do a plank seat on it. I cut my boards to length and then notched out the board in the back.
Using my Kreg Jig 
I fastened the boards together to give the seat a look of one large board.
I pre-drilled all the pocket holes and loaded them with screws. I used some clamps to make sure the boards didn’t shift left to right as I connected them.
If you noticed in the picture up top, the brace went crosswise because the seat was going to go from front to back. Because I changed my mind, I removed the brace, cut it and added two braces in the middle to support the length of the new seat.
It’s sort of a manly bench, looking funny in some of the pictures.
It looks like it’s a squatty (short) bench, but it’s not. He’s sort of got stubby legs.
I stained the seat with Jacobean. I think he might look better if he had some armrests. However, that is not in the plans. Of course, I can’t say I won’t add armrests, but I certainly don’t plan to. I’m pretty sure I’m calling this fella done!
gail
ps from the first picture above--I saved the pedestal on the footboard, and five years later I made this!
See my favorite Mission Style Headboard Bench with Storage-The Complete Tutorial
Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
Lisa Logan
How high is it from the floor to the top of the seat ?
Gail Wilson
Lisa,
Many times the height is dependent on the bed itself. I generally try to keep the height between 17.5 and 18.5 inches. Similar to a regular kitchen chair.
I hope this helps!
gail
Sharon
What kind of wood did you use?
Gail Wilson
Sharon,
I usually use #1 pine, or anything that I can find on the curb. Yep, I have picked up a lot of construction materials for free off the curb.
gail
ps I would love to use only hardwoods, but it's so expensive. If you're making a bench for yourself, you might want to consider it.
girlfromwva
we just bought a Ryobi circular saw. it came in a bundle pack at Home Depot with a cordless drill (and battery packs/chargers for drill) for $79.00. we needed both tools so it was a great deal. can't wait to use it over the weekend.
love this bench. i like the look of the plank seat and how you finished it off! š
John Buzinec
How did you paint this headboard?
gail@myrepurposedlife.net
John--I use an electric paint sprayer by HomeRight. http://www.homeright.com/products/finish-max-fine-finish-hvlp-sprayer It gives such a nice finish, and it makes painting spindles, and posts so easy, and they look flawless.
Andrea @ Decorating Cents
I love this idea. I see headboards all the time at thrift stores I could do this with.
Bliss
Most excellent. I particularly like the paint and the wood, and the color of the wood stain. Where are you going to put it?
~Bliss~
Kat
The bench certainly looks sturdy and stocky, just made for two! Throw an afghan full of bright, bold colors over the back and set him out. He's sure to catch lots of eyes!
Chrissie
I love the bench! You did a beautiful job!
Toqua's Crafts
I agree with Holly above; this bench looks manly therefore I wouldn't accent the detail in the backrest.
As usual... bee-U-tee-ful!
Shannon
Don't accent the back! It's perfect the way it is, with the finished wood seat contrasting against the stark black background.
Lori C
I like the chunky-stocky legs...remind me of my own!! hee hee
Its very handsome indeed!
Sylvia
I love him just the way he is. Great job.
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.
I love your "manly" bench Gail! And that stained seat is beautiful! You do anazing things with headboards and footboards!
Suzanne@Meridian Road
I think all he needs is a bolster pillow. It's a great looking bench, squatty legs and all. š
substitutionqueen
great bench! I would accentuate that back pattern maybe to match with the seat
I Play Outside The Box
I think it looks great just like it is. As always...another winner!!
Between Blue and Yellow
That looks awesome! Love the stain color you chose.
Tiaras & Bow Ties - Think Smink
I love it! I wouldn't change a thing! Throw a darling burlap pillow on that sucker and call him done! Beautiful bench.
Lisa
It is a funny manly looking bench, but ever so handsome too! Dang I wish I had your skills, I am really impressed with those giant clamps!
Terri
Another amazing piece of work. I wouldn't change a thing...I love it as is!
Using my Kreg Jr. for the first time today...wish me luck!
Full Circle Creations
I love the "manly" look of this bench. And because it is "manly," I wouldn't accent the back piece. Nicely done!
Holly
Susan
What a beautiful bench! A job well done!
Susan @ homeroad.net
Gail that plank seat was the perfect fit! I love the way it looks, I wouldn't change a thing... Thant Kreig tool is a pretty great tool!
Any recommendations for a good small circular saw? I have a chop saw but I need something for longer lengths, only small.
Thanks!
Susan
Homeroad
jeanetteann
Oh it's so good, and yes I think I would accent the pattern on the back.
I'm not sure what with though.
x jeanetteann