Easy Headboard Bench
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If you’ve got an old wooden headboard sitting around, this DIY headboard bench project is the perfect way to repurpose it. You’ll learn how to build a simple headboard bench using basic tools, a few screws, and a little creativity. The finished piece makes great entryway or porch seating and proves that upcycling furniture can be both practical and rewarding.
I’m sharing this easy headboard bench tutorial from back in the early days. It really is the easiest way to make a headboard bench from a twin bed! It may be the perfect option for beginners or those looking to complete a project quickly.
If you’ve been wanting to make a headboard bench, but have limited skills and tools, this might be the best option for you to build that bench you’ve been wanting!
This was one of the first benches I ever made with my friend Cathy.
See how easy it is to repurpose a headboard into an extra seating option? The headboard bench could be used outdoors on your patio, at the end of your bed for shoes and socks, or even as extra seating for a long dining table.
When we first started making headboard benches, we would cut the footboard in half and drill from the back of the post into the narrow edge of the newly cut footboard section.
Does that make sense? See how narrow the footboard sections are? We would use a very long drill bit, through the post, into the cut section of the footboard. It was laborious, and I hated doing it. (This image is solely for the purpose of explaining how we attached the footboard back in the early days)
Easy Headboard Bench
So, for this easy headboard bench, I asked her to make it this way. Well, actually, I begged her!
This twin bench is one of the easiest and fastest to make. You can see the simple construction. After cutting the footboard in half, attach each piece to the side of the headboard. There are two screws at the top of the armrest (in the back) and three screws for the larger bottom section.
How Do You Cut a Headboard in Half?
That depends on the saw(s) you may have. You could even use a handsaw. But if you’re starting and can’t afford high-end tools, I recommend using a jigsaw. You could also use a circular saw or ask a friend or family member to cut it for you.
Here’s another view. This is seriously an easy headboard bench anyone can make.
After that, we added scrap wood to support the seat. Again, attaching the screws from the outside of the armrest section to the 2×4.
Back then, we used drywall screws. However, I now use wood screws when I’m not using my Kreg Jig pocket hole screws.
For another option–using dowels, check out this tutorial from Addicted to DIY
This bench does sit a little low (it would make a nice child’s bench). Scrap pieces of flooring were used for the seat. I’ve actually used scrap oak flooring for many headboard bench seats. A friend once gave me random boxes of leftover flooring pieces–all shapes, sizes, and colors.
Looking for a full tutorial on this and other benches? Now, I find it easiest to use a Kreg Jig when making all of my headboard benches. After all these years, they remain my favorite projects to make by far.
Turning a twin headboard into a bench is one of those rewarding DIY furniture projects that proves you don’t need a big budget or fancy workshop to make something beautiful. Each time you repurpose an old piece, you save money and keep it out of the landfill. Try this headboard bench tutorial, and you might find yourself hunting for your next project before the paint even dries.
See my favorite Mission Style Headboard Bench with Storage-The Complete Tutorial
Lisa,
Yes, I’ve made queen benches, and my friend Mindi made a king size bench! https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/kingsize-headboard-bench/
No, I’ve never made the swing seat. In my opinion, these benches shouldn’t be subjected to the elements long term. The only way that would be advisable is to use a marine varnish to seal it every few years. I suppose if it was a small bed, it could be brought into an outbuilding during the winter months. 🙂
gail
Lisa,
Yes, I’ve made queen benches, and my friend Mindi made a king size bench! https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/kingsize-headboard-bench/
No, I’ve never made the swing seat. In my opinion, these benches shouldn’t be subjected to the elements long term. The only way that would be advisable is to use a marine varnish to seal it every few years. I suppose if it was a small bed, it could be brought into an outbuilding during the winter months. 🙂
gail
Lisa,
Yes, I’ve made queen benches, and my friend Mindi made a king size bench! https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/kingsize-headboard-bench/
No, I’ve never made the swing seat. In my opinion, these benches shouldn’t be subjected to the elements long term. The only way that would be advisable is to use a marine varnish to seal it every few years. I suppose if it was a small bed, it could be brought into an outbuilding during the winter months. 🙂
gail
Lisa,
Yes, I’ve made queen benches, and my friend Mindi made a king size bench! https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/kingsize-headboard-bench/
No, I’ve never made the swing seat. In my opinion, these benches shouldn’t be subjected to the elements long term. The only way that would be advisable is to use a marine varnish to seal it every few years. I suppose if it was a small bed, it could be brought into an outbuilding during the winter months. 🙂
gail
Lisa,
Yes, I’ve made queen benches, and my friend Mindi made a king size bench! https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/kingsize-headboard-bench/
No, I’ve never made the swing seat. In my opinion, these benches shouldn’t be subjected to the elements long term. The only way that would be advisable is to use a marine varnish to seal it every few years. I suppose if it was a small bed, it could be brought into an outbuilding during the winter months. 🙂
gail
Lisa,
Yes, I’ve made queen benches, and my friend Mindi made a king size bench! https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/kingsize-headboard-bench/
No, I’ve never made the swing seat. In my opinion, these benches shouldn’t be subjected to the elements long term. The only way that would be advisable is to use a marine varnish to seal it every few years. I suppose if it was a small bed, it could be brought into an outbuilding during the winter months. 🙂
gail
Lisa,
Yes, I’ve made queen benches, and my friend Mindi made a king size bench! https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/kingsize-headboard-bench/
No, I’ve never made the swing seat. In my opinion, these benches shouldn’t be subjected to the elements long term. The only way that would be advisable is to use a marine varnish to seal it every few years. I suppose if it was a small bed, it could be brought into an outbuilding during the winter months. 🙂
gail
Lisa,
Yes, I’ve made queen benches, and my friend Mindi made a king size bench! https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/kingsize-headboard-bench/
No, I’ve never made the swing seat. In my opinion, these benches shouldn’t be subjected to the elements long term. The only way that would be advisable is to use a marine varnish to seal it every few years. I suppose if it was a small bed, it could be brought into an outbuilding during the winter months. 🙂
gail
Lisa,
Yes, I’ve made queen benches, and my friend Mindi made a king size bench! https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/kingsize-headboard-bench/
No, I’ve never made the swing seat. In my opinion, these benches shouldn’t be subjected to the elements long term. The only way that would be advisable is to use a marine varnish to seal it every few years. I suppose if it was a small bed, it could be brought into an outbuilding during the winter months. 🙂
gail
Lisa,
Yes, I’ve made queen benches, and my friend Mindi made a king size bench! https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/kingsize-headboard-bench/
No, I’ve never made the swing seat. In my opinion, these benches shouldn’t be subjected to the elements long term. The only way that would be advisable is to use a marine varnish to seal it every few years. I suppose if it was a small bed, it could be brought into an outbuilding during the winter months. 🙂
gail
Lisa,
Yes, I’ve made queen benches, and my friend Mindi made a king size bench! https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/kingsize-headboard-bench/
No, I’ve never made the swing seat. In my opinion, these benches shouldn’t be subjected to the elements long term. The only way that would be advisable is to use a marine varnish to seal it every few years. I suppose if it was a small bed, it could be brought into an outbuilding during the winter months. 🙂
gail