Garden Bench made from Repurposed Chairs
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So, I am sharing a redo of an older project. I finally did something with this garden bench made from repurposed chairs.
Doll Bench
I made this little doll bench almost six years ago. It was one of my very first projects. It’s been in storage ever since. While tidying up in the last few weeks, I dug it out and reworked the poor little thing into a garden bench. Note: this is before I got a Kreg Jig, meaning I had to put legs inside the “box.” (skirt)
Dismantle Bench
I took the bench apart and started reworking it with the same seat and legs. I used pieces of 1x’s for the box/skirt. You can already tell it’s going to look better with the legs butted up against the box instead of resting inside the box.
Reconfigure Apron
You will notice I have drilled the pocket holes for the front and side pieces. For the back piece, I drilled pilot holes and secured the pieces with screws and Gorilla Wood Glue. I used a clamp to hold it all together as I secured all the screws.
It’s already looking better with those legs toward the front. I attached the back of the box to the chairs with screws. Oops! I just realized something—I secured it the same way it was when I took it apart. Now, looking at this picture, I see that I should have inserted the screws through the 1x into the chair backs. That’s so funny that I build totally differently than I used to. But I fell right back into the old way as I was reusing the same holes. I share this with you so you can learn from my mistakes. 
Cut off Middle Legs
Do you see the back legs (center)?
I used my reciprocating saw to remove this part. You can also see the screws here that wouldn’t be visible if I had secured them from the inside out.
See how this bench was made from old chairs.
Paint a Small Garden Bench
I dug through my stash of blue paints and found this Aubusson Blue from ASCP. I took the easy way out by spraying it with my HomeRight Finish Max \. Did you know you can use chalk paint in a paint sprayer?
I sprayed two light coats of the ASCP Aubusson Blue.
Distress Garden Bench with Emery Board
I used an emery board and sandpaper to give it light distressing.
When I showed the pics to some friends, they liked the white one (before) better. How about you? Do you prefer the older version or the new blue bench?
gail
See one of my first, and an all-time favorite chair projects here
Hi Gail , I like the new and improved garden bench.
Thank you Teresa.
I love it so much better now. It’s fun to redo old projects in a new way.
gail
I was so excited to find this garden bench. I have chairs exactly like the ones you used. They are part of a dining room set that we purchased in 1982. A couple of days ago I told my husband that I think I want to use them to make a porch bench for my daughter. We have used these chairs through my children growing up and most of my grandchildren. To use these chairs for a porch bench for her would really mean a lot. I was not sure how they would look, so I was hesitating. Then I found your post using my chairs, I got so excited. I cannot wait to get started. I will probably paint them medium to dark gray with a lighter gray printed cushion. I am so excited. Thank you, Marylyn
I will post a picture when I finish. It will be a Christmas present.
Oh my gosh Marylyn, You have NO idea how much I loved reading your note! I’m sooo excited for you to make this for your daughter. How fabulous that you found YOUR chairs in one of my tutorials. Wishing you lots of luck, and I can’t wait to see them. You can post a picture on my facebook page, or email it to me. I’d love to include your note and photos in this article for others to see.
gail
Love it when you can repurpose things that have been around for a while. Love the bench white with the dark blue accent but in the new configuration! As always you are an inspiration! ๐๐
Gail,
I never give up on old stuff. I’ve learned a LOT since I started this gig all those years ago (2011) Honestly, sometimes when I look at old projects, I wonder HOW did I know what I was doing? Sometimes I didn’t. ๐
Thanks for stopping by!!
gail
I like the “reconstruction” of the bench, but I’m not overly fond of the new paint job.. I think a little more detail would help. Don’t get me wrong, I like it either way. It just seems like it’s missing something in the redo.
Thanks Kaye! I appreciate your feedback. It has gone to it’s new forever home as is. ๐
gail