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.
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! 👍👍
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. 🙂
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. 🙂
gail
Oh I much prefer it in blue–it looks richer and more substantial. The white looks a little too “Heidi” to me, and I keep thinking if her Grandfather sat on it, it would smash to bits! Now you know three things about me–I love books; have an overactive imagination; and am old! 😀 p.s. Always love reading about your projects!
Oh my that bench needed that! I love what you did with it now, and the color of blue you used is so pretty!
Hi I like how the new blue one looks in the redo of legs, but not so fond of all the distressing, looks like it took something away. But that’s just me. Love the look of the new chair legs.. Keep up all the good work. Thanks for sharing.
I can see how it would have been easy to slap that thing back together and just leave it white…but I like the blue.
BLUE IS ON MY RADAR right now! I like that you reworked the legs and cut that middle back leg OFF! It was detracting from the piece before… it looked 3 legged! ha!
You do much better work now–
I like it. 😉
Patricia
Well Gail, you know how I -used- to feel about anything wood being painted! Gasp!
But you have truly converted me into loving it. (shame on you! Haha!)
Personally, I love the blue much better. Much more shabby chic and even a bit primitive!
By the way – love your new blog photo! Mean’t to tell you that when you first changed it.
I’m slow, I know!
Love the blue one, it is adorable! You sure do some amazing things!
Sooo cute! I LOVE the new one! Of course I love blue, but the legs look so much better! Awesome Gail!
i like the “new” one…i like the color and the distressed finish on it.
Oh Gail, you did a great job with this re-do of a re-do! I adore the blue! 🙂
I always enjoy your blog posts, thanks so much for all the details. You are oh so inspiring!!
Happy Spring!!
I LOVE the new one!!!! 🙂 Beautiful job.
They are both nice but the blue one is nicer and looks more “professional.”
Love your “new and improved” bench. It was cute before, but the placement of the legs was awkward. The proportions seemed off. Now, it’s perfect. And the blue chalk paint gives it a little extra charm. Beautiful job.
Thank you Lisa! I may keep this one and use it on my patio.
gail