This isn't your regular headboard bench, it's an upcycled bunk bed bench.
Remember this bunk bed? My neighbor Marianne called me while I was in Nashville and told me there was a bunk bed in the garbage at her next door neighbor’s house. Marianne is the one I made the spindle table for, and she’s also the one I traded the rustic table for the bead board wallpaper.
Dismantle Bunk Bed
I took out all the screws and buttons. Some of the pieces were glued and I had to pry them apart.
I was testing the waters, laying out the parts to see what this bunk bed wanted to be. Maybe a table, or a bench? There were four boards that matched, and two boards that those four are laying on.
Design Upcycled Bunk Bed Bench
An upcycled bunk bed bench it is! I used the on of the very long pieces as supports for the seat. They already had the support pieces attached. I used the four matching boards, two for the seat and two for the back.
If I knew what the parts of the upcycled bunk bed were called, it would be a lot easier to explain how I made this. 🙂 In this picture it is still missing the front legs, but I guess you already figured that out!
Voila! front legs magically appeared. Well, it wasn’t quite that easy.
I made this bench for the children of a good friend of mine. Don’t let it’s size fool you! It is very heavy, and very sturdy. It held up to myself and my friend, neither of us being Twiggy’s. This picture makes it look squatty but it’s not. Don’t look at the very sad petunias in the background. Too much rain, and not enough sun!
Bunk Bed Makes a Sturdy Park Like Bench
Luckily the stickers were lick and stick, so they were easily removed. I gave it a sanding, and some primer. (see that other board there? Look at ALL those holes. Who knew a bunk bed had so many bolts in it?)
Use Dowels to Plug Holes
This board also had a lot of holes. I used some little dowels to plug the holes.
This board also had a lot of holes. I used some little dowels to plug the holes.
Continue Patching and Painting
Look at all those holes! As if it didn’t have enough holes in it already, I had to add more holes to make it all come together.
EDITED to ADD: What would I do different next time? I would have the seat resting atop of the side and front legs. In addition, I would either rip the wide boards (front legs) or use 2x4's. However, when a gal is using what she has on hand, she does what she can.
It is so much easier to paint things up on a table! I turned it upside down first to get the underneath. I used some oops exterior paint on it. Mickey D’s cup full of ice water! It’s been very hot here!
Here it sits on the porch next door, out of the weather until the paint cures. I tried to patch all the holes, but seriously, it looked like someone had pulverized it with a shotgun!
This upcycled bunk bed bench will be delivered later this week. I hope they like having their own place to sit outside in their huge shaded yard.
It’s no longer a bunk bed. It’s not my best project ever, but I didn’t have a lot to work with! However, I did save another piece of furniture from a fate worse than death!
So basically I have one very long piece (with no holes) two shorter pieces with LOTS of holes, and the three skinny pieces left over. I hope to be able to do something with them. Any ideas? Would you have even bothered? What do you think you would have made out of it? Did I take the easy way out?
gail
Susan
This is my favorite bench of all! You took a really Ugly Duckling and turned it into a beautiful Swan! I like the simple, primitive look of this bench and the really pretty color you painted it. Good job!
Gail Wilson
Thank you Susan for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment! I truly appreciate it.
gail
One Life Many Journeys
Great repurpose for the wood! Who need WD 40 if ya got a little VO 5
Debilou~Mississippi Mama
Hey, Gail
I'm so excited you were able to figure out something to do with the bunk bed... absolutely love the bench, the kids will get lots of use out of it i'm sure. And although I dont personally like yellow the little table is very nice. Looks completely different. I'm still working on getting my dresser to tv stand project done,,at least I did go out and look at it this week,, LOL. Its just so hot!
Stay cool ~ Debbie
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
hi gail! came by to answer your questions.... i sell on a website (primitiveandproper.com) and advertise items on craigslist to draw in new clients.
i sand first to distress and then i apply stain. if you stain first and then sand, the stain comes off a bit and it doesn't "flow" as nicely if that makes sense. hope this helps! let meknow if you have any other questions!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
hi gail! came by to answer your questions.... i sell on a website (primitiveandproper.com) and advertise items on craigslist to draw in new clients.
i sand first to distress and then i apply stain. if you stain first and then sand, the stain comes off a bit and it doesn't "flow" as nicely if that makes sense. hope this helps! let meknow if you have any other questions!
The Polka Dot Closet
Good job...Good neighbor! Isn't it funny that once people know you are a junker they start calling and saving treasures for you!
Carol
Ela@lifeinmypjs.com
Would love it if you would join me for my 2nd linky party tonight!!
http://lifeinmypjs.blogspot.com/2010/06/pajama-party-2.html
~Ela
Donna at The Scarlet Petticoat
dear gail,
i just love what you did with the old bed!! you used my favorite color for the paint! i just love it!
i have enjoyed your blog before. i love your creativity. i love to repurpose too and you are inspirational!
thank you for stopping by the scarlet petticoat!
all the best,
donna
Jen T
First, I love your blog and thank you for coming by mine! You are so talented and such an inspiration. I love what you do with windows! And who knew Alberto VO5 was so versatile! JenT
Suzanne
So cute -- and I love the color!
Pam
Gail - I think this is probably my favorite blog to visit. Your projects are always A++++++. I always considered myself a top shelf shape shifter of objects, but I've been slacking in the nitty gritty woodworking side of me and I need to get that nailed (sorry, couldn't help myself) down again. Thanks for ALWAYS being so inspiring and for making such ultra COOL STUFF. And it's not just "pretty", but soundly made. Yeah for you!!! Pam @ Sallygoodin
Donene
It turned out great! I love the color!!!
Mardell
Oh Gail,
It's so amazing ~ and so are you! Those are some lucky kiddos to get that bench. ♥
PS: I am enjoying your helpful hints for products at the end of your posts. Really neat & helpful. Thanks. :o)
Kim
You are a genius! That bench totally rocks and you practically made it from scratch.
xoxo,
Kim
Diann
That turned out great! Love it!
Katie
LOVE that bench!!
Yanet @ 3 Sun Kissed Boys
Wow! What a great idea to repurpose!! Good job!
Van
Very nice remake, my twin older brothers had a very similar bed!
Julie @ followyourheartwoodworking
You really took some UGLY wood and made it into something cute and useable. Honestly I would have thrown the wood away, but then I'm not the "Repurpose Queen" - you are!
Please post a photo of the kids sitting on the bench, I'm sure they will love it!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
it looks fantastic! i wondered what you would do with those bunk beds. the color si great, too- i can see a huge pot of red geraniums sitting next to it on someone's porch. i love red and aqua together! great job as usual!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
it looks fantastic! i wondered what you would do with those bunk beds. the color si great, too- i can see a huge pot of red geraniums sitting next to it on someone's porch. i love red and aqua together! great job as usual!
Denise
Gee I have just the spot for that in my front yard, maybe I should see what I have to trade and take a long ride (lol). One day I hope to share my first repurpose project, thanks to you and Rose.
Something Nice and Pretty
Love it! Such a pretty color:)
Rondell
Coleen's Corner
Perfect! Love every little thing about your bench... what lucky kids to get such a prize! You're just so darn clever!
Granny J
Another great repurposing there and the color is perfect. It looks like you have enough left to make a small backless bench or plant stand. People seem to like them for their porches.
I voted. Hope you win!
Jackie
Proper Prim
Gail you certainly aced that one... I love the bench idea and the colour, perfect for outside... I am sure the kids will love it.
You have me in total awe once again. Great job.
Hugs, deb