Upcycled Crib into Toy Box Bench
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I’m so excited to show you this creation! I worked my magic on transforming an upcycled crib into a unique toy box bench. The crib was not the most sturdy piece, and I wondered what I was going to do with it. I’ve made benches from cribs before, but they were sturdier.
I am so loving the way this turned out. Get ready, this is going to be a picture heavy long tutorial.
My cousin Sandy gave me these crib parts. She had intended to repurpose them but got too busy being a Nana.
This one leg was in pretty bad shape. I didn’t know what I was going to do with them until I saw this pin.
Make Repairs and Adjustments to Your Crib
Because the crib ends were so tall, I cut off a bit of two feet, which included the part that had been repaired.
Prepare Slatted Crib to be Cut Apart
When I started cutting this baby up, I knew it would get pretty wobbly due to the slats being cut off. I used some scrap lumber to “brace” it to remedy this. I shot some nails into these boards to support the side pieces as I designed this piece. You can see on the left that I’ve drawn lines where I want to cut it off.
Use a Jigsaw to Cut The Upcycled Crib
I used my jigsaw to cut through the slats. You could also use a handsaw.
A Miter Saw Makes a Straight-Cut
I used the jigsaw to cut the piece in half, then moved it to the miter saw to get a closer, straighter cut.
Make Sure The Measurements Fit Your Child
I was doing a dry fit test run when I decided I needed a child to measure. My neighbors across the street had their kids and grandkids visiting, so I walked over with my tape measure in hand. Thank you, Layla Grace, for letting me take some measurements. The arms were a little tall, so back to the jigsaw I went.
I laid the upcycled crib project down for more design decisions.
Create a Box For The Upcycled Crib Toy Box
Now, on to putting together my box. The key to making this bench sturdy was including storage. I used some boards leftover from my DIY Barn Doors. I made the box with my Kreg Jig Jr.
Yep, it’s coming together!
Secure The Wooden Box to The Back and Sides
More dry fitting. Gotta love clamps!
I added a board across the back for the lid to be attached.
Design a Lid For Crib Toy Box
Testing the “lid”.
I have had this board forever!! I bought it on a trip to The Home Depot in Nashville while visiting Jamie.
Attach The Bottom of The Toy Box
I used Gorilla Wood Glue and a nail gun to secure the bottom of the upcycled crib toy box.
Secure the Box to The Back of The Upcycled Crib
I used these 1 5/8 inch screws to attach the back of the crib to the box.
Add The Sides
I used a Kreg Jig to make pocket holes on each of the armrests where they meet the back.
It’s so satisfying when a design comes together, especially when you fly by the seat of your pants.
Go With The Flow When it Comes to Design Changes
I used the jigsaw to cut off the three slats hanging in the middle of nowhere.
Are ya still with me? Need a break? go ahead, we’ll wait for you to get back. 
Here is the piece I cut off to make the armrests. This is where dumb luck happens when you don’t draw out any plans.
A Scrap Piece Was Perfect to Embellish The Front
voila! Look how nice that looks on the front, tying it all together! Do you think it’s looking less like an upcycled crib?
I’m just a wee short on each side. I filled it in with some small pieces of MDF. You can see it in a couple of pictures below.
A Filler Piece Was Needed
Because the slats are in the middle of the board, they don’t rest on the box.
Another scrap piece to the rescue.
Use Scrap Pieces to Fill Gaps
Here, you can see the MDF pieces on each bottom front side.
More Design Adjustments
This is where I had to take a break and rethink some things. Because of the overhang on the top of the armrests, the lid would not open. I had to shorten the seat/lid in the width. But I didn’t like the big gap, so more scraps were used to make “fill-in” pieces on each side. I notched them to fit really snugly.
The upcycled crib toybox is looking much better!
Are you loving it?
In order for the lid to be secure and have something to “rest” on, I had to add a couple of 1x4s…one on each side. If you look closely, you can see the MDF sticks out some. I sanded it with my orbital sander, and it now blends right in with the front piece.
Time to Use The Paint Sprayer
Off we go to the paint booth. I always start by painting the underside of my pieces. Of course, I used my HomeRight Finish Max Fine Finish Sprayer on this piece.
I chose a color from my massive inventory of oops paint.
Upcycled Crib With Storage | Perfect Toybox
Of course, I had to put the hinges on and off several times to get them perfect. I always struggle with hinges!
This is my first bench with storage. It is really sturdy; it holds me just fine.
You could personalize this project for your child’s preferences.
This really was a fun project to build! Are you inspired? Do you have an old crib lying around? What are you waiting for? Get busy!
I gave it to this little guy for his birthday. Do you think he loves it?
Check out more crib projects here.
I have been wanting to repurpose the crib I have since it’s not even legal to donate side drop cribs anymore .I couldn’t bear to just take it to the dump. It held my babies. Now I’m inspired. Thank you.
I’m thrilled that you found this project to have a purpose for your old crib! Wishing you lots of luck when you start your project.
gail
I LOVE LOVE this!! We have the crib that my husband hand made for our two kids (now 27 and 30 years old.) We are expecting our first grandbaby (a GIRL) in May and want to make something very similar to this. I think we can make 2 from our crib. Do you possibly have or know the finished dimensions for the one your build? I would really appreciate it if you could share that info.! Thank you, Granna to be!
ohhh, sounds like a perfect project for your new grandaughter! I’m sorry I do not know the dimensions of this bench. Since it was made from the crib I had, I let that be the guide for the size.
I appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment.
gail
I love remaking old things into new things for my home.
I LOVE this idea! I have 2 ends from a baby bed I re-purposed by using the
sides as ‘pot racks’ to hang cookware on for my daughter & myself on our kitchen walls.
I was hoping I could find something to incorporate them into, & your idea has come
to my rescue! Your bench looks SO nice! My granddaughter will love one too!
Thank you for sharing!
Theresa,
I’m so happy you found this project to inspire you. 🙂 Thank you for letting me know you stopped by and taking the time to leave a comment is much appreciated.
gail
I just wanted to say I like what you do as I do the same thing and currently have 10 benches ready to market.
It’s always fun to find a piece and turn it into something else with new life and purpose. Please check out my site and comment when you have the time… Great Job … Never give up !!! Your creations are wonderful and have meaning and usefulness. Greg
LOVE, LOVE LOVE….. Your first storage toy box, uh no pressure or nothing on your self right… geez that is amazing…. I want your talent… !!!!
hey check out this person using your picture and instructions for her own personal gain……..
http://www.listia.com/profile/2564336
my email is bobnjanner@hotmail.com
Thank you so much! I really appreciate the heads up!
gail
Turned out so cute! I am going to pin it…hope I actually get the opportunity to attempt it!
What a beautiful bench, and such a wonderful way to repurpose an old crib with no purpose! I have two new little twin boys (one is still in the NICU) and I am going to see if I can find an old crib for my husband to repurpose this way…maybe I will even pad the seat with some fun fabric as well. Thanks for the great tutorial!
Happy you found this sweet bench! Your twin boys will love what y’all make. this little one loves his bench!
gail
Eek! I’m so excited you posted this! My husband told me this is what he wanted to do with our crib,and I just couldn’t see it. He isn’t as handy as he thinks he is either, so I thought a simple bench would be better. Thank you for the step-by-step instructions!
All I say is Awesome Job!
WOW! What a beautiful transformation! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Really fabulous job on the crib turned bench. It’s a lovely piece now. I love working more than one purpose into a piece. Those of us with small spaces really need that. Thanks for the inspiration.
This turned out amazing! I love that you were able to take something so many of us have in storage and make it useful and lovely!
Hugs, Tanya 🙂
Seriously?!! I was DYING to do this exact thing to an old drop side crib we have, but couldn’t find any tutorials on it! I wish I would have seen this a few weeks ago!! Ended up turning ours into an art table: http://pinterest-project.blogspot.com/2012/06/crib-turned-art-table.html
I think a toy box bench is AWESOME, great job. Found you on Beyond the Picket Fence linky party!
Talented gals like yourself just amaze me and inspire me… this is so crazy awesome… I LOVE it!!
You are an artist!
Thanks so much for linking up to the ALL STARS BLOCK PARTY….
Carri
simplydonewright.blogspot.com
I like it waaay better now than as the crib! Looks incredible!
Catherine
Thanks so much for linking up to our new All Star Block Party! I just love that toy box bench!
Holly
Oh this is so STINKIN cute! I love how you mimic the back spindles on the front of the box. Seriously, all your oops really turned out so designer like, it really pays to make mistakes lol But the best part was how you “grew up” and used that pin you had been saving and then you cut it off in the end. LOL You can make one of these for Carter when your here 🙂 I am sure we can find an old crib somewhere
Gail!
You have the coolest Toys! that is why you can come up with this cool toybox!
I say it is cool…like oh.wow. there is Gail again doing something great. (in a droning voice)
but what I mean is COOL!!!! AWESOME!!! … YOU SHOCK ME EV.ER.Y. SINGLE. TIME!
do wonders never cease? Pat
This is so fun, cute and functional! Girl, I think you can build just about anything! You are amazing!
I love, love,love this one….that is not only cute but its usable. Nice job.
Pinned this one Gail – so awesome and I have two cribs in our garage right now 🙂
Wow you really have inspired me with this one. I LOVE IT! I feel like all I’ve been doing is painting lately I need to build something!! Thanks for the inspiration!
Abso-freakin-lutely fabulous, Gail!
Not unlike the ol coffee pot lamp (was that you?) This will go viral, I’m sure. not to mention all the magazine and diy programs are gonna be knocking down your door! You really did hit it outta the ballpark with this one! Kudos! Now, I have 2 cribs in my shed just waiting for this to happen to them…(really, this is just what I want to do with them!)
I have an old crib! I just don’t have your talent. That looks so amazing!!
I just pinned this…..you are so great…seriously. 🙂 I follow you but don’t think I have ever commented but I just had too…..this is really amazing! I think me and my hubby are going to attempt it. You gave such a great tutorial that without….we would never attempt it. If we do build it and want to sell it, what would you sell it for???? Thanks for all the inspiration!!
Great work. I loved the tutorial. I think it turned out so great.
Honestly, this is just one of the smartest things I’ve ever seen!
As you already know… ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS! You hit the nail on the head for this project.
I pinned it… this one will go global!
What font did you use on the first / last picture?
Oh My Goodness Gail! How AWESOME is that bench? I SO LOVE IT!!!!!
You did a wonderful job. And yes you are an inspiration! I always have these big dreams then chicken out when it comes to building a project. One of these days I’m going to just dive in and build something, Lol! My sister called me last weekend and asked if I wanted 2 cribs. Her Daughter’s Mother-in-law owns a Day Care and she was going to throw them out. I said heck yeah! I have no way of hauling them so I am PATIENTLY waiting for my sister to deliver them. Enjoy your day my friend! Keep on Building!!
sandraallen260@centurytel.net
Wow, oh wow–so fabulous. I love the piece across the front–simply genius. I couldn’t see, but if you didn’t, you should drill a few holes in the bottom of the toy box for air holes as a safety precaution. I am always extra cautious when making children’s furniture–don’t want a safety recall :)!
Yes!!!!! I have been wanting to make a headboard bench with a storage seat, now thanks to you I have a good idea how to do it! Of course it is thanks to you that I have now made two headboard benches at all!
I love this bench, you did an amazing job! It is pinned in my things to build!
Thanks so much for sharing your amazing talents!
Seriously girl, I am impressed. You have serious skills, both in vision and craftsmanship. I not only pinned, but started a new board called “Re-Use, Re-purpose!” Well done!
Seriously girl, I am impressed. You have serious skills, both in vision and craftsmanship. I not only pinned, but started a new board called “Re-Use, Re-purpose!” Well done!
Seriously girl, I am impressed. You have serious skills, both in vision and craftsmanship. I not only pinned, but started a new board called “Re-Use, Re-purpose!” Well done!
What a great trasformation! Very Nice! Looks great!
Maybe we will skip Rose’s place at the end of the month and come visit you… I want that BAD…lol. Just kidding Rose.
Gail… you are truly amazing. I know I keep saying that, but you truly are. I am in awe of your talents and how you can think the project through and not be afraid to tackle the sticky things. I think it would have been out to the curb before the lid made it’s way to the top.
I predict this is going to be up there amongst your other winners… in mags, pinned a million times… this one is going to put you into the Hall of Fame for DIY’ers. Great job Buddy.
Hugs,
Deb
PS… I already pinned and will be sure to share.
That is fabulous, Gail! I’m betting that it took a lot of time to make it, too. I do have a couple of old cribs, and STILL haven’t done anything with them, but you have inspired me again!
wow–that is sooo cool!!! you are a wood working wonder….very very talented!!
chris
I love it, I’ve been wanting to make my son a toy box and we’ve got an old crib lying around that I’ve not repurposed yet. I think this is the ticket. I’m definately going to try! Thanks so much for the great tutorial.
Another great project! This would be a really meaningful way to transform your kid’s crib into something more useful as they get older.
And now I have kind of a dorky question: how did you discover the scrap wood bin at Home Depot? I’ve never seen these at any of the hardware stores near me, but maybe I’m just not looking in the right place.
This looks great Gail! Congrats on your first storage bench! I’m sure it will sell quickly!
Holly
GAIL!! So practical, so smart and SO STINKIN’ CUTE! Genius!
You are absolutely right, what are we waiting for! Thank you for the constant inspiration.
Carolyn W.
http://thecreativecarbaholic.blogspot.com/
so cute! when i grow up i want to build like you.
Wonderful repurpose! I LOVE it! I think I would also like to make a grown up version! Nice job Gail!
WOW….just when I think there is NO way you can outdo a project…you prove me wrong. This goes right to the top of my list of awesome creations you have done!
I want it…unfortunately I don’t want to pay to have it shipped to me, lol! I would have all three of my grankid’s names put on it and put in in my guest room for when they came to Nana’s house!
Probably not the first, but I pinned ya! You rock, girl!!
Filling that gap on the sides was a great touch. And I just love the way the front piece ties it all together. You’re a genious!
Love love love this one!
You hit it out of the ballpark; a Homerun!
Wow! You rock! I have an upcycled bed / bench project that I’ve been working on(ignoring while it sits in pieces) for approximately forever. Thanks for the push.
You are amazing Gail! That crib/box turned out great! You are really a furniture making pro! It looks so professional! Nice job!
Susan
Homeroad
It turned out beautiful Gail! I would really love to have a “grown up” version of this bench!
Have a great week,
Sue
Great project, Gail! The bench looks awesome. You have so many great ideas. May I pick your brain for a project I’m stumpped on? Any ideas on what to do with an old accoustic guitar w/o strings?
Thanks so much, love your posts!
Vali
beautiful! what a great use of a crib – around here at least none of the charity shops will take used ones too many recalls on them I imagine. so they are all just given to someone else or more likely sent to landfill. a clever person could make these to sell!
I live about an hour from Louisville and would love this item. How much are you asking for this piece?
You hit the proverbial nail on the head with this project! It is wonderful! It is kid friendly! Geez- it’s adult friendly! I really love this one!