This is the first bench my friend Cathy and I ever started. Note, I said "started". It is NOT the first bench we finished! We got this far, and we got stumped as to how to make it sturdy enough. Now, mind you we are not carpenters or woodworkers. So, we thought it best to "think on it" and we put it aside for about a month. Meanwhile we made another bench (a twin). After we finished it, we felt like we had more of an idea of what we needed to do.
We added planks for the seat, and we supported the underneath side with some 2x4's. We also put a little "skirt" on the front of it.
In this shot you can see that we also used "L" brackets to help support the 2x4's
This closeup picture shows how we "butted" the side up against the back. The little spindled part that actually butts up against the back was rounded inward with a drill press to make it curve to fit the rounded spindle on the back.Some people who make these benches out of full sized beds, cut the footboard in half. However we feel that makes the bench too deep in the seat. We typically make ours about 18 inches deep.
We've made several benches since this one. Check back at a later date to see more benches, and more t2t pieces!
Over the years, I've changed how I make headboard benches. See my favorite Mission Style Headboard Bench with Storage-The Complete Tutorial
gail
See other fun benches here
Ginny
I made a twin and full size, matching from Jenny Lind beds. Look awesome.
Gail Wilson
I love the look of these beds!!!
I bet they're beautiful.
gail
Maricella
That is very pretty. One day I hope to make such wonderful pieces.
Jenn Erickson
I'm enjoying getting inspired as I look through all the incredible transformations in your galleries. This project, I think, is my very favorite of all!
Rene'
I love this!!!
*Crystal*
WOW! This a great idea! Iv'e been wanting to make a bench for quit some time and I just so happen to have an old headboard out in the garage!
handbags*n*pigtails
Oh thank you for posting this. Do you mind if I link you over to my blog?(Mainly b/c I have two beds I want to make into benches and I've seen so many in blogland I'll never remember where to find your particular ones again:)). I want to make one for my porch and maybe one for my mom.
Sarah
handbagsnpigtails.blogspot.com