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    Home » Repurposed Furniture » Twin Bed Bench Easy Headboard Bench Tutorial

    Twin Bed Bench Easy Headboard Bench Tutorial

    Published by Gail | Published October 18, 2018 | Updated August 7, 2022
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Twin Bed Bench How to make a small bench from a headboard. This is perfect for your patio, entry way, or even for the end of your bed for shoes and socks. #MyRepurposedLife #repurposed #furniture #bench #headboard #diy #tutorial via @repurposedlifeTwin Bed Bench How to make a small bench from a headboard. This is perfect for your patio, entry way, or even for the end of your bed for shoes and socks. #MyRepurposedLife #repurposed #furniture #bench #headboard #diy #tutorial via @repurposedlifeTwin Bed Bench How to make a small bench from a headboard. This is perfect for your patio, entry way, or even for the end of your bed for shoes and socks. #MyRepurposedLife #repurposed #furniture #bench #headboard #diy #tutorial via @repurposedlife

    How do you make a twin bed bench? I’m sort of known for making a bed into a bench. Many people tell me that’s how they found My Repurposed Life. I decided that since the theme of this month’s Power Tool Challenge is Repurposed I would do what I love doing! By the way, this month’s challenge is a reader challenge. That means you can share your own repurposed project to be eligible to win a fantastic prize pack!

    twin bed bench

    How to make a twin bed bench

    twin bed bench project

    For this twin bed bench project I used a twin sized bunk bed. At this point, I had already cut the foot board off to use it for the front section of the bench. You can already see that the headboard bench is going to come together pretty easily. Of course I saved the piece I cut off to use in a future project.

    *this post contains affiliate links, read more here*

    Cut side pieces

    cut sides pieces of headboard bench

    Each bed bench project will be different, but the steps are generally the same. After choosing what you will use for the front legs, the next step is to determine the depth and cut the sides of the bench.

    12 inch side boards

    For this small bench made from a bed the sides were cut at 12 inches. Adding the depth of the font post and a little overhang will make this petite bench have the perfect seat.

    Drill pocket holes

    kreg jig pocket holes

    To attach the sides to the front and rear of the bed bench I like to use my Kreg Jig  and my Dewalt Drill to make pocket holes on each end of the side. Because I’m using ¾” stock, I drill the holes at a ¾” depth.

    Attach side pieces to front section

    pocket hole screws

    First, I attach the side to the front section of the bed bench. To make sure each side matches I use the Kreg multi-mark tool. To get an even stronger hold, I don’t use the regular 1 ¼’ pocket hole screws, but opt for the longer 1 ½” screws because they are being secured into the thicker bed post.

    Secure front section to back of bed bench

    secure screws with bench on the ground

    While securing the side to the rear of the bench, I start the screws in an upright position. After the screws are started, I lay the bench down to get a more solid push on the drill.

    You will have the base of your small headboard bench

    base of headboard bench

    This is the basic build for any headboard bench I make these days. If you don’t have a Kreg Jig, you can make your bed bench by attaching the sides on the outer post as I did in this easy twin headboard bench—perfect for beginners.

    Not shown: A small piece of scrap 1x4 was cut to add a center brace. It was secured using pocket holes and pocket hole screws.

    Time to paint

    diy chalky paint primer

    As always, I mixed up my favorite diy chalky paint primer using plaster of paris and regular latex wall paint.

    finish max paint sprayer

    You can see the middle brace here on the headboard bench. When I use my Super Finish Max Extra to paint my projects, I always start with the project upside down.

    twin bed bench painted white

    Making headboard benches is so fun and easy! I’ve lost track of how many I’ve made. The taller one on the left didn’t have a foot board, so I made the front legs.

    Cut wood planks for seat

    notch rear plank for seat

    The board nearest the headboard may need to be notched. I marked the lines with a square and used a jigsaw to cut out the notch.

    Stain bench seat boards

    jacobean stain for bed bench seat

    I love dark stain with white benches! It’s always been a favorite color combination at my craft shows. Jacobean by Minwax is my favorite stain! I like to apply it with a soft cloth while wearing latex gloves.

    Tip: when cutting your boards, be sure to remove the rough end from the lumber yard. Stain does not like to absorb into it.

    I like to do a light distressing using emery boards on the edges of the bed bench.

    Pin it!

    Now, it's time to take a look at projects from my friends

    Pin it!

    Anika's DIY Life DIY Bar Cart

    Virginia Sweet Pea Tennis Racket Basket

    H2OBungalow DIY Rolling Bench From A Work Table

    My Repurposed Life Twin Bed Bench

    Just The Woods DIY Rustic Wood Coffee Table Refinish

    Designed Decor Repurposed Bed Frame Shelf

    Domestically Speaking Repurposed Chalkboard Sign For Fall

    Let me know if you don't know how to link up. If you don't have a blog, you can link up using the permalink from your facebook page. You can also upload a picture to the linkup. (link up option starts at 11:00 am Eastern) I apologize for making you wait. I post much earlier than the other ladies. 😉

    An InLinkz Link-up


    gail

    See my favorite Mission Style Headboard Bench with Storage-The Complete Tutorial

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    1. Jennie

      September 04, 2022 at 2:25 pm

      I love these benches I still have them posted to Pinterest some day the bunk beds in the boy’s room are going to be benches. I thought about making a toy box out of one but I needed another place for toys to be stuffed like a hole in my head.

      Reply
    2. Del

      July 14, 2020 at 1:21 pm

      I'm SO excited! Thank you! Your second photo, of the two pieces leaning on the fence, I've been staring at those exact same pieces for a while now, silly me. YES to fresh inspiration! I love your benches (and everything else you do!) I can't wait to see mine in the garden 🙂

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        July 16, 2020 at 9:06 pm

        Awesome Del!!! So happy you found that picture! 🙂 I love, love, love making benches out of beds. I have countless beds in my stash, just waiting! Reach out to me via email or facebook with pics! I can't wait to see your bench.
        gail

    3. Maryann

      October 24, 2018 at 3:13 pm

      You are the headboard bench queen! Can't go wrong with white and stain combo - so pretty!!! Great tip on the emery boards!!

      Reply
    4. Wendi@H2OBungalow

      October 19, 2018 at 2:39 pm

      You are the queen of headboards my friend! The best part is they all look a little different even when your steps are similar. It looks super, as always! Pinned!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        October 19, 2018 at 8:27 pm

        Thanks Wendi, I do love making them. I hope they find a new home tomorrow. 🙂

        gail

    5. Paula

      October 19, 2018 at 6:43 am

      Good luck at your show this weekend! I'll bet that the benches that you made will sell very quickly. This is such a great way to repurpose a headboard and footboard.

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        October 19, 2018 at 8:28 pm

        Thank you Paula. Set up was slow going today, filling up two craft show tents. We're cramming it in there one way or another!!!

        gail

    6. girlfromwva

      October 18, 2018 at 5:54 pm

      wonderful. hope you don't sell out before i make it to your booth! lol!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        October 18, 2018 at 9:00 pm

        I can't wait to see you! 🙂

        The booth will be overflowing this year. As usual, I'll be holding items for those who ask, so it may be tight for awhile.

        gail

    7. DeDe Designed Decor

      October 18, 2018 at 12:01 pm

      Gail, You are the queen of repurposed headboard benches! Another great one!

      Reply
      • Gail Wilson

        October 18, 2018 at 9:01 pm

        Thanks so much DeDe! I do love making headboard benches. Each one is so unique. 😉

        gail

    8. Rodney

      October 18, 2018 at 7:15 am

      This Lady really is good at what she does.Being a friend and neighbor I often get to watch her in action.I Being a retired carpenter have visions of what my projects will look like before I start.Gail has visions also and she is great at what she puts her mind to.Thanks Gail for letting me get firsthand and finish look at some of your projects.😁

      Reply

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    Hi, there! I’m Gail Wilson, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. I’m obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again—myself included! I hope you’ll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the way… literally!

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