Twin Bed Bench Easy Headboard Bench Tutorial

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!

How to make a twin bed bench

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.

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Cut side pieces

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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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

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gail

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