Way back in March I got this headboard and foot board from Jan. I remember it was march, because I posted a picture of it for St Patrick’s day, because of the color.
The first thing to do when making a headboard bench is to cut the foot board. On a twin bed, I cut the foot board in half. That is a simple thing to do now that I have this handy dandy tape measure that centers measurements for me.
I marked the center.
The table saw is the easiest way for me to cut it in half.
I have one place to make benches or anything that needs to be level. This is the place on the driveway that it all has to be done.
You can see that I have clamped the sides (foot board cut in half) to the headboard (back).
I marked the place where they would be attached.
To make sure that the sides are level, I check to see if the driveway is level. See where the bubble is?
I make sure that the bubble is the same place on the side (armrest)
I used my Kreg Jig 
to make pocket holes for attaching the sides to the back. This is the first bench I’ve made this way. It is SO much better and much easier than the old way that Cathy and I used to make our benches. No glue needed, and it really draws the pieces together.
I used a 1x6 for the front brace. Because my clamp is not long enough to reach from one side to the other, I use two clamps. Genius? Yeah, I think so!
I used my Kreg Jig for pocket holes, but decided that I would use some Gorilla Wood Glue for extra hold.
You can see that I sanded the green paint. This paint was very glossy and I knew it would be difficult for paint to “stick” to it.
Because I was making the bench for Jan, I bought 1x2’s for the planked seat. I cut them to size and laid them across the seat to see how I was going to place them and space them.
You can see that I filled the “slots” from the original rails with some spackling.
I use my combination square to set the depth of the planks.
I used a metal yard stick to space the planks an even distance apart, while using the combination square to set the “overhang”. Doing this insures that each plank is uniform and equidistant. I used my 18 gauge nailer to nail the planks to the support braces. (front and back)
I used my paint sprayer to apply a primer.
Okay, here’s the funny thing. This picture is still only primer. Somehow I did NOT take a picture of the finished bench! What kind of blogger am I? I will tell you that I painted the bench the same color as I painted Jan’s Shutter Bookshelf.
It’s funny, no two beds (benches) are alike. Cathy and I worked on two benches this week, but they need to be painted.
gail
See my favorite Mission Style Headboard Bench with Storage-The Complete Tutorial
Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
Unknown
I really like what you have done with these old beds! You've inspired me todo the same with the twin in my rafters. I am also inspired to get up and walk my dog earlier! thanks so much, Pam McD
Terri @ Creative Eyedias
Gail, you are DANGEREUSE with tools!!! Beautiful bench! I bet most of your neighbors wish their hubbies were half as good as you with a tablesaw! I always love looking at your projects.
Belinda
Hi Gail! Tonya at Hillbilly Handiworks sent me and man! I'm glad she did. You do great work! I'm anxious to search your blog and see what other goodies you have to share.
Catch A Falling Star
Very creative idea!
I would have never thought of using it to make a bench.
Great job!
Just Jaime
Great job! I love it!
Suzanne@Meridian Road
You make it look easy! I love these benches. I'll bet they're big sellers.
Jessica
Gail -- what about a crib? Could that work? I see them all the time on craig's list and wonder what I could do with them???
Astara
That is absolutely insane! I can't believe that you did that with that!
I love it. I just happen to have a single bed set in the shed. Might drag it out & see if I can manage to come even a teensy wee bit close to what you have at producing this masterpiece! Love your work!
Betsy ~ GAhandygirl
Love it when you build benches. The Bright Blue you finished it in will look great! (I like the shutter bookcase, too). Thanks again for showing this with the Kreg jig. I have one and look forward to using it. What kind of paint sprayer do you have?
Chrissie
Thanks so much for this tutorial! Very helpful!
Carmel @ Our Fifth House
oh my gosh - amazing! You make it look so easy too!
AllieMakes!
FANTASTIC! Wowzers once again!
Pam
Another fantastic job....well done.
Jodie
Too cute. I need to invest in a table saw. I haven't used my Kreg jig yet because it kind of intimidates me.
Lesley Litrento
Seriously?? My opinion?? YOU, my dear are amazing. Just really seriously.
Becky@Beyond The Picket Fence
I love it, they are so fun and rewarding to build. I was thinking the bright green was the finished color--I have been liking that color recently!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
gail that looks awesome! i love the planked seat.
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
gail that looks awesome! i love the planked seat.
Two Dollars
ideas for cribs? Getting ready to buy a twin for the youngest this weekend. š
-Stefanie
2ndChanceCreations.etsy.com
Michelle @Shellsshabbyshack
Wow! I can't type fast enough... love this bench! The slated seat adds even more charm to the cuteness.
Very good step by step tutorial! You rock! š ~Michelle
Full Circle Creations
Fantastic as always! I just made a bench that looks exactly like that one, only it's the grown up version (it's a full size). Only I added round finials to the posts. And I have another to finish this week for a client. I love headboard benches! Great job!
Holly
Jan
I am so lovin' this bench! But I'm terrible at taking pics.
Gail did such a great job and it is vey sturdy!!
Debilou ~ Mississippi Mama
great bench,, i've been wanting to make one of these after seeing yours a few years ago.. Im on the lookout for a twin bed this summer.
Michelle @ Dream Home DIY
All these headboards-turned-benches in blog-land really excite me!! Bet your bottom dollar I wont be passing them by at the trift store any more :0) Yours is so very pretty
Jennifer
Love it Gail! I just did a headboard bench last week and am in search for more headboard to make more benches! I love the results from these projects!
Jen
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.
What a cute bench and a nicely detailed tutorial. Thanks Gail!
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.
What a cute bench and a nicely detailed tutorial. Thanks Gail!
Proper Prim
Gail, I love your benches and this one is right up there with the rest. You make me want to run out to the thrift store and buy a bed now. I may just do that and finally make one for myself.
Hmmmm, now if I could just find an empty space to put it.
Great job.
Hugs, Deb
Coleen's Corner
So very nice! Your benches are always the Crow's Toes in my book š I sure enjoy - and appreciate your tutorials. ONE day I may get to accomplish a feat like this - all thanks to you!
Diane in the Valley
Everytime I visit your site I find inspiration. I have a twin bed I've been wanting to make a bench out of for a while. Now I think I can do it. Love your site. Diane
Emily
OMG! I love that bench. I'd imagine there is such an amazing feeling of accomplishment that comes from repurposing items.
Best,
Emily from Nap Time Is My Time
Meg and Mum's
Fantastic! Oh so cute too. You must be a handy girl to have around š