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    Home Ā» Repurposed Furniture Ā» Twin Headboard Bench tutorial

    Twin Headboard Bench tutorial

    Modified: Apr 9, 2019 by Gail Wilson
    This post may contain affiliate links

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    headboard bench 1

    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.

    headboard bench (2)

    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.

    headboard bench (7)

    I marked the center.

    headboard bench (14)

    The table saw is the easiest way for me to cut it in half.

    headboard bench (16)

    headboard bench (17)

    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.

    headboard bench (20)

    You can see that I have clamped the sides (foot board cut in half) to the headboard (back).

    headboard bench (21)

    I marked the place where they would be attached.

    headboard bench (23)

    To make sure that the sides are level, I check to see if the driveway is level. See where the bubble is?

    headboard bench (24)

    I make sure that the bubble is the same place on the side (armrest)

    headboard bench (25)

    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.

    headboard bench (27)

    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!

    headboard bench (30)

    I used my Kreg Jig   for pocket holes, but decided that I would use some Gorilla Wood Glue for extra hold.

    headboard bench (31)

    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.

    headboard bench (34)

    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.

    headboard bench (36)

    You can see that I filled the “slots” from the original rails with some spackling.

    headboard bench (37)

    I use my combination square to set the depth of the planks.

    headboard bench (40)

    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)

    headboard bench (41)

    I used my paint sprayer to apply a primer.

    headboard bench (43)

    headboard bench (47)

    headboard bench (45)

    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.

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    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

    See other fun benches here

     

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    Gail Wilson
    Website

    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.

    About Gail Wilson

    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.

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    1. Unknown

      March 28, 2012 at 5:39 am

      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

      Reply
    2. Terri @ Creative Eyedias

      May 18, 2011 at 12:21 am

      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.

      Reply
    3. Belinda

      May 16, 2011 at 6:26 pm

      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.

      Reply
    4. Catch A Falling Star

      May 16, 2011 at 2:36 am

      Very creative idea!
      I would have never thought of using it to make a bench.
      Great job!

      Reply
    5. Just Jaime

      May 15, 2011 at 2:23 am

      Great job! I love it!

      Reply
    6. Suzanne@Meridian Road

      May 13, 2011 at 9:53 pm

      You make it look easy! I love these benches. I'll bet they're big sellers.

      Reply
    7. Jessica

      May 13, 2011 at 8:23 pm

      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???

      Reply
    8. Astara

      May 12, 2011 at 11:29 am

      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!

      Reply
    9. Betsy ~ GAhandygirl

      May 12, 2011 at 4:07 am

      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?

      Reply
    10. Chrissie

      May 12, 2011 at 2:50 am

      Thanks so much for this tutorial! Very helpful!

      Reply
    11. Carmel @ Our Fifth House

      May 12, 2011 at 1:56 am

      oh my gosh - amazing! You make it look so easy too!

      Reply
    12. AllieMakes!

      May 12, 2011 at 1:34 am

      FANTASTIC! Wowzers once again!

      Reply
    13. Pam

      May 11, 2011 at 11:49 pm

      Another fantastic job....well done.

      Reply
    14. Jodie

      May 11, 2011 at 10:35 pm

      Too cute. I need to invest in a table saw. I haven't used my Kreg jig yet because it kind of intimidates me.

      Reply
    15. Lesley Litrento

      May 11, 2011 at 10:04 pm

      Seriously?? My opinion?? YOU, my dear are amazing. Just really seriously.

      Reply
    16. Becky@Beyond The Picket Fence

      May 11, 2011 at 6:53 pm

      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!

      Reply
    17. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper

      May 11, 2011 at 6:43 pm

      gail that looks awesome! i love the planked seat.

      Reply
    18. Cassie @ Primitive & Proper

      May 11, 2011 at 6:43 pm

      gail that looks awesome! i love the planked seat.

      Reply
    19. Two Dollars

      May 11, 2011 at 4:27 pm

      ideas for cribs? Getting ready to buy a twin for the youngest this weekend. šŸ™‚
      -Stefanie
      2ndChanceCreations.etsy.com

      Reply
    20. Michelle @Shellsshabbyshack

      May 11, 2011 at 4:18 pm

      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! šŸ™‚ ~Michelle

      Reply
    21. Full Circle Creations

      May 11, 2011 at 4:18 pm

      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

      Reply
    22. Jan

      May 11, 2011 at 4:07 pm

      I am so lovin' this bench! But I'm terrible at taking pics.
      Gail did such a great job and it is vey sturdy!!

      Reply
    23. Debilou ~ Mississippi Mama

      May 11, 2011 at 2:07 pm

      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.

      Reply
    24. Michelle @ Dream Home DIY

      May 11, 2011 at 1:53 pm

      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

      Reply
    25. Jennifer

      May 11, 2011 at 1:40 pm

      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

      Reply
    26. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.

      May 11, 2011 at 12:35 pm

      What a cute bench and a nicely detailed tutorial. Thanks Gail!

      Reply
    27. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.

      May 11, 2011 at 12:35 pm

      What a cute bench and a nicely detailed tutorial. Thanks Gail!

      Reply
    28. Proper Prim

      May 11, 2011 at 12:21 pm

      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

      Reply
    29. Coleen's Corner

      May 11, 2011 at 11:19 am

      So very nice! Your benches are always the Crow's Toes in my book šŸ™‚ I sure enjoy - and appreciate your tutorials. ONE day I may get to accomplish a feat like this - all thanks to you!

      Reply
    30. Diane in the Valley

      May 11, 2011 at 11:15 am

      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

      Reply
    31. Emily

      May 11, 2011 at 10:28 am

      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

      Reply
    32. Meg and Mum's

      May 11, 2011 at 10:23 am

      Fantastic! Oh so cute too. You must be a handy girl to have around šŸ™‚

      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!

    More about me →

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