Stenciled Bench
How to make a simple stenciled bench out of an old twin bed. Easy project with my step by step directions below.
Today, I have another bench. Are ya’ll tired of benches yet? I also have a great tutorial on stenciling near the bottom of this post.
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Simple twin headboard bench construction
This bench was made out of a twin headboard and foot board. As always we (Cathy and I) cut the foot board in half to use as arms (sides) for the bench. I used my Kreg Jig 
to make pocket holes to join the pieces together. It’s such a tight fit, you don’t need to use wood glue.
Attaching front brace to headboard bench
We used a 1x6 for the front brace.
Assure headboard bench is level
When using a level, make sure that you are working on a level surface. This is the ONLY level surface on my entire driveway.
Paint and Primer twin bed stenciled bench
The fabulous Finish Max was used to apply primer.
I then used the paint sprayer to apply Dutch Boy Refresh in “sweetened white”.
Not Shown: Hardwood flooring was used for the seat. I used my nail gun to attach plank seating. You can see more about that in my Twin Headboard Bench Tutorial.
Design contact paper stencil
I made my design in the Silhouette program. To get the "W" in welcome larger, I “ungrouped” the word. Then I centered the “elcome” with the “w”. To save money (and vinyl), I cut it out of my polka dotted contact paper.
I peeled off the letters (leaving the oodles and boodles). I then applied the stencil onto the back of the bench. You can see that long piece of wood to the right that I used as a spacer when I attached the planks for the seat.
Speaking of the seat, this was the most work we have ever put into a seat. It is hardwood flooring that we (cathy) sanded off the finish, and we then stained with dark walnut. It was a honey oak color and I thought it was too light to use with a white bench.
Spray paint contact paper stencil onto headboard bench
I used plastic and Scotch Blue painters tape to protect the bench from overspray. A krylon spray paint with primer and paint in one was used to spray the stencil. It worked fabulously on this project!
Light coats of spray paint on stencil
I started by spraying VERY light coats so that I didn’t have “bleed” happening under the stencil.
Then I continued with several more very light coats, letting each coat dry in between.
The last coat I applied a little heavier, but I laid the bench down, just to make sure there were no runs, drips, errors or bleeding. I had already removed the plastic when I remembered to take the picture.
Removing all of the plastic and tape was tedious, but a necessary step for sure. I had used small garbage bags to protect the posts of the headboard.
Easy spray paint stencil
The stenciled bench is almost done!
After removing the contact paper stencil, you can still see the oodles and boodles.
Voila! Virtually NO bleeding under this stencil. However, you can see I did have some over spray on the right. I used the Dutch Boy Refresh paint to touch that spot up.
Stenciled Bench | Welcome
Here is the bench at Unique Creations! Did you notice it in my post about the store where my booth is? When I went up there today, Kathy had it sitting out in front of the store (outside) to display and draw in new customers! It made me smile to see it sitting there.
It’s going to be very difficult for me to make solid headboard benches without painting some kind of words on there! I love it!
See my favorite Mission Style Headboard Bench with Storage-The Complete Tutorial
gail
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See other fun benches here More ideas and benches Country Living
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.
Sandra
Did I miss the part that says what the size is of the dark wood seat slats and how they were attached to the bench?
Gail Wilson
Sandra,
I apologize for the omission! I have updated the post with a link to another post Twin Headboard Bench Tutorial
Being hardwood flooring the planks are narrow at about 2" each. You can space them, or butt them up against each other. It's really a matter or what you prefer.
Thanks for stopping by! Don't be a stranger.
gail
Joe
I absolutely love this idea and design! I will be building a very similar one tomorrow for my sister. Thanks for the great article!
Angela Rockwell
I love the stenciled bench. This is a project I'd like to try!
Jan Goecks
This would look so awesome on my front porch
Jennifer Veit
This is my favorite project because its cute and creative.
Carwin Candids
Hi Gail! I am making a headboard bench for a friend and I love the Welcome sign you did on the bench! Do you mind if I copy your idea? My mom always said copying is the highest form of flattery! You are awesome! Thanks! Mindi
Anonymous
thank you
Lynda @ {ubersavvy}
Sensational!
Rachel Sue
This is amazing! I would love to feature this on Reduce, Reuse, Upcycle. Feel free to stop by and grab a featured button. Thanks!
http://reuseandupcycle.blogspot.com
Amy Gilman and Emily Lee (Sisters of the Wild West)
thanks for linking up. we are featuring your bench! Love the combo of white and dark wood!! So clever to use a headboard. I will be trying this out as soon as I find a good headboard!
Amy
I'm Busy Procrastinating
I like the mix of white with the wood tone. Very nice! And I know where you got that black spray paint. š
Cathy
I know virtually nothing about the Silhouette machine but your comment mentioned that you used contact paper? Is that correct? Your bench is just gorgeous!!
Amy Gilman and Emily Lee (Sisters of the Wild West)
I LOVE this bench. I absolutely LOVE the look of the dark with white. the stencil is a fabulous touch! I would LOVE for you to link this up at my link my party going on now.
Amy
http://www.Sistersofthewildwest.blogspot.com
Amanda
Love this Gail, it's awesome! I featured you today š http://homeandgarden.craftgossip.com/welcoming-stenciled-bench/
Maryann @ Domestically-Speaking
Another great bench Gail! I WILL eventually make one. š I've got a king size headboard sitting in my garage just begging to be transformed. I'm putting your bench in the PoPP Spotlight.
Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal
This one turned out fantastic Gail! I love the stencil you used. I have plans to turn one of my boys twin beds into a bench as soon as I find a daybed to replace it.
So glad you are okay from that storm. I meant to comment earlier but I had read it on my phone and couldn't.
Terri
First of all, I am sure I can speak for EVERYONE when I say we never get tired of seeing your adorable benches (or anything else for that matter)!! Second...Oh-Em-Gee!...this is freakin' adorable. I don't feel the "need" to make every cute item I see on all blogs, but I must say I am obsessed with your benches (Play Kitchen's were another thing I became obsessed with, and I wasn't happy till I made one).
Now I have a question...since I don't have one of those Kreg Jig Jr. thingy's, is there any other way that I could attach the side pieces (footboard)?
simplydesigning.blogspot.com
Wow!! This is amazing!!
I saw a bench the other day where the sides were made from chair backs...but I couldn't figure out the back of the bench...perhaps a headboard š I love it! So creative!
I host a weekly Friday link party I would love you to join if you are interested.
Ashley
http://www.simplydesigning.blogspot.com
Katie
WOW!~ This is amazing! I can't wait to show my husband who is a woodworker how awesome this bench came out.
I found you via HOH link party and am your newest follower. I hope you'll come by Sew Woodsy and take a visit!
Decor & Harmony @ 4290
Gail, what a great bench! I love the stencil too. You have got some guts! I'm afraid to drill a hole š
Decor & Harmony @ 4290
Gail, what a great bench! I love the stencil too. You have got some guts! I'm afraid to drill a hole š
Love Of Quilts
You just keep getting better and better at this...I don't get tried of them. I think they are so neat.I would like to have one in my bed room...if I can get hubby to make one. Trish
The Sterling Cherub
Wow is that an impressive project! Just so well done, and so delightful. The person who buys that is really lucky to get such a nice piece!
Best,
Kimberly
~ Regan
I have GOT to get a Kreg Jig.
These benches are so darn cute, I would love to have one in my garden. I'm sure with a good coat of exterior paint or poly any type of wood would hold up, right?
Love the stencil job, too.
Alyssa - Live, Love, Craft
Love it! What kind of paint sprayer do you use and where did you get it? Thank you!!
Pam
I love that one Gail. It looks so nice and the Welcome makes it so inviting.
Meg and Mum's
This is just amazing! I love it and I want it! I'm gonna have to get me one of those Silhouette machines...
Beautiful job as always š
Shirlee
I think this is my favourite one of all. The stencil really makes it special and I'm sure it will be sold very quickly.
Toqua's Crafts
Another beautiful creation from a beautiful lady!
Julie @ followyourheartwoodworking
Love it!
(I am never tired of seeing your benches)
Full Circle Creations
I just love it! Love the dark wood slats! Great job once again!
Holly
Katie
Gail I love it!! I haven't seen a bed/bench like this one yes! I love the dark wood slats!!
Korrie@RedHenHome
The bench is lovely! I love using my Silhouette to create stencils as well...it's the best!
Proper Prim
Simply gorgeous Gail... love everything about it.
Hugs, Deb
LrSchwtz
I am so impressed! You did a fabulous job creating the bench, and it looks stunning! Please stop by http://www.laughloveandcraft.com and link up to my Share the Wealth Wednesday Link Party! I'm your newest follower!
Debbie
If I were near there I'd go get that bench for my porch. Love the font and the whole thing. You're so good!
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
that looks fabulous! like amanda, i like the dark and white contrast... the seat is really cool! it almost reminds me of piano keys with its black and white...
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper
that looks fabulous! like amanda, i like the dark and white contrast... the seat is really cool! it almost reminds me of piano keys with its black and white...
Amanda
The bench looks wonderful, love the contrast of light and dark. I can't imagine anyone wanting furniture let alone a bench without some wording on it! Hubby is lucky I haven't stencilled every piece of furniture in the house!
Thanks for sharing another great project!
Lori
I love this! I'm going to try it myself. I've been collecting so many things to remake lately, my daughter has a fear of me turning into a hoarder..lol. Beautiful! Thanks for sharing!