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    Uncategorized » Upcycled Crib into Toy Box Bench eBook

    Upcycled Crib into Toy Box Bench eBook

    Published by Gail | Published May 19, 2011 | Updated April 9, 2019
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    crib repurposed into a tox box with a bench

     

    I’m so excited to show you this creation! I worked my magic on this  upcycled crib into a unique toy box bench. The crib was not the most sturdy piece, and I had wondered what I was going to do with it. I’ve made benches from cribs before, but they were sturdier.
    I am so loving the way this turned out. Get ready, this is going to be a picture heavy long tutorial.

     

    upcycled crib toy box MyRepurposedLife

    repurposed crib toybox bench (2)My cousin Sandy gave me these crib parts. She had intended to repurpose them, but got too busy being a Nana.

    *affiliate links in this post*

    repurposed crib toybox bench (3)This one leg was in pretty bad shape. I didn’t know what I was going to do with them until I saw this pin.

    Make repairs and adjustments to crib

    repurposed crib toybox bench (4)Because the crib ends were so tall, I cut off the end pieces, which included the part that had been repaired.

     

    *this post contains affiliate links, read more here*

    Prepare slatted crib to be cut apart

    cutting a crib to make a benchI knew that when I started cutting this baby up, that it would get pretty wobbly due to the slats being cut off. To remedy this, I used some scrap lumber to “brace” it. I shot some nails into these boards to support the side pieces as I designed this piece. You can see on the left, I’ve drawn lines where I want to cut it off.

    Use a jigsaw to cut crib

    using a jigsaw to cut a cribI used my jigsaw to cut through the slats.

    A miter saw makes a straight cut

    using a compound miter saw to cut a cribI used the jigsaw to cut the piece in half, then I moved it to the miter saw to get a closer/straight cut.

    Make sure measurements fit your child

    repurposed crib toybox bench (13)Doing a dry fit, test run. I then decided I needed a child to measure. My neighbors across the street have their kids and grandkids visiting, so I walked over with my tape measure in hand. Thank you Layla Grace for letting me take some measurements. The arms were a little tall, so back to the jigsaw I go.

     

    repurposed crib toybox bench (17)I laid the piece down for more design decisions.

    Create a box for the upcycled crib toy box

    repurposed crib toybox bench (18)Now, on to putting together my box. Including storage for this bench was the key to making it sturdy. I used some boards leftover from my DIY Barn Doors. I made the box with my Kreg Jig Jr.

     

    repurposed crib toybox bench (20)Yep, it’s coming together!

    Secure wooden box to back and sides

    repurposed crib toybox bench (22)More dry fitting. Gotta love clamps! Thanks sis!

     

    repurposed crib toybox bench (25)I added a board across the back, for the lid to be attached.

    Design a lid for crib toy box

    repurposed crib toybox bench (28)Testing the “lid”.

     

    repurposed crib toybox bench (30)I have had this board forever!! I bought it on a trip to The Home Depot in Nashville while visiting Jamie.

     

    Attach the bottom of the toy box

    repurposed crib toybox bench (31)I used Gorilla Wood Glue and a nail gun to secure the bottom.

    Secure the box to the back of the upcycled crib

    repurposed crib toybox bench (33)I used these 1 5.8 inch screws to attach the back of the crib to the box.

     

    Add the sides

    using a kreg jig to make a benchI used a Kreg Jig to make pocket holes on each of the armrests where they meet the back.

     

    upcycle a cribIt's so satisfying when a design comes together, especially when you fly by the seat of your pants.

     

    Go with the flow when it comes to design changes

    repurposed crib toybox bench (37)I used the jigsaw to cut off the three slats hanging in the middle of nowhere.
    Are ya still with me? Need a break? go ahead, we’ll wait for you to get back. Winking smile

     

    repurposed crib toybox bench (39)Here is the piece I cut off to make the armrests. This is where dumb luck happens when you don't draw out any plans.

    A scrap piece was perfect to embellish the front

    repurposed crib toybox bench (42)voila! Look how nice that looks on the front, tying it all together!

     

    repurposed crib toybox bench (44)I’m just a wee short on each side. I filled it in with some small pieces of MDF. You can see it in a couple of pictures below.

    A filler piece was needed

    repurposed crib toybox bench (47)Because the slats are in the middle of the board, they don’t rest on the box.

     

    repurposed crib toybox bench (49)Another scrap piece to the rescue.

    Use scrap pieces for filling gaps

    repurposed crib toybox bench (51)Here you can see the MDF pieces on each side of the bottom front.

    More design adjustments

    repurposed crib toybox bench (55)This is where I had to take a break and rethink some things. Because of the overhang on the top of the armrests, the lid would not open. I had to shorten the seat/lid in the width. But I didn’t like the big gap, so more scraps are used to make “fill-in” pieces on each side. I notched them to fit really snug.

     

    repurposed crib toybox bench (56)Much better!

     

    repurposed crib toybox bench (60)Are you loving it?

     

    repurposed crib toybox bench (63)In order for the lid to be secure and have something to “rest” on, I had to add a couple of 1x4’s…one on each side. If you look closely, you can see the MDF sticks out some. I sanded it with my orbital sander and it now blends right in with the front piece.

    Time to use the paint sprayer

    repurposed crib toybox bench (65)Off we go to the paint booth. I always start by painting the underneath side of my pieces. Of course I used my HomeRight Finish Max Fine Finish Sprayer on this piece.

     

    repurposed crib toybox bench (67)I chose a color from my massive inventory of oops paint.

     

    upcyle a crib-toy box benchOf course I had to put the hinges on and off several times. I hate hinges!

     

    green toy box bench made from a cribThis is my first bench with storage. It is really sturdy, it holds me just fine.

     

    toy box bench made from a cribYou could personalize this project for your child's preferences.

     

    bench-toy box made from a cribThis really was a fun project to build! Are you inspired? Got an old crib laying around? What are you waiting for? Get busy!

    upcycled crib toy boxLove it? Please share it!
    I gave it to this little guy for his birthday. Do you think he loves it?


    gail

    Check out more crib projects here.

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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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