A Bed to Bench DIY

We finally finished the 3rd bed to bench project. This is a pretty good couples project. Its fun to do and fairly easy. Plus I just like the teamwork with my husband on something apart from the kids. I know some of you have been awaiting its debut so without further ado here it is...

 

And here is my attempt at at a DIY tutorial.

What you will need: (some of the things I have on hand but I will try to make a list as if you have none.)

1 wooden full size bed (more details to follow)

circular saw

drill

level

saw horses or other method for lifting the wood off the ground while cutting (we use 2 Lowes buckets)

2 sizes of screws, I am not sure the measurements we use something like 11/2 inch and 21/2 inch

1 sheet of plywood (more details to follow)

wood filler - I use paintable caulk

paint and supplies- check the "oops" paint at hardware stores, you can often find great colors for just $5
polyurethane or sealer of some sort -you won't need this if you plan to keep your bench indoors
tape measure
chalk line

To pick your bed :
You want a solid wood double bed. You could use a queen but it would be quite large plus theoretically if you use a double you can use a cheap crib mattress as the bench cushion.  I look for beds at garage sales and typically don't have to pay more then $30 for them. They do not need to be in excellent shape because you are going to sand and paint it, but look for pretty details (scalloped edges, pretty cut outs...)

Lastly, you have to have a bit of a vision.  You will be cutting the footboard in half to make the arms of the bench.  Make sure you will be able to make a clean cut.
The picture below is an example of the second bed we did.  I didnt pay close enough attention to the shape. Since headboard was curved so much for the sleigh shape we couldn't do it quite the same, it was still pretty but harder to work out.

Picking out the Plywood:
I say a whole sheet because you will need to get the measurements as you build so there is no way of knowing what size. If you already have plywood lying around you it will probably be around a 3'x4' piece so if you have something close to that then you may want to wait and see if you can use it.
You can buy a slightly cheaper grade of plywood if you plan on using a cushion because it will be covered.  I Highly recommend you go that route, its hard to get everything to line up exact and the cushion covers any discrepancies. Make sure you buy a thick enough piece to be supportive and not flimsy.

Lets get started!

Don't forget your before picture

 - I like to sand the whole bed before I start but you dont have to. If you want to prime it, now would be a good time to do that as well.
- Use the tape measure to measure the footboard from side to side to figure the center. Measure close to the top and mark the center then again close to the bottom and mark the center. Use your chalk line to make a straight line between your two marks. (From here on out you will measure the top and bottom and mark each measurement, then use the chalk line and I am not going to go into description on how to do it each time. In addition, MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE!)
- Set the footboard up on your saw horses ( or lowes buckets ) and make your cut with your circular saw
- I usually do a mock up at this point and lean the headboard upright against something. You will the cut edges of the footboard against the headboard. Before you drill use your level to get it as level as possible.

Excuse the mess, we take everything out of the garage when we do these projects

-From behind the headboard screw about 3 screws to secure the "arm." Use your longer screws and make sure to sink them just a bit so you can come back and cover them later. Make sure they are lined  up and you may want to pre-drill the holes to prevent splitting the wood. Repeat for other arm

- At this point the bed should be pretty stable. Measure the distance between the two points you attache the arms to the headboard. Use the same measurement at the front of the arms and see how it looks.  If it works you are going to use the measurement and cut one of the side rails that length.  I like to measure using the hooks for support on one side (making only 1 cut)  but you can also just make 2 cuts and screw both sides in. Install the side rail with the edge that the slats (if you were using it as a bed) would rest on closest to the top. You will screw from the outer side going into the side rail board.

-You should now have the frame standing. Use the other side board slats (if your bed came with them) two cut 2 or 3 support beams. You will install them front to back. I like to try to line it up where the top edge of the plywood will be installed close to flush with the top edge on the front side rail, but I've found you kind of have to work it case by case.

 - Now measure, cut and, install the plywood "seat." I recommend screwing the plywood to the support slats as well. I hope your bench is pretty sturdy by now?  It should also look something like this, without being painted.
- Sand down and rough edges from cuts and drilling. Then use your filler to fill all the screw holes and blemishes. I use the caulk along the seams where the arms connect to the head board and the plywood connects to the side rail. It just makes for a much more finished look in the end. Try to get it as smooth as you can while its still wet. Once dry sand over the filled areas to make it smooth.  You may need to caulk one more time to get it all flush. Wipe the whole bench clean
-It its totally dry and clean, you are ready to paint. (the shabby chic painting process will be my next post, For now, I painted blue or the under color you want first, you only need one coat of the first color for the shabby chic process.)
- Once it totally dries use the polyurethane (on white it will yellow slightly.)

 

This should be somewhere close to what you are looking at.  All there is left to do is add your cushions and voila!

As for the cushions, if you aren't into DIY sewing, here's a cheat- you should be able to use a crib mattress on the bottom and pick a crib sheet in whichever color you want. Then the back cushions I sewed covers for  Euro pillows from Target (just $9.99) but, you could get sham that you like and just spray scotch guard over it all.
Good Luck!