Garden Bench

Instructions

I started with an old twin size headboard and footboard. I cut the footboard in half. Then I shortened the legs on the 2 footboard pieces so that it was not too tall for arms and so it would fit the back of the bench. I attached the arms to the back w/screws.
I then used the 1x3x8' board to make a rectangular box that would fit the seat space. I cut two pieces the width of the seat and 4 pieces the depth of the seat. Two short pieces were attached w/screws to the ends of the two long pieces. (I put the short pieces in between the long boards so that the front of the seat did not have a seam on either end.) The other two pieces I put equal distance from each end so that it created a brace and it made the seat much sturdier. I then cut a piece of 1/2" plywood for the seat. I attached the seat to the bench w/screws.
I will paint the bench and make a cute cushion for the seat, maybe even a pillow. This piece will go in my garden. I started with an old twin size headboard and footboard. I cut the footboard in half. Then I shortened the legs on the 2 footboard pieces so that it was not too tall for arms and so it would fit the back of the bench. I attached the arms to the back w/screws.
I then used the 1x3x8' board to make a rectangular box that would fit the seat space. I cut two pieces the width of the seat and ...
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Difficulty:

Category: Other

Type of item: Functional

For: Garden

Style: Traditional, Outdoorsy, Cute, Classic, Casual

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Materials

I used an old twin bed headboard and footboard. Plus a 1x4x8' board and a 1/2" piece of plywood. I purchased the bed for $15 at a second hand store, and purchased the board at my local hardware store. My wonderful hubby gave me tools for Christmas last year and this was my first project to use my "mini" circular saw. I LOVE IT!. The tools are great to have so now I don't have to wait for him to be home to help me out.

What was your inspiration?

I have seen benches like this in magazines and other places and have always wanted an outdoor, garden bench. I kept watching the second hand stores for the right bed and finally found one. I read online how to make the seat box and VOILA there it is!

What are you most proud of?

That it is level, plumb and square. AND that I did it all w/out any help. My first real building project start to finish all alone....Even though I have been puttering w/this sort of thing for years, this really turned out super and I am proud that I built it.

What advice would you give someone starting this project?

Make certain that you can handle the tools. If you are using a circular saw, be sure that you can lift it and maneuver it easily, for safety sake. If not I would have someone help you with the cutting. I have a 12V cordless, 4" saw. I LOVE IT because I can handle it easily and it cuts most of what I need to cut. I pre-drilled all the holes so that the wood wouldn't split. Measure twice and cut once is great advice.