
Repurpose your headboard and footboard into a functional and useful bench!
I’ve done it again.. I went walking with my dog around the block and found another gem at the curb!
Someones trash seems to always become my treasure. I found this old headboard and footboard lying there so helplessly screaming for someone to take it and give it new life. I saw the potential the minute I turned the corner. I wasn’t a big fan of the metal posts but I loved the basket weave detail and knew once I got my hands on it, beauty would ensue.
I began by lugging this baby home then heading to my local hardward store to pick up a bunch of lumber and fasteners. For this queen sized frame I needed the following:
- 2- 4 x 4’s for the posts
- A couple 2 x 4’s
- 3- 1 x 4’s for the shiplap
- 2- 3/4 inch sanded plywood pieces for the seat
- Nuts & bolts
My first step was to use an allen wrench to remove the metal posts. I took the 4 x 4’s cut them first in half and then down to the size I needed and matched the pre-existing holes in the metal posts to the new wooden ones to ensure the frame would line up the same way. I then drilled in the holes with my drill press (which I must say has an awesome lazer light).
I then bolted the new wood posts to both the headboard and footboard by lining up the holes in the original metal frame and drilling them together.
After that I needed to make a wooden frame which would sit inside both pieces connecting the headboard and footboard together. I used 2- 2 x 4’s which were 72 inches for the length of the bench and 3- 2 x 4’s at 17 inches going across connecting both 72 inch pieces (Follow along with my drawing and explanation in the video if this seems confusing). Here it is clamped together.
I drilled the wood frame to the headboard and footboard by first using a center punch which indents the metal making it easier to drill the holes. Then I drilled a hole into both the wood and metal frames and added a carriage bolt to attach the two pieces, securing it with a flat washer, lock washer and a nut.
Then I needed to add the seat and in this case used 2 sanded plywood pieces that I cut to 36 x 21.5 inches. I drilled and counter sunk holes into the plywood and screwed it to the wooden frame inside.
I was almost finished and since it was 95 degrees outside that day I was super happy to almost be done. I then decided to make the sides a bit prettier by adding some homemade shiplap pieces. I took some 1 x 4’s and used my Kreg Routing Table to router out the edges giving it a finished shiplap look. Adding them down the sides of the bench along with a decorative piece of trim molding to the front of the bench really gave this piece a unique and rustic look.
Lastly I needed to add some wooden newel posts to each post. Originally I used thread inserts which I drove into the pre-drilled holes I made in the post. I screwed the newel post inside of the thread insert. Unfortunately for this beast of a bench, it was too heavy and not secure enough when I grabbed the newel post and lifted it. They popped right off which was no bueno. I then chose a different option. I purchased a dowel screw which is a screw on both ends and is also a longer, sturdier type. I simply screwed it in to both the newel post and wooden post and it made for a much more solid, stronger fit. The final step was to prime and paint the bench white, add some throw pillows and a cushion, and viola I had a newly repurposed bench!
If you enjoyed this repurposed project, you’ll be sure to love my other posts like this Repurposed Ladder Idea. Click for more details and video.
What a cool DIY project Allison! I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like it. Well done to you for giving this poor head board a new lease of life!
What gave you the idea to make it into a bench? Did you know straight away? Or did you need to mull it over a bit?
I think you’ve done an excellent job, as to be expected from a lady so awesome at DIY as you are 🙂
I’ll be sharing on my Twitter so that more people can see it.
Thanks so much for the kind words and the share. I knew right away what I wanted to do with it and am glad it came out as good as it did. Sits great in my living room!