the bench project is done!

It was certainly a learning curve for us beginner DIYer's....

but it's done!

I know there are a lot of these neat bench transformations out there, and this is just our version of it!

It was really fun working with my husband on this, although at times there were frustrations.

  Mostly because we started this with the most basic of tools. 

And I mean basic.

As in, Amish country.  (well, almost)

No chop saw.

A drill with so so bits.

Yeah. 

But I am really happy with the results- here it is:

Here's the transformation in pictures:

the original state:

headboard

footboard

the footboard chopped for the sides

Like I said, it was a little bit Amish Workbench- we literally sawed the pieces.

One thing I didn't take into account when I bought this and made plans for it was the fact that we were dealing with round parts- not flat sqaure sides.  So we had to tweak things a bit to get it to piece together properly. 

After we had built the seat frame we purchased a piece of pine for the seat.

The frame was also a little tricky because of the rounded pieces, but it came together.

I thought I'd taken some pictures of the trim pieces I added to the front and sides,

but it looks like I missed that step. 

One of the great things about blogging, and something that I needed in connecting with other creative people, was project 'helps'.  I had never tried Gorilla Glue until this bench project, and I can see why it is so popular.  My dad has used it quite a bit, so I guess I should have remembered that.....but seeing it so often on so many projects out there spurred me to give it a try.  I used it on the trim pieces- you can see the front piece here....

I'm hooked!

Side view of the trim.

And the bench with our table:

I'm so happy to have it in our nook.  I think it will be a great place for friends and family to hang out, and a comfy spot for homework.

I added a little turquoise fleur de lis to the back of the bench, but the verdict is still out on whether or not I'm liking it.....we'll see.  I may decide to go a little bigger with it.

Here's the breakdown:

headboard/footboard: $9.99

MDF primed trim pieces: $3

pine board for seat: $32

2x4 framing: some free from scraps we had already- one purchased ($2 I think?)

Paint: already on hand

Gorilla glue: $2.79

Not too shabby! 

Next on the agenda is a seat cushion for the bench.  I need to purchase some foam and find some fabric that will work for the space.  Trying to decide on easy clean up Sunbrella type fabric, or something that can be easily removed and cleaned when needed.

Happy Monday everyone!  Where did September go???

I'm linking to:

Somewhat Simple Strut Your Stuff Thursdays

Mustard Seed Creations Furniture Feature Friday