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Upcycled Headboard to Potting Bench

upcycle potting bench

I started this blog over three years ago when I was pregnant with my third son and my husband was doing a year long deployment in Iraq.  At first, it was just a place to share the preschool activities I was doing with my two older boys who were 3 and 4 at the time...over time I discovered the amazing world of DIY blogs and I slowly started to do my own projects.

When my husband came home at Christmastime in 2011 I asked him to please teach me how to use some of his power tools.  I had found the amazing Ana White and wanted to build! He agreed and together we built a headboard, with him patiently showing me how to use the circular saw, drill, and some woodworking basics. The results were pretty fantastic and it ignited my love of building!

(Picture from the old house last year)

Fast forward a few years and while I still loved my headboard it wasn't really meshing with the look I've been moving towards with my master bedroom.  The headboard is more rustic than the rest of our decor and it's been nagging at me.  When we moved I told my husband I didn't want to put it up in the new house. I briefly listed it for sale on craigslist but we were both a bit emotionally attached and we decided to upcycle it into a potting bench instead!

building a potting bench
We started by taking measurements of the headboard and I decided I wanted the work surface to be three feet high. My husband framed out a box to support the tabletop and front legs.

framing a diy potting bench
We decided to mimic the varying widths of the headboard in the tabletop as well, using both 1x4s and 1x5s.

finishing diy pottibng bench tutorial
We spent about $40 for the wood in addition to some scraps my hoarding self managed to bring along on the move! After we finished the build I conditioned the wood with Minwax Prestain then used Minwax Polyshades in Mission Oak, which was the same stain I used on the original headboard and one of my favorite colors I always keep in hand.  I did two coats-I love the Polyshades because they already have polyurethane in the stain so you cut out an extra step!

how to build a potting bench
I really love the way the potting bench turned out! It was pure torture not to garden all spring in preparation for the move and I've been planting things left and right since we got unpacked at the new house, it's great to have a place dedicated to one of my favorite hobbies!

An upcycled headboard made into a potting bench
As an added bonus it provides a little cover to an area of the patio where we'll be installing hooks to hang out bikes and store some things that won't quite fit in the garage!

What do you think? Upcycling genius or waste of a headboard? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Oh! And be sure to pop by tomorrow for my Summer Home Tour with All Things Home! They're getting started today over at Worthington Court!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Upcycling Genius! I've had an old headboard in my basement for years and I've been wanting a potting station for my deck. I'll be adding this table to my project list and my husband will be happy to get the headboard out of the basement. Win-win. Thanks for sharing!

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    • Oh yay! I'd love to see yours if you try it with your headboard too!!

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  2. This came out gorgeous, Melissa! So smart. Hope you guys are all adjusting well to your new city! Looks like you wasted no time decorating the new place. It's looks amazing! 🙂

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    • Thanks Dawn-I'm sure you know how it is, my hubby wanted to get as settled as possible before heading back to work!

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  3. Thanks so very much for linking your products used to Amazon. I'm often reading my tablet on the go and I can put these selections into my Amazon wish list. When I get home I can order..or use that list in my local hardware store if I need the product now.

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    • I mean to do it all the time Ann and honestly forget! I'm glad it helped-your comment will be my motivation to keep trying to do it!

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  4. Talent just jumps off you!

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    • Aw, you're too sweet Connie!! I think it's a combination of frugality and hoarding!! 😉

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  5. I just love this! Now that I have a slightly green thumb, I am obsessed with growing plants and herbs and veggies. I definitely think I need a potting bench now!

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    • I'm the same Keri, I've been working for years and years trying to turn this black thumb green and it's finally working-a little, I hope!

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  6. Such a great idea and reuse!! I would love a potting bench! 🙂 Pinning!

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    • Thanks Rachel, I've always wanted a potting bench too!

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  7. That's pretty neat. I'm still after my hubby to help me wit making the garden bed. Have pinned your post like for ever!

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  8. This is gorgeous, Melissa! And I love that you were able to upcycle a piece that holds special meaning for you and your husband; what a cool way to keep it with you!

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    • Thanks Emily, I was so happy we found a way to keep it and turn it into something new!

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  9. That is fantastic, Melissa! I would hate to part with that as well. What an awesome idea!

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    • Thanks so much Gwen!!

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  10. Beautifully done.

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    • Thanks so much Julie!!

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  11. What a great idea! I need a new potting bench and I am going to try this! Great tutorial.

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  12. Looks like upcycling genius to me. Perfect size, perfect height. Just perfect.

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  13. I love this idea. And you had the perfect headboard for it. I want some work bench and pot stands on my deck and this looks like the perfect solution. Thanks.

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    • I'm glad you liked it Kim, I'm so happy to finally have a "home" for my gardening supplies and not be breaking my back whenever I pot anything!

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  14. Love this idea! I have an old headboard I couldnt bear to part with cause I knew I would upcycle it into something else someday.....thanks for the idea!!!

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  15. It looks so amazing, you actually did that it's great. Thank you for sharing this one will try to ask my dad to create this one.

    Reply

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