Up-cycled Southwestern Bench

I know I'm not the only one with a garage that seems to have a mind of its own. It's a constant battle between me and the stuff that lives out there, and every time I think I'm making progress, a new idea pops into my head and derails my plans. It's a cycle of one step forward, two steps back, but I've learned to lean into the creative chaos.

Today's project is the perfect example.

A few years ago, I was on the hunt for a dresser for my daughter's room. After searching for what felt like forever, I found this solid wood dresser at a garage sale for just $50. It had plenty of storage and was a steal for the price. There was just one problem: I wasn't a fan of the legs or the scalloped top, as they were too bulky for the room.

So, the dresser with the "Running Legs", as my daughter named it, got a makeover.  

You can read everything about the DRESSER MAKEOVER right HERE.

The picture above shows how the dresser looks in her room nowadays.

As for the Running Legs, Mr. RLC made sure to store them out of the way - Oh my, WAY out!
Bringing that thing down to the floor when I was ready to install the pegboard was scary! :/

Anyway, I've been tossing this frame around, not knowing where to store it. And no, I didn't want to bring it up there again; otherwise, five more years are going to fly by.

So, after a good look at it, the idea of the bench arrived.

The frame's only 10" from the floor, which is too low for a regular bench. My solution to the height problem was to create another frame out of plywood to attach to the legs' frame. Pocket holes did the trick.

After a good sanding, it was ready for paint. However, as you can see in the picture to the right above, the frame was a bit on the small side.

As a way to cover that mistake, and to make a better transition between the two frames. I grabbed the only molding I had in my stash: Half round ½".

Ahhh, looking better! :) 

Ready for caulk and paint.

My first plan was to buy 6" high-density foam to use for the bench top. 

Wowzers! I didn't remember how expensive that stuff is.  The one yard I needed - 5" foam would've cost around $50 - coupons included at Jo-Ann fabrics.

As you can see, I didn't take that route. Instead, I went to my basement and dusted two 3" pieces I had in there since who knows when. Assemble them with spray adhesive and attach them to the top board.

The top treatment was the only material I bought for this makeover - a 3x5 printed rug I found at Five Below.

The upholstered step was really easy - Rug - two good layers of batting, the 3" high-density foam, and finally the board on top. The rug was tightly secured to the top board using staples.

Lastly, the top was secured to the base, and trim was added to cover the gap.

I LOVE the Southwestern design of this rug. It feels like drop cloth material, but three times thicker. I also had the trim in my stash. I bought it like two years ago at T.J. Maxx.

Homemade chalk paint was used, giving it a light distressing effect.

Although I like this bench, I have to bring it to the next flea market sale, as I don't have space for it in my home.

But hey, I'm so glad I finally put those legs to good use!

Now I need to go and finish cleaning that garage. Let's see what other ideas pop up. :)

For more upcycled projects, check these out:

Kitchen Island Makeover

Old Window Gallery Wall

Office Chair Makeover

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