How to Repurpose Crib Into a Bench

In this instructable, I show you how I repurposed a crib into a bench.

Even if you don't need to convert a crib, the techniques covered in this project can be directly translated to other furniture upcycling/repurposed projects.

Why Make a Bench from a Crib?

There’s something special about giving new life to old stuff.

Turning a crib into a bench isn’t just about saving money (though it’s way cheaper than buying new furniture).

It’s about creating something unique—maybe even a piece that holds memories from your kiddo’s nursery.

This bench can be a cozy spot in your entryway, a charming addition to your porch, or a quirky accent in your living room.

Plus, upcycling keeps junk out of landfills. Win-win!

Before we dive in, below are the tools/material I used for this project.

1. Pocket Hole Jig
2. Graco Truecoat Plus II
3. Drill
4. Brad Nailer
5. Orbital Sander
6. 2.5" Screws
7. Wood Putty
8. Primer
9. Caulk
10. 1/4" Wood Trim Moulding
11. Hand Sander
12. 2 - 8' 2x4s - Big Box Store
13. 2 - 6' 1x6s - Big Box Store

Bench Accessories

1. Fleur Des Lis Rosettes
2. Bench Seat Cushions
3. Throw Pillows

Start by breaking down the crib. Grab your screwdriver and remove the mattress, side rails, and any extra hardware.

You’ll likely use the headboard or footboard for the bench’s backrest and one side rail for the seat frame. Keep screws in a labeled bag in case you need them later.

Check all parts for cracks or weak spots and use wood putty to repair damaged spots.

Time to prep the wood. Fill any damaged areas or unused holes with wood putty.

Use 120-grit sandpaper to strip off old paint or varnish and smooth out rough spots. Then switch to 220-grit for a super-smooth finish.

Wipe everything down with a damp cloth to get rid of dust. This makes sure your paint or stain goes on nice and even.

I used scrap pieces of wood (2 - 2x4s) from my workshop. Also, the frame provides extra support.

It gives the sides and front a flat surface to attach to. More on this later.

First, I formed the seat with 2x4s as shown in the picture below.

Next, I cut off the legs from the front rail using my jig saw. A hand saw works as well. Keep in mind, I left the legs on the back rail in tact.

Then, I drilled 2 pocket holes and attached them using 2.5" pocket hole wood screws.

Use the headboard or footboard as the backrest and attach a side rail horizontally to form the seat frame

I attached the bench seat frame to the repurposed crib rail back using my drill and screws. The top of the bench is 19 ¼" from the ground in order to make sure the top of the bench seat is 20" high.

Secure it with screws or wood glue—make sure it’s sturdy. If the pieces are too long, grab a saw and trim them to fit (4-5 feet is a good bench length).

Next, I ripped each 1x6 from 5.5" to 4.75".

I secured 4-1x6 pine boards to the top of the seat using brad nails and glue. This made the bench 19" from back to front.

I cut ¼" wood moulding for the top and sides of the bench.

I attached the moulding with wood glue and brad nails. Also, I used caulk to fill in the gaps and make everything flush.

I thought the moulding matched the style of the bench. The dimensions of the bench seat ended up being 56"x19"x20" (LxWxH).

I added 3 decorative wood Fleur Des Lis rosettes to the front of the bench.

I used the front piece of the baby crib to make the bench sides and front skirt.

I cut the front piece about 8 inches from the top. Also, this is the same piece I cut the legs from in an earlier step. This left me with an 10" piece and a 15" piece with both being 50" wide.

Next, I used the 15" piece for the bottom skirt of the bench. I attached the baby crib bench's bottom skirt with pocket holes to the front legs. To secure the spindles, I used brad nails.

The 10" pieces were cut down to 20" for each arm rest. Finally, I used the original bed rail boards as a bottom brace from the head board to the back of the front legs.

Pick a paint or stain that matches your style—I went with a light gray.

FIrst, prime the bench. I find a paint sprayer works best due to all the curves of the bench. Next, apply 2 coats of paint, letting each dry completely (check the can for drying times).

Finish with a layer of polyurethane sealant to protect it, especially if the bench will live outside.

We decided to add some seat cushions to the bench to make it more comfortable as well as throw pillows.

After the bench was built, I had some extra wood so I decided to make miniature cribs for my daughter's American Girl Dolls.

I hope this instructable provided you with value. Please feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions - I'm happy to help.

Be sure to checkout my YouTube channel and my website for more DIY repurposed furniture projects.