How to Make a French Bench from Two Chairs

Last Updated: March 4, 2021

Always wanted a French-styled bench but haven’t had the time (or money) to run out and purchase one? You can still achieve the same look and feel using a few chair, some plywood and paint.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
Get Supplies

1
Find two broken chairs. Actually you want the chair frame to still be in decent condition, but if you don’t like the style or if the seat isn’t working for you, you should have a good base to use.
2
Purchase plywood and screws. Visit the home improvement store to find plywood to create the bench seat and possibly a small shelf underneath. 1″x 2-1/4″ pieces may work well.
- You’ll need enough plywood to make two long rectangle boxes inside the bench (sizes will vary from the back of the two chairs to the desired bench length). If you plan to add a shelf, you will also need pieces of wood to make the slats.
- Purchase a flat piece of plywood that will become the actual bench. Measure the width and length to arrive at the right size.
- Pick up several 3” screws (at least seven) that will be used to pull the bench together.
- Don’t forget to purchase or find your electric drill to make the process go quickly.
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3
Purchase a gallon of your favorite paint. Go for something that is made for furniture or try a stain if all the wood is the same color.
- Consider picking up nail hole fill. To make the job look professional, you’ll want to cover the screws and nails before you paint.
4
Buy quilt batting and material for the seat. Cover the plywood seat with the batting and then create the seat by covering and adhering to the bottom using a staple gun or Super Glue.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
Create the Bench

1
Remove the seats and front legs from both chairs using an electric screwdriver. You only want the back and back legs for the bench.
- If you don't want anything to go to waste, disassemble it carefully piece by piece, you might able to use the extra wood.
2
Create a rectangle box with the plywood and screws.
- Using pieces of the chair you disassemble, nail them together forming a rectangle.
- Grab a saw and cut some long pieces of wood.
- Add some wood to reinforce the sides if desired so the bench will be stable.
- Drill two holes on the back of the chairs (where the seat used to be attached)
- Screw the smaller pieces to the back of the chairs (situated where the chair seat would have been) and then attach to the longer pieces of plywood. Make sure screws are attached evenly for added support.
3
Add bottom shelf to the bench. This is optional, but looks amazing when added. Create another rectangle that sits slightly halfway down the back of the chair legs from the bottom of the seat box.
- Add small slats using nails. Space slats evenly across the box.
4
Cover nails and holes with hole filler and allow it to dry. This will give a more polished finish to your bench.
5
Use sandpaper to smooth the bench.
6
Paint bench.
- Apply primer first.
- Consider covering it with up to three coats and possibly add a gloss topcoat to protect it from wear and tear. You may also want to add a waterproofing coat to seal it if the bench will be sitting outside.
7
Add the bench seat. Wrap plywood seat in the quilt batting and secure underneath using a staple gun.
- Wrap the quilt batting wrapped seat with your fabric and secure underneath using the staple gun.
8
Secure the bench seat to the frame using either Super Glue or you can just lay it into the frame without glue or screws.
9
Add a pillow or two.
10
Finished.

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