From Picnic Table to Bench

My neighbor was thrilled to get a free, large picnic table--the type that would be in a park.  But he didn't like the weathered wood that was on it so guess who snatched up the fabulous 2x10's?   Yep, I grabbed those babies quickly before he burned them or before they met some other untimely wood death.  One was split badly, but from the other five boards I made three benches. 

These are the simplest of construction.  I cut two 17 inch pieces for the legs.

 To each leg I added a board or brace 4 inches up from the bottom.

I then screw the leg pieces on through the top of the bench.

Two 2x4's attached to the leg braces make the bench sturdy and add a great shelf for shoes (I used free 2x4's from pallets).  Paint, sanding, and stain finished each bench--I painted one red, one white, and one blue.

You don't get to see the red and white one, they are in place waiting for next Saturday's Junk Fest, but I still have the turquoise bench to show you.  Try this simple bench, these are quick and easy!

Find more ideas at Donna's Funky Junk Interiors and at Inspired by Charm!