COFFEE TABLE TO ENTRY BENCH

A few months ago I scored a free coffee table from my friend Kristi. She warned me that it needed a little TLC. It actually wasn't too bad it had some scratches but it was solid. I thought that I would sand it down and paint it for myself but then I got it home and it was huge, like half the size of my couch. It would take up my entire living room. So now what do I do with it?

I left it in the carport and ignored it for awhile.

Then a couple weeks ago while in the middle of another project I was inspired. So I dropped the other project and went to town on this one. I decided to make it into an entry bench. I mean doesn't this table just scream make me a bench. I initially thought it would make two benches but that didn't work out.

I started by taking the top off. It was glued and screwed in from underneath. Next I cut the sides and the bottom in half lengthwise with a skill saw. I then realized the problem.

This is what the cut in half panel looked like. Weird I couldn't just slap plywood on the back it would look unbalanced. I got irritated and dropped the project.

The next week I picked it back up. I ended up using the 3x3 front side piece from the other side to complete the end panels. I first removed the sides from the bottom. Then I could cut the side down to accommodate the other 3x3 piece. Of course this meant I could only make one bench. Oh well moving on.

To attach the end piece I used my kreg jig to make a pocket hole so that I could screw it together.

for the back I used a 1/4 inch panel. There ended up being a groove for the back to fit into on the side pieces so that was a nice surprise.

I used the feet from the other side to make four matching fancy feet.

Here it is with a coat of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Old White. I splurged on the paint for this table when I thought I was going to use it as my coffee table. I didn't want to prime. I have used the paint on lots of other projects and of course I ran out. I had to order some more.

My plan is to re-stain the top. I am liking that two tone look I see all over the blogisphere. If it doesn't turn out I will just paint it.

I already had the baskets, I use them for storage in my bathroom closet. Looks like I might have to give them up they could not fit any more perfectly.

Here it is with the top sanded. It needs one more coat of ASCP then I will distress and finish with wax. With the left over pieces from the other side I plan to make a cubby shelf with hooks that can be hung on the wall above the bench. I started that project today but got frustrated and dropped it. See a pattern here. I need to think about it a little more and pick it up when I feel inspired. I was going to wait to post until I was finished but good lord who knows when that will be.

Whatcha think? Would you have cut this table in half?