Upcycled Bunk Bed Workbench

This solid wood workbench is great for beginners or anybody looking to save money. It is made from a discarded bunk bed frame and extra screws I had laying around. It does not require any power tools except for an electric hand drill. I tried to avoid using nails and wood glue because I may need to take it apart and move it in a year or two.

Step 1: Materials and Tools

Materials:

I often see these older style bed frames dumped on the curb when people move, this one came from across the street. Otherwise you can find them for pretty cheap at Goodwill or at yard sales. Bunk beds are a good source material because they are solidly made, have many matching pieces, and often have six side rails. You could also use two similar twin frames with additional scrap wood.

-2 matching or compatible headboards (front and back of the workbench frame)
-4-6 side rails or plywood/MDF sheet (benchtop) 
-Bed slats, headboards, footboards, or other scrap wood (frame supports and bottom shelf)

Wood screws and nails- Many screws can be re-used from the original frame, but more will be needed.

Tools:

Pry bar
Electric hand drill
Pliers- Great for removing wire nails
Hammer
Screwdrivers
Mallet
Hand saw- Minimal sawing required
Pencil

Comments

[Nostalgic Guy]

I like it a lot.
I love to see good timber being re-used rather than end up in a landfill I have made quite a few things from old bunk beds myself some of them are in this 'ible.
I am planning a new bench which will be outside in a gazebo as my current workshop is far too small, at least in the milder weather I will be able to get on with some of the larger projects so I think I may start with a bench similar to yours.
Thanks for the ideas.
Rated :-)

[Covert Koala]

Thanks! It is always sad to see perfectly good material sitting in the rain waiting for the garbage truck. You made some great pieces, can't wait to see your bench.

[Nostalgic Guy]

Hope to be starting the new bench soon, we reorganized a bedroom today & the old bed should yield just enough timber to do the job.
I also rescued some quite large offcuts of 2" thick hardwood worktop a couple of months ago some of which I plan to incorporate into it for an end vice.
As my workspace is quite small I'm planning a 5' x 2' bench with a 3' x 3' drop down section hinged off the back wall & supported by steel rods which will slide out of the main bench, this means I can have a good sized work area & still keep the outside door accessible so I don't have to haul materials though the house & incur the wrath of my better half :-).
I still have a lot of preparation to do clearing the old bench out & moving a few things around as the room also provides a home for our dryer, chest freezer & larder fridge.
I will be taking pictures & hope to post an 'ible in a few weeks.

[spin498]

I wish this had been posted a year ago. I tried to give a perfectly good bunk bed set to the Sally Ann and they refused to take it, told me the dump was just up the street. I was so pissed I did exactly that. Never giving to 'charity' organizations again. (I tried to give them 2 perfectly good TVs about 4 yrs. ago and got the same response).

[Covert Koala]

I have been in that situation, sorry to hear that. It is the reverse in my area, Goodwill is picky while The Salvation Army accepts just about anything.

[spin498]

My apologies to the Sally Ann, you've reminded me that it was in fact Goodwill that refused the items both times. What was more infuriating was the fact they are using a Municipal Gov't recycling centre to get donations.

[KeenSense]

This is a super idea - a great way to reuse quality wood instead of just dumping it. Can't wait to see what else you can come up with! :)

[l8nite]

great way to repurpose ! thanks for sharing

[Covert Koala]

Thanks!

[dreamberry]

Super nice!

[Covert Koala]

Thanks :)