Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Roadside Bench Turned Coffee Table, Part 1







ScARy isn't it? My hubby and I found these at a roadside junkyard last fall and paid 10.00 a piece for them (yes, there are TWO of these!).  I had no idea what I'd do with them but for that price, who could pass it up so into the trunk they went.  Not only had these been exposed to the elements for who knows how long but they are definitely handmade and aside from the spindle 'arms', they appear to be hand-carved, including the appliques on each side.  That said, these were two very 'rough' pieces.  I began by taking off the lovely crushed velvet cushion and removing 127 rusted tacks and 52 rusty nails (yep, I counted).  Taking the piece outside, I used gloves to pull off the velvet and the stuffing and other assorted things from underneath, leaving me with this:
I have no idea if this plywood seat is original, thus making this not as old as I thought OR if this was added later to replace the original seat.  I then went on to begin repairing some loose, cracked joints with Gorilla Glue, wood putty and nails.  After sanding, it was time to prime.  I thought it would be easier to use spray primer.  Bad idea. This is untreated wood and it soaked up two cans and barely looked white! 

I applied THREE coats of Kilz2 Latex primer, sanding in between and continuing to fill in some of the holes and rough areas.  There are still a lot of 'notches' and imperfections but I've concluded these will just add to the character of this piece.






My next step is going to be to apply the paint -- probably white as it will go with other pieces I've refinished in my living room.  Have to find some upholstery fabric for the cushion and then she will be ready to be used as a coffee table/foot rest in front of my sofa!  Oh, I've pretty much concluded I do NOT want to work on its twin . . . anyone interested??


To be continued . . .


26 comments:

  1. Ohhh my I found one of those last weekend. but turned it down because it was missing the spindley(sp?) parts. can't wait to see the finished product

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  2. It shows all the time and love you have put in it! I can't wait to see the fabric you pick! Thanks for sharing!

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  3. I love the shape of this piece. Keep going on it. After all the work, you will probably end up loving it and will want to do the same to the second one. Can't wait to see the finished one.

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  4. Those are really neat looking! Can't wait to see the finished product! :)

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  5. You'll love it once it's done! We love using the KILZ, too...it does wonders! ♥

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  6. doncha love roadside finds? Looks like its gonna be a winner.

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  7. I agree, this one's a winner...can't wait to see the finished product!!

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  8. This is gonna be drop dead gorgeous!! Hurry and pick the fabric and finish it and share!!!!

    Big TX Hugs,
    Stephanie
    Angelic Accents

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  9. Wow Lauren! Those are beautiful! I cant wait to see them finished. I will be sure to follow:)

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  10. What a pretty piece! I'm sure it will look lovely finished

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  11. That is beautiful. I wish I lived near and I would take the twin off your hands. I love a challenge.

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  12. The bench looks beautiful- you've got a lot of sweat equity built in it- even if it did use up a lot of paint! Maybe once you've had a bit of time you'll decide to do the other one???

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  13. I can tell these are going to be lovely! Good for you for seeing past the dirt and grime :-)

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  14. Wow, that looks like it was a lot fo work! Good job!

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  15. I can't wait to see your finished product!! :)

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  16. Wow! Looks awesome. Can't wait to see it when it's done! I will totally take the twin!! :)

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  17. I've awarded you the Versatile Blogger Award!
    check it out...
    http://realcraftymama.blogspot.com/2011/04/versatile-blogger-award.html

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  18. Your Weathered Treasure is going to be Fabulous! I think you'll want to keep its Twin....
    Can't wait to see it Finished~
    Cheryl

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  19. What a transformation! It looks fab :)

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  20. What a great find, it looks so much better already. This will be fabulous when you're finished. With all the work you put into it, it must have been hard to look over and still see one more to do. Very nice job!

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  21. I love the detail on that and you totally gave it a new life! Thanks for sharing this at the party too! :-)
    Vanessa

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  22. That is wonderful! I love the shape of it. thanks for linking it up!
    Sherry

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  23. How gorgeous. I have a good friend who is talented at this type of "recharging and renewing" a neglected piece of furniture but I am all thumbs so I get to admire her and you and others who are good. Won't it look gorgeous in your house - and be comfy for your feet! Thanks for a fun visit for Favorite Things Saturday.

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  24. Just beautiful, it's wonderful that you could rescue them. Once it was painted I could see all the great details. Thanks for linking up with VIF! xo Debra

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  25. What a great find- and the paint really looks wonderful! Thanks for sharing at FNF :)

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  26. Well done- paint does wonders! Thanks for linking to Workshop Wednesday- hope to see you this week! goodbyecityhellosuburbs

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