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Decorating and Home, Our Home, Tutorials

Old Door, New Bench

January 7, 2016

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See how an old wood door transforms into a gorgeous, rustic bench! Get the full tutorial on LoveGrowsWild.com

Do you remember this old door that’s been hanging out in my office? Yeah, that crooked one without much of a purpose? Well, it just got a pretty big makeover, and now not only is it functional… REALLY functional actually, but it is also the most beautiful piece of furniture I have ever laid my eyes on! Take a look at the new bench we have in our entryway:

See how an old wood door transforms into a gorgeous, rustic bench! Get the full tutorial on LoveGrowsWild.com

It’s not often that I get THIS excited over a project, but this bench has completely stolen my heart. I was sitting in my office late one afternoon, typing away on a blog post, and somehow the idea hit me… I wonder if I could cut the door up into pieces and turn it into some kind of bench? I have been on the hunt for an old, antique church pew for our entryway for awhile now and have had little to no luck finding one even close to my price range. Maybe, just maybe, I could make this door into the church pew bench I’ve been looking for.

I started by removing the door knob (which was quite a task with rusted hardware) and cutting the door into sections using my circular saw. I used the recessed panels on the door as a guides:

I split the top of the door down the middle to create a back and seat for the bench.

Then I cut the bottom of the door in half to create the sides of the bench, cutting around the small panel in the middle of the door.

See how an old wood door transforms into a gorgeous, rustic bench! Get the full tutorial on LoveGrowsWild.com

Note: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which allows me to make a small commission from your purchase, but your purchase price stays the same. Thank you for helping support our blog!

Once all the pieces were cut apart, I sanded down all the rough edges and rounded the corners a bit. At this point, it was almost 10:00 at night, and I was standing outside in our freezing cold breezeway working on the bench. Power tools and cold, nearly-numb fingers are not something I like to mix very often. I was just going to leave the top of the bench side pieces with square edges so I could head inside and warm up quicker, but Jeremy thought they would look so much better with a little curved detail. He grabbed a pencil and sketched out the curves, then cut them with a jigsaw. They turned out beautiful and gave the bench that church pew look I was going for. He earned a whole lot of brownie points from this girl on that cold, late night.

To assemble the bench, I attached the back piece to the sides using 6 Kreg Jig pocket holes and screws on either side. If you’ve never used a Kreg Jig before and like to do little furniture building projects like this, I HIGHLY recommend you pick one up. I’ve used mine over and over again since I first purchased it for our farmhouse coffee table!

To finish the bench, I attached the seat piece to the sides in the same manner as I did the back, using 6 pocket holes and screws underneath the seat on either side. This was actually a really quick and simple build, and by using the pocket holes, you don’t see any of the screws because they are hidden on the back side and underneath the bench seat.

See how an old wood door transforms into a gorgeous, rustic bench! Get the full tutorial on LoveGrowsWild.com

See how an old wood door transforms into a gorgeous, rustic bench! Get the full tutorial on LoveGrowsWild.com

I had previously sanded all the paint off one side of the door, but the other side still had some white paint left. You all know I’m a big lover of chippy white paint, so I decided to leave the paint exposed on the outside. I think it just adds to the character of the piece. But my FAVORITE detail of the entire project is the old keyhole and doorknob hole that we were able to keep on one of the side pieces. It makes my antique, reclaimed, DIY heart extremely happy.

See how an old wood door transforms into a gorgeous, rustic bench! Get the full tutorial on LoveGrowsWild.com

See how an old wood door transforms into a gorgeous, rustic bench! Get the full tutorial on LoveGrowsWild.com

I’ve been making some pretty big changes in the dining room since all the Christmas decor came down a few weeks ago, and it feels so much more open and organized in here now. I’ll show you guys more of our progress in a blog post next week!

It was pretty hilarious taking these photos of the bench yesterday… we’re currently in the middle of a major kitchen renovation right on the other side of my dining room wall (details on the kitchen coming soon too!), so I have drywall and plaster dust EVERYWHERE right now. Literally 2″ of dust on every. single. surface. I mopped up the floor around the bench at least twice, if not three times, but I have a feeling it’s just going to be awhile before this house is dust-free again. The joys of home renovation, right? It actually doesn’t bother me too much because I know at the end of all this, we’ll have an amazing new kitchen to enjoy.

See how an old wood door transforms into a gorgeous, rustic bench! Get the full tutorial on LoveGrowsWild.com

But until then, I’ll just enjoy my beautiful, new/old bench.

See how an old wood door transforms into a gorgeous, rustic bench! Get the full tutorial on LoveGrowsWild.com

So what do you guys think of our FIRST project of 2016? I thought I’d start the year off with a bang, and it’s going to be pretty hard to top this guy. Next time you spot an old door at an antique store, be sure to snatch it up!

xoxo Liz


More projects from our farmhouse:

This cozy sleeping nook was created by adding a faux wood beam and lace curtains over the bed, and the results are amazing! See how to do this project in your home at LoveGrowsWild.com

Wood Beam and Lace Curtains

See how this antique blueprint file cabinet gets transformed into a beautiful coffee table at LoveGrowsWild.com

Repurposed Blueprint Cabinet

Learn how to build this rustic wood farmhouse coffee table at LoveGrowsWild.com! Click for more photos, supply list, and tutorial!

Farmhouse Coffee Table

This large farmhouse table seats 8+ and adds great rustic charm to your dining room. See more photos and project details at LoveGrowsWild.com

Farmhouse Dining Table

Learn how to build an easy DIY Farmhouse Bench - perfect for saving space in a small dining room! Details at LoveGrowsWild.com

DIY Farmhouse Bench


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DIY Decor Entryway Woodworking
by Liz Fourez 
42 Comments

About Liz Fourez

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Comments

  1. [email protected] Chronicles of Home says: January 7, 2016 at 12:39 pm

    Oh wow, Liz – what a gorgeous use of the door! Before I read that you had been looking for an old church pew I was thinking it had a church bench look. So, well done! Really, really nice.

    Reply
  2. Sarah @ Pebbles and Peonies says: January 7, 2016 at 1:37 pm

    This turned out great! I love the new/old charm feel it has!

    Reply
  3. Kathy says: January 7, 2016 at 2:23 pm

    That’s awesome. Great job!

    Reply
  4. Brandi says: January 7, 2016 at 10:17 pm

    I love it! It’s perfect that you were able to keep the keyhole!

    Reply
  5. Shelby says: January 7, 2016 at 11:11 pm

    The bench turned out soooo amazing!! I absolutely love it. It’s so unique. Something you obviously would never find!
    I have also been on a serious hunt for an old bench to put in front of our bed with no luck (unless I want to spend and arm and a leg!). Never thought of making one out of a door! Brilliant. Might have to steal/borrow this idea!

    Reply
  6. Tanja says: January 8, 2016 at 4:08 am

    It looks gorgeous!!! A very good idea I’d never thought myself about to remodel a shabby door into a bench piece.. By the the way the door itself looked beautiful in your office corner, too. I guess the best ideas came late at night for new projects or any resolutions 🙂

    Reply
  7. Jennifer says: January 8, 2016 at 7:38 am

    Love your creativity! This bench is beautiful. Just wondering if you could please share the dimensions of the finished product?! Great work!

    Reply
    • Liz Fourez says: February 1, 2016 at 11:39 am

      Awe, thank you Jennifer! Mine is about 45″ L x 35″ H x 15″ D.

      Reply
  8. Kimberly says: January 9, 2016 at 6:29 am

    Absolutely love your bench and all the details. Amazing.

    Reply
  9. Mindy says: January 9, 2016 at 11:33 am

    LOVE it.

    Reply
  10. Christy Janes says: January 10, 2016 at 9:49 pm

    I love this project! You make it look so easy. I have passed by doors hundreds of times because I just didn’t know what to do with them. I think next time I will grab them up & give this a try!

    Reply
  11. Linda J says: January 11, 2016 at 2:23 pm

    This bench was just meant to be. I swear, it is to die for. Rarely do I see a DIY project that stops my heart. I appreciate them, like them and even make one now and then. But this. This stops my heart. I think I feel jealous! I really do! In case you can’t tell, I absolutely- unequivocally- in no uncertain terms think this is as good as it gets. I love each and every detail. And, you have the ONLY one. Geez.

    Reply
  12. debra cusick says: January 11, 2016 at 2:38 pm

    If you’re anything like me, you won’t be able to top your opener to this year. The bench is the best! I love doors and re-purpose them into everything, but this wins the prize!! You are amazingly talented and creative. Your love translates into every single thing you touch, and I admire you greatly. I’m building an addition/classroom onto my house with a 4′ x 6′ entry and will imitate this gorgeous bench (flattery, right)–made to my specifications–inexpensively (I have a garage full of old wonderful doors) and perfect in that space! You ARE just the inspiration I needed on this cold day in January!! I so look forward to your posts. Thank you.

    Reply
  13. Jeane Parker says: January 11, 2016 at 2:44 pm

    I have a bedroom door that I foresee being made into a project very similar to this one! Thank you, Lisa – for the idea and the directions. Continued success as you renovate your way through 2016!

    Reply
  14. Rebecca says: January 11, 2016 at 3:18 pm

    Oh my goodness; love it!

    Reply
  15. Linda says: January 11, 2016 at 3:35 pm

    LOVE IT, wish I was as talented as you guys are, looks great!

    Reply
  16. Glenna Williams says: January 11, 2016 at 3:43 pm

    I love your new,old bench and I love the curved arms also. Keep up thegreat posts, I look forward to each and every one.

    Reply
  17. Janet B says: January 11, 2016 at 3:45 pm

    BEAUTIFUL and GENIUS! Now I want an old door! My first 2016 project is cleaning and organizing bedroom closet. Half done today.

    Reply
  18. nancy says: January 11, 2016 at 4:14 pm

    Best repurpose I’ve seen in a long time. Well done!

    Reply
  19. Marijean Jenson says: January 11, 2016 at 5:09 pm

    II love what you did with the door!

    Reply
  20. Claudia Fleese says: January 11, 2016 at 6:14 pm

    Simply gorgeous!

    Reply
  21. Nancy says: January 11, 2016 at 8:17 pm

    You did a beautiful job on the bench! The door knob and handle markings really add to it’s charm. Looking forward to seeing all of your recent changes, especially your kitchen!

    Reply
  22. Trudi says: January 11, 2016 at 8:56 pm

    Beautiful job! I love it!

    Reply
  23. shelly @ diy mama says: January 11, 2016 at 9:22 pm

    It’s unbelievable! It looks weathered but not dirty to where people wouldn’t want to sit on it to change their shoes. It looks like the perfect entryway bench size too! Great idea!

    Reply
  24. Gwen says: January 12, 2016 at 4:00 am

    Just amazing!! I’d have never thought to do this. I’m simply wowed!!! Excellent job!!!

    Reply
  25. Jackie says: January 12, 2016 at 10:34 am

    What a great bench!

    Reply
  26. Beverly Elaine says: January 13, 2016 at 12:48 am

    Well done! I’ve been wanting an old bench but not willing to pay the price for one. Thank you for providing a solution!

    Reply
  27. Mary says: January 14, 2016 at 7:51 am

    I always love your projects, & this one is an absolute stunner. & I am so envious of your skills with power tools!!

    Reply
  28. George says: January 14, 2016 at 8:48 am

    I love faux aged wood and this door looks brilliant.

    Reply
  29. Heather _OneHorseLane says: January 14, 2016 at 9:23 am

    So in love with this Liz!! I’ve got a door that would be perfect for this!! Thank you for the inspiration!! ?

    Heather @onehorselane

    Reply
  30. Sarah says: January 16, 2016 at 9:30 am

    Fantastic Liz! I am loving your blog, so genuine!

    Reply
  31. Sarah says: February 2, 2016 at 1:00 pm

    Bloody love it!! Such a brilliant up cycling project.

    Reply
  32. Malissa - Southern Sawdust says: February 3, 2016 at 3:57 pm

    Wow! What a beautiful transformation. I’ve been wanting a pretty high back bench like this for my dining room table. Thanks for the idea!

    Reply
  33. Maria @ Pastels & Macarons says: February 24, 2016 at 6:59 am

    This is SO clever! I’m just not this creative! I wish! Pinning this!

    Reply
  34. Tina H. says: February 25, 2016 at 8:54 pm

    Absolutely beautiful, well done! 🙂

    Reply
  35. Dan says: February 29, 2016 at 8:51 am

    How much is the old door bench worth?

    Reply
    • Liz Fourez says: March 9, 2016 at 12:19 pm

      That’s a good question, Dan! I don’t plan to sell mine, so I haven’t priced it out, but I know pieces like this can sell for quite a bit.

      Reply
  36. Manuel M. York says: March 28, 2016 at 5:29 am

    Well, thank you Liz. I have an old door, I thought I would turn it into a recliner.

    Reply
  37. Jennifer M. Nix says: May 4, 2016 at 11:23 pm

    Thanks for sharing your experiences. I’m doing some research on painting. I have an old coffee table and I want to paint it. Now I have some idea to do that.

    Reply
  38. Patrick Pemberton says: July 30, 2016 at 5:07 am

    Good wood will make the room more luxurious

    Reply
  39. Donna Hanlin says: August 19, 2016 at 7:24 am

    I have 2 old doors I got for 25.00,to go in my bathroom unfortunately for me,they were too wide ,wasn’t sure what to do with them,now I know what my sister is getting for Christmas. Thanks for your creative ideal,you need to sell them.Donna

    Reply
  40. Jen Heninger says: August 31, 2016 at 3:58 pm

    I’ve hadb an old dor from my grandma’s house sitting for over3 years just waiting for this brilliant idea! I totally made it last weekend…THANKS for the idea. I absolutely love it!! Wish I ciuld send you a pic.

    Reply

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Welcome, sweet friends! My name is Liz, and I started Love Grows Wild in 2012 with a passion for interior design and homemaking and a dream to help others create a home they love.
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Liz Fourez started Love Grows Wild in 2012 with a passion for interior design and homemaking and a dream to help others create a home they love.  From simple project tutorials, to holiday and entertaining ideas, to her journey renovating a 1940’s farmhouse, Liz demonstrates how to create a beautiful and inviting home with a handmade touch. She turned her signature cozy, neutral style into a best-selling book in 2016 and continues to inspire readers with her captivating photography and easy decorating ideas. Read more about Liz > > > >

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Did you know that I started blogging almost 9 year Did you know that I started blogging almost 9 years ago? It’s crazy to think I started building this little brand of mine almost a decade ago, but in 2017 I began wanting to share more than just online inspiration and reach people in a more personal way. 

That summer I opened a small retail shop in my favorite antique store in my home state of Indiana and filled it with items that I love and decorate my own home with.  Opening this little shop has been a natural extension of what I create on my blog and in my home and allows people to find my favorite things and decorating ideas all in one place.

My hope is that one day I can offer online shopping & ship items to your door all over the country, but for now if you are ever in the Midwest, I would love for you to come visit this beautiful historic building and browse the many items I handpicked for your home.

We are open Monday-Saturday 10-5 pm & Sunday 12-5 pm inside @originaltreasuremart at 1201 E. Vaile Avenue in Kokomo, IN. You can call (765) 459-3148 for more information. 

I’d love to hear from you... have you visited @lovegrowswildmarket before, and what was your favorite purchase? Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting small businesses like mine. 🤍
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A few of my favorite finds were: an extra-long lumbar pillow for my sofa, beautiful black textured bowls that I can't decide if I want to actually use in my kitchen or decorate with, a bouquet of dried greenery, and a new dog bed for Remington. I will be sharing how I styled these items on the blog next week, so stay tuned!

Swipe to see video of my shopping trip and all that you can find at a Tuesday Morning near you! Do you have a store close to you? Have you been before? Let me know in the comments!

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Which are you most excited to see? P.S. still absolutely obsessed with the new dining chairs 😍

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Yesterday I had a design meeting with one of my to Yesterday I had a design meeting with one of my toughest clients yet... my teenage son. 😂 Actually, he is probably the easiest person to please, and his requests for the upcoming bedroom makeover we are planning were pretty simple:

• blackout curtains so he can sleep in on weekends
• a new darker paint color
• somewhere to charge all his devices

I think I can handle that! This room is quite a challenge with the small size & layout, but I think we’ve come up with a game plan to make it more functional and much more “him”. 

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