Re-Purposing: A Rustic Table-Bench Tutorial

Our re-purposed ammo box table was featured last week in the post A Typical Day.

Since then, I have received many inquiries from Do-It-Yourself-ers, asking for instructions on our project. So, I thought I'd share the rustic table-bench with you in a tutorial.

I've already found many uses for it--as a garden table for potted plants, as a side table in our "gazebo", and as a sturdy bench to sit on while gardening or crafting. I hide my garden tools in the box. And, it's very easy to move around with the rope handles.

Useful and handy. . .I love those words. . . .

You'll need a small ammo box. Actually, any box would do. 

We've seen these ammo boxes at yard sales and flea markets for less than $5.

You'll also need the two outside 2 x 4's from a palette. . . .

Measure the center section  of the 2 x 4. . . .

And, draw a line at the center point. . . .

 Saw the board into two pieces on the line. . . .

Take a file, or sandpaper, and smooth off the cut edges. . . .

Do the same on the second 2 x 4. . . .

 Now, you have four potential legs. . . .

Draw a cutting line on the first leg,

measuring from the top to the desired length. . . .

 Cut the one leg. . . . 

 Mark the remaining three legs with the first one. . . .

 Make sure all are the same length once they are cut. . . .

Decide where you want the legs to be placed and mark. . . .

Make sure the lid will open and clear the legs. . . .

Use nails or screws and attach the legs to the box. . . . 

Your rustic table bench is finished. . . .

Unless you decide to paint it. . . .

 I decided to leave mine without paint and let it weather to gray. . . .

I love projects that are easy and simple and can be completed quickly. . . .

This project was all three. . . .

It was so easy, I could have done it myself. . . .

But, don't tell John. . . .

Linking this post with:  * Rural Thursday * Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways