Blogger Louisville, KY on Jun 10, 2012

Upcycled/Repurposed Crib into Toy Box Bench

My cousin gave me a "curbed" crib she no longer wanted. I had no idea what I wanted to do with it, until I saw a similar project, and I was inspired to make this kids toy box bench. You can see a step by step tutorial on my blog, My Repurposed Life http://bit.ly/K9NUzG

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This is the crib I started with. This style of crib is not real sturdy, that's why it took me a while to figure out what to do with it.
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I cut one of the pieces shorter, and then in half. (note:I used two scrap pieces of wood to support the slats until I got them secure later in this project)
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I built a box out of 1x10's using pocket hole screws. I used a piece of plywood for the bottom. (I dry fit it all together with clamps)
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I used screws through each of the side slats and the back of the bottom brace to attach the box to the new bench.
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I embellished the front of the box with the bottom of the crib piece I cut off. I think this is what makes this bench come together. It ties it all in.
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I added hinges and a safety hinge (not shown) I painted it a very light blue/green. Note: I drilled holes in the bottom for ventilation in case a child closes t...
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Voila! I love how this project came together. Remember, you can see a step by step tutorial on my blog. My Repurposed Life http://bit.ly/K9NUzG

38 Comments Displaying 25 of 38 comments | See Previous

Miriam I New York, NY

Marg, LOL. It's a blogger conference in Atlanta. Quite a few Hometalkers will be there, I think. Here is a link with more info: http://www.havenconference.com/

on Jun 10, 2012 · Like 1
Marg C Middletown, NY

omg would love to be able to go! you girls are so lucky! If I wasn't hosting a family reunion the first week of July, I might seriously think of joining you all. Have a great time and please share anything you learn while you're there :)

on Jun 11, 2012 · Like 1
Leida R Tampa, FL

AWESOME!!! I love it!!!

on Jun 11, 2012 · Like 1
leah West Orange, NJ

LOVE this!

on Jun 11, 2012 · Like 1
Zografia A Greece

great reuse of things! looks beautiful!

on Jun 11, 2012 · Like 1
Kimberly T Charleston, WV

I love this! I have my son's crib that they say is not safe anymore just sitting in my attic collecting dust. I think I will do this project. Thank you for posting it.

on Jun 14, 2012 · Like 1
Tom S Nelsonville, OH

I'm like Mikey, I hate everything. But I like this. Great job.

on Jun 14, 2012 · Like 1
Marg C Middletown, NY

not true Tom...Mikey liked everything lol

on Jun 14, 2012 · Like 1
Leida R Tampa, FL

Marg C, that's what I thought. Lol!!!

on Jun 14, 2012 · Like 1
Marg C Middletown, NY

"let's give it to Mikey, he'll eat anything" hehehe

on Jun 15, 2012 · Like 0
Tom S Nelsonville, OH

If Mike liked everything, why were they surprised when he liked the product?

on Jun 15, 2012 · Like 0
Cathy S Derry, NH

Hi I'm Cathy and new to this site. I LOVE everything you post. How about instructions for some of the things that aren't so obvious to figure out? By the way the planters were soooooo pretty and easy to figure out.
Thanks Cathy......................

on Jun 15, 2012 · Like 0
gail--My Repurposed Life Louisville, KY

Marg and Tom--don't make me stop this car! hehehe I've often wondered if it was "he hates everything" or "he'll eat anything"
Cathy--I don't recall posting any planters. All of my projects can be found on My Repurposed Life, with full details and lots of pictures. Each of my posts will have a link to the full tutorial.
thanks ALL!
gail

on Jun 15, 2012 · Like 1
Leida R Tampa, FL

Tom S, YOU ARE SO RIGHT!!! I stand corrected.

on Jun 15, 2012 · Like 0
Tom S Nelsonville, OH

Any way, that is a really nice job.

on Jun 15, 2012 · Like 1
Marg C Middletown, NY

nope, I think they were surprised that the Life cereal tasted so good :) hehe

on Jun 15, 2012 · Like 1
Leida R Tampa, FL

Hahahahaha!!!

on Jun 15, 2012 · Like 1
Liz C Garnerville, NY

Extremely Creative! Love it!

on Jun 15, 2012 · Like 1
Marg C Middletown, NY

I will be paying very close attention to your directions Gail....look what I found for $5 at a yard sale yesterday! I was in shock when I happened on this ...my Mother is coming for a visit in a couple of weeks so I'm not sure how soon I'll be getting to it but I can't wait!
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on Jun 17, 2012 · Like 3
gail--My Repurposed Life Louisville, KY

How funny Marg! :) did you know that my thrifting budget is $5? :) Yep when I am looking for a project I won't go over $5, unless it is for my personal use, then I'll go 7-10. Once I went as high as 25 for my kitchen table, cause it was perfect for me!
happy you picked it up, remember to remove all that wonderful hardware, and hang on to it. Lots of cribs have L brackets... have you priced them lately? lol I don't throw anything away till I know I have no use for it.
have fun!!!
gail

on Jun 18, 2012 · Like 1
Marg C Middletown, NY

well then I was right on with the price :D I'm so very excited about this project. Now I too know that my budget for thrifting should be $5. thank you so much for the input and info '')

on Jun 18, 2012 · Like 1
At The Picket Fence Florence, KY

Gail this is such a fantastic project!! I'm going to pin this to the hometalk DIY That Inspires Group board!
http://pinterest.com/hometalk/diy-that-inspi...

on Jul 06, 2012 · Like 1
DIY Show Off Pittsburgh, PA

You're brilliant! ;)

on Jul 06, 2012 · Like 1
Eclectically Vintage - Ke... New York, NY

You go with your crib up cycling bad self! I bought an old crib and reused the spring but the rails are sitting all alone in my garage - this is just the ticket for them!

on Jul 06, 2012 · Like 1
Kaymie M Blue Grass, IA

Would even make a cool trellis in the yard!

on Jul 07, 2012 · Like 1