How to Repurpose Crib into a Bench

Got an old crib tucked away in the attic, gathering dust? Let’s turn it into something awesome—a cozy, stylish bench that’ll bring back memories for years to come!

I love projects like this because they’re budget-friendly, eco-conscious, and let you flex your creative muscles.
Whether you’re new to DIY or a seasoned pro, this guide will show you how to repurpose crib into a bench with simple steps and a few pro tips.
Grab your tools, and let’s make something you’ll love showing off!

Jump to:

• Why Make a Bench From a Crib?
• Tools & Material Used
• How to Build Your Bench
• Step 7: Bench Skirt & Arm Rests
• Make It Your Own
• Safety First
• Avoid These Mistakes
• Wrapping It Up

Why Make a Bench From a Crib?

There’s something special about giving new life to old stuff.

Turning a crib into a bench isn’t just about saving money (though it’s way cheaper than buying new furniture).
It’s about creating something unique—maybe even a piece that holds memories from your kiddo’s nursery.

This bench can be a cozy spot in your entryway, a charming addition to your porch, or a quirky accent in your living room.
Plus, upcycling keeps junk out of landfills. Win-win!

Tools & Material Used

Before we dive in, below are the tools/material I used for this project.

• Complete Guide for Distressing Furniture
• Power Tools
  • Pocket Hole Jig
  • Graco Truecoat Plus II
  • Drill
  • Brad Nailer
  • Orbital Sander
• 2.5" Screws
• Wood Putty
• Primer
• Caulk
• ¼" Wood Trim Moulding
• Hand Sander
• 2 - 8' 2x4s - Home Depot
• 2 - 6' 1x6s - Home Depot
• Bench Accessories
  • Seat Cushions
  • Throw Pillows
  • Fleur Des Lis Rosettes

How to Build Your Bench

Here’s the fun part—let’s get building! Follow these steps to transform your crib step by step.

Step 1: Take the Crib Apart

Start by breaking down the crib. Grab your screwdriver and remove the mattress, side rails, and any extra hardware.

You’ll likely use the headboard or footboard for the bench’s backrest and one side rail for the seat frame.
Keep screws in a labeled bag in case you need them later.

Check all parts for cracks or weak spots and use wood putty to repair damaged spots.

Step 2: Sand It Smooth

Time to prep the wood.

Fill any damaged areas or unused holes with wood putty.
Use 120-grit sandpaper to strip off old paint or varnish and smooth out rough spots.

Then switch to 220-grit for a super-smooth finish.
Wipe everything down with a damp cloth to get rid of dust.

This makes sure your paint or stain goes on nice and even.

Step 3: Build a Seat

Now, let’s build the bench seat.

I used scrap pieces of wood (2 - 2x4s) from my workshop.
Also, the frame provides extra support.
It also gives the sides and front a flat surface to attach to. More on this later.

First, I formed the seat with 2x4s as shown in the picture below.

Next, I cut off the legs from the front rail using my jig saw.
A hand saw works as well.
Keep in mind, I left the legs on the back rail in tact.

Then, I drilled 2 pocket holes and attached them using 2.5" pocket hole wood screws.

Step 4: Put the Frame Together

Use the headboard or footboard as the backrest and attach a side rail horizontally to form the seat frame

I attached the bench seat frame to the repurposed crib rail back using my drill and screws.  
The top of the bench is 19 ¼" from the ground in order to make sure the top of the bench seat is 20" high.

Secure it with screws or wood glue—make sure it’s sturdy!
If the pieces are too long, grab a saw and trim them to fit (4-5 feet is a good bench length).

Step 5: Boards for Bench Seat Top

Next, I ripped each 1x6 from 5.5" to 4.75".
I secured 4-1x6 pine boards to the top of the seat using brad nails and glue.
This made the bench 19" from back to front.

Step 6: Bench Seat Molding

Time to add molding to cover the gaps.

I cut ¼" wood moulding for the top and sides of the bench.
I attached the moulding with wood glue and brad nails.
Also, I used caulk to fill in the gaps and make everything flush.

I thought the moulding matched the style of the bench.
The dimensions of the bench seat ended up being 56"x19"x20" (LxWxH).

I added 3 decorative wood Fleur Des Lis rosettes to the front of the bench.

Step 7: Bench Skirt & Arm Rests

I used the front piece of the baby crib to make the bench sides and front skirt.

I cut the front piece about 8 inches from the top.
Also, this is the same piece I cut the legs from in an earlier step.
This left me with an 10" piece and a 15" piece with both being 50" wide.

Next, I used the 15" piece for the bottom skirt of the bench.
I attached the baby crib bench's bottom skirt with pocket holes to the front legs.
To secure the spindles, I used brad nails.

The 10" pieces were cut down to 20" for each arm rest.
Finally, I used the original bed rail boards as a bottom brace from the head board to the back of the front legs.

Step 8: Paint or Stain It

Pick a paint or stain that matches your style—I went with a light gray.

FIrst, prime the bench. I find a paint sprayer works best due to all the curves of the bench.
Next, apply 2 coats of paint, letting each dry completely (check the can for drying times).

Finish with a layer of polyurethane sealant to protect it, especially if the bench will live outside.

Step 9: Add a Comfy Seat

Cut your foam to fit the seat base, then wrap it in your fabric. Use a staple gun to secure the fabric tightly on the underside. Attach the cushion to the frame with screws or heavy-duty adhesive. For a fancy touch, add decorative nails around the cushion edges. Sit on it to make sure it’s comfy but firm.

Make It Your Own

Here’s where you can have some fun:

• Outdoor Porch: Use outdoor-safe paint and weatherproof fabric for a patio bench.
• Rustic Style: Distress the paint with sandpaper for a farmhouse look.
• Sneaky Storage: Add a hinged seat for hidden storage space.
• Bold Colors: Try a pop of color like coral or sage green for a modern twist.
• Excess Wood: Put the excess wood to good use like an American Girl Doll bed.

Safety First

• Crib Check: Look up your crib model on CPSC.gov to make sure it’s not recalled.
• Gear Up: Wear gloves, a dust mask, and safety glasses when cutting or sanding.
• Sturdy Build: Test all joints and screws to make sure the bench won’t wobble.
• Good Air: Paint or stain in a well-ventilated spot to avoid breathing fumes.

Avoid These Mistakes

• Skipping the Sanding: Trust me, it’s worth the effort for a smooth finish.
• Using Shaky Parts: Swap out any weak or cracked crib pieces.
• Overloading It: Test the bench’s weight limit before piling on guests.
• Bad Measurements: Measure everything twice to avoid wonky cuts.

Wrapping It Up

There you have it—a crib turned into a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind bench!

This project is such a fun way to upcycle something old into a piece you’ll love for years. I had a blast making mine, and I bet you’ll feel the same.

Got a crib ready to transform? Let me know how it goes in the comments, or share a pic of your finished bench!

For more DIY inspiration, check out my guides on:

• How to Antique Painted Furniture
• 2 Simple Ways to Distress Furniture
• DIY Farmhouse Pantry Door