DIY Hairpin Bench.

My latest trip to Habitat for Humanity led me to this huge wood plank.  It was approx 9 feet long and 4 inches thick for $20.  Score! My plan was to cut it in half, refinish and stain the wood, put hairpin legs on it and call it a day.  After I drove around back and loaded it up I smushed the corner of my car on a sloping curb.  Gah!

So much for a score.

The first thing we did was sand this baby down to raw wood using 80 grit sand paper and an electric sander.

Next we went back over it again with 320 grit to give it a good smooth finish.  I’ve never tried using a pre-stain / wood conditioner but a friend game me a leftover can so I gave it go.
It’s supposed to help the stain go on more evenly.  It was quick and simple to apply with a foam pad.

Once dry, I applied Minwax Special Walnut Stain.

Once the stain fully dried I added two coats of Waterlox.

I found a great source for Hairpin Legs and other hairpin accessories called hairpinlegs.com.

These 14″, raw steel legs are priced at $9.00 each.  They come in all sizes, colors and materials.

Perfect end-of-bed bench.  I’ve only knocked my shins twice in two nights on it.  I can promise you I won’t be doing that again tonight.

See full bedroom makeover here.

*I received the hairpin legs to try at no cost and with no obligation for a mention.  All thoughts and opinions are my own. *