Repurposed Paneled Door Bench

Another old door project – if you are detecting a pattern here with old doors you are very observant. Finally getting around to using some doors that were given to me a few months ago. Mostly playing around to see what I can come up with and in the process clear up some space in the shop.

The bench is made from a single door with some added scraps here and there. The seat panel is super reinforced with a stretcher directly beneath it with a plywood spacer the size of the panel for support.

Original glass door knobs that came with the doors are being reused as the finials (?), if that’s the correct word, on the top of the back rest. There was no way I was going to make this and not incorporate the knobs. Easily my favorite part of the project.

I was going to take a break from building right before this to get some things done around the house but the temptation of this idea was too strong (yes, I’m weak). I started the build FIRST with the idea in my head and THEN sketched out a couple of the design ideas during the build process. I debated the finish such as whether or not to paint the majority and stain some components but the majority opinion was to leave it as is after some mild distressing with the ROS – 100/220 grit. And I think the design lends itself to being left as is. I think most woodworkers would understand when a project “tells” you that it’s finished.