Ready for Part Two of creating an Outdoor Sofa from a Cast Iron Bathtub?
Yesterday, I shared Part One… How to make the Sofa…
Now, today I’m sharing how I created a comfy place to kick back and relax…
I started with a trip to Joann’s Craft Store to purchase foam and fabric…I did not plan this excursion well, because I went on Labor Day with three small boys. (smart, right) I think everyone in the store felt sorry for me (or thought I was nuts) pushing a cart loaded with giant pieces of foam, bolts of fabric, and boys…one in the basket, and two hanging off the sides fighting over who had the most space to hang on…
There was light at the end of the trip, though…Lucky for me, the foam and outdoor fabric was on sale 50% off that day! I had NO IDEA foam was so expensive, so make sure to plan that into the cost of re-purposing a bathtub if you ever choose to. We’re talking $50-75 per yard…don’t pass out like I almost did.
- Measure the interior width and length of the bathtub and add a couple inches to the length. It can always be trimmed back later. I wish I would have left mine a little longer so the cushion would have a tighter fit at each end.
- Wrap cushion in quilt batting and cover with outdoor fabric. I could have made a slipcover for this, but chose not to. Why? Because I live in a house of boys. We live in the country. There is a lot of dirt. Those three combined means I will be washing this A LOT. So, I simply serged the edges of the fabric (not shown), sprayed it with a couple coats of scotch guard and tucked it around the edges of the foam.
For the pillows, I created simple covers for some extra pillows I had around the house. I measured the existing pillow and added seam allowance, then stitched them up. For the backing, I used an old slipcover from my sofa in a cream twill. This way, if the color is too bold, I can tone it down with a more neutral look. I may even stencil on a couple of them!
All that hard work turned into a beautiful, comfortable and unique piece of furniture for my back patio…Love it! Now if it’ll just warm up enough so I can use it!
Whew…Looong tutorial, I know! Hope I gave enough details, but you are always welcome to comment or email me with further questions!
See how I changed up the look for different seasons…
Late Summer/Fall with Relax Pillow tutorial…
Patriotic with tutorials for Stars and Stripes Pillows…
What Outdoor projects are you working on?
Foam costs–I about died the first time I bought some too! And that was with the 50% off. But sometimes it’s just worth it.
This is beautiful! (and thanks for linking it up!)
Haha! I almost walked out without the foam and figured out another alternative…I was shocked at the price! This foam better last for years. So nice to meet you at SNAP! You are just as sweet in person as I imagined. Can’t wait to to follow along with your home remodel.
~Ariean
So I seen this on pintrest not too long ago and thought what a great idea…..I have my tub now it arrived today. So excited to do this project.
Ooh…So glad you like it and cannot wait to see how you transform yours!
Have a great week!
~Ariean
How cool!!!!!!!!!! This is so neat!
Thanks so much! Hope you have a great weekend!
~Ariean
I am so happy to see this,daughter already has the tub so as soon as school is out that big farm house is going to have one on their front porch!!! Love it!!!
Yay! So excited to see how yours turns out! You’ll have to share a photo with me.
Have a Happy Day!
~Ariean
I still can’t get over how amazing this is!
Thanks Shannah! It turned out better than I expected and I still love it! Loved meeting you at SNAP…I’ll think of you every time I go to Starbucks!
~Ariean
Ariean, this is absolutely gorgeous! It totally blows me away! Great job to you and the Mr. 😉
I am glad I have finally found someone who has done rhis. We have had a tub exactly like yulours for the past 6yrs and I love it. I just couldn’t find a good re purpose for it and it can’t come in the house we have! Now I have a project that my husband loves ( after showing him your posts!) , and he is on board in helping me make this a reality!! Thank you so much for your inspiration and I can’t wait to get started once it warms up here!!
Oh I cannot wait to see what you do with it! You’ll love it!
Have a Happy Day!
~Ariean
Fantastic idea. Your tub-chaise is beautiful. I have to laugh at your trip to JoAnn’s with three little boys. I had three boys in four years and shopping with them was always full of the unexpected. I like you loved being the only chick in the house. Love your ideas.
Haha! So glad you could relate! There’s definitely never a dull moment, but I wouldn’t trade it. Thanks so much for your sweet comments and for stopping by. Hope you have a happy day!
~Ariean
This Is just sooo cool! I love it! The idea is something I would have never thought of and your fabric choices are fabulous!! Come link up to Centerpiece Wednesday party on my blog…I would like to highlight you next week! http://thestylesisters.blogspot.com/2014/05/centerpiece-wednesday-soothing-natural.html
Thanks for the invite…I’ll hop over there now. If I’m too late this week, I’ll link up next week for sure! So happy you like my Sofa…I’m still loving it too!
Have a Happy Weekend!
~Ariean