I’ve finally realized exactly what I bring to the table for our renovating efforts.
It’s not any functional skill. I don’t build things. I rarely use power tools. I can barely read instructions to assemble a piece of furniture. I don’t even do very good at handing tools to the person doing the work. (Squirrel.)
My gifts?
- Delegating work to skilled workers?
- Inspiring vision?
- Encouraging the gifts of others?
See what I did there? I just turned the words bossy, high-strung, and demanding into great, resume-worthy skills.
That’s another gift.
So, anyhow. A few months ago, I had a vision of exactly what I wanted to build in the barn garage. It was a mash-up of a lot of different things I’d seen but obviously much more awesome.
I wanted three extra long and extra strong workbenches on wheels. These would also have two shelves below for storage of all the junk we have in our possession. They would CHANGE OUR LIVES FOREVER.
So I asked my dad if he’d teach me how to make them.
(You are all stifling your laughter, aren’t you? My dad totally is.)
So, I didn’t help make these at all. Which is sort of my M.O. at this point.
But, I did “delegate work to skilled workers,” “inspire vision,” and “encourage the gifts of others.”
I love Papa Bear so much. He built these and they are amazing and I love them so much I could kiss them.
Each one took 17-2x4s, more than a sheet of plywood, an ungodly amount of screws, and 4 hours of Papa Bear’s time. I wouldn’t actually have proof of that because I wasn’t there. But here’s how his prototype looked.
They are beastly, but perfect for our space. As a bonus, they are on wheels, which makes them really simple to move around. And they are bar height, which Ryan tells me is a handy height for drinking beers.
This is an example of a win-win-win, folks.
Now, I need to paint them. But what color?
I was thinking navy. But then I thought slate gray. And then I considered barn red.
Love these! Is it possible to get the plans for them?
These are amazing! Thank you so much for posting. We are moving into a new house and I need to furnish my studio space. I love this because they are on casters!
Good luck with your new space, Lorrie. Thanks for stopping by.
Isn’t the barn red? If so, I’m thinking the blue because of the grey walls.just an idea because I know you used navy,and red allot.It would bring continuity, dontcha think?
Definitely. And that’s exactly the direction I went. Sharing the painted workbenches tomorrow. =)
That is awesome! They look good and have so much storage. Now I want to put some of our work benches on wheels! We move them a lot and that would be super helpful.
Yeah, I’m hoping it’s going to be practical. So far, we’ve already used the wheels a lot!
If walls will be grey, I’d go navy. Navy can be a nice neutral, and it would go well w the red, turquoise, white colors in the barn.
I wish I’d have room for my own. I’d say red too 😉
I am having a hard time not asking for 6 more. They are just so awesome.
Haha, this sounds exactly like when I ask my dad to “help” me with a project… It turns into me watching him work and asking lots of questions, chatting, and probably getting in the way. Thank goodness for awesome dads who are good with power tools!
Those ARE the awesomest work benches in time-history-ever (referencing the post URL – love it!).
At least you were there. Ha. I was not. But, I’ll just tell myself I would get in the way. Thanks for the future excuse. 😉
I’m voting navy! Also, your dad is awesome. Nice job delegating.
Thanks! He really is the best.
Red, red, red!!!
Sorry, friend. You lost this one.
If the walls are light gray, what about a charcoal? Red/Navy/etc. would look fab too. And, I also have that vision and then delegating skill. I make (ask nicely) my mom for her sewing skills constantly. My husband has renamed my DIY projects as Do it your Aaron projects 😉 Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
LOVE calling them Do it your Aaron projects. That’s perfect for the way our projects work, too.
I realize that you probably have storage plans for those, but I can just see them making an awesome workbench for a big craft event that I dream of you holding at your barn someday in the future. Love these workbenches – can’t wait to see what paint you choose.
You and I have similar dreams. Why do you think they need to be painted and pretty? And they are currently empty as they cure and I really just want to throw out all the tools and keep them this way for parties. A bit unreasonable.
Have you considered keeping the sides/trim natural wood and staining the shelves? My vote is natural wood on the sides and Java gel stain for the shelving.
Go Papa Bear! What color are the bins you’ll be storing in them?
They are grey, but I have a silly idea that I will spray paint them in chalkboard paint. But I’m sure that won’t happen (or won’t work). So, grey.
I would do two in the gray and be more utilitarian in use, one red for when you will use it to serve drinks or have people over and need a buffet of some kind. It would call attention to the fact it’s the one for them. Good luck, you are doing a great job!
Oooo… that’s a fun idea to do one differently.
Paint all of the 2×4’s navy (or red), and the horizontal plywood surfaces white or gray
This is a great idea, Jason. Although the top boards are sort of ugly, so I really want to cover them. Maybe I could do the tops blacK/
oh those are awesome! and for the record i like your description of your role so much better. 🙂
I’m all about inspiring vision, you know?
I love them. Nice work, Papa Bear! I’m crushing on navy at the moment, so that’s my vote. Gosh. These are amazing. I’m so excited to see this whole space come together!
Navy and red are the two that I seem to be gravitating toward. But, who knows. I may get crazy.
I actually really really like them in this natural wood color. Some type of gray would be a close second. 🙂
I think you have many talents Kim. Including writing funny and making me laugh 🙂
Don’t tell anyone, but I have a ghostwriter.
Love your blog. The barn is such a great space. I think because of the size of the space, barn red would look great!
Thanks, Erin! I’ve really been leaning toward red, too.
I don’t know about paint – but since they’re all the same size and height what about installing latches on the sides of two of them so they could be securely connected if you’re working on a big project?
Interesting idea! I can’t imagine a time I’d need more than 8 feet of workspace, but it’s something to consider.
I was thinking back to back – I reglaze monster windows, so of course that’s the first thing I thought of!
Oh, DUH! I was thinking, gosh, what big project could I possibly need 16 feet for? That makes much more sense. 😉
They look great! What a great dad to help you out with this project!
I recommend gray for the paint color…I think it will lend itself to more interesting entertaining options when you are using the barn for other things in the future. Plus, I am a lover of all things neutral. #iamsoboring
Well, the only issue with grey is that the walls are all grey. But that’s coming tomorrow. 😉
Ohhhh the grey sounds nice!!!!
Yeah, I would totally be up for the grey until the walls went silver (sharing that tomorrow). =)
He is awesome, isn’t he??? He is so happy you like them so well. So glad he could HELP you make them!
He’s such a great “helper.”
Oh my gosh, I love them. They turned out great. PS what an awesome dad to do such an awesome project for his daughter. I think some grey paint will turn these bad boys into a stunning gem in your barn… LOVE LOVE LOVE them. Great Job Dad!
He is the best!