Repurposing a Cast Iron Tub Into a Sofa

Cast iron tubs can be transformed into sofas that have a designer look.


Cast iron tubs come in many types, such as claw foot tubs, free-standing basin tubs and rectangular tubs that match the shape of built-in fiberglass tubs. Repurposing these tubs into sofas has become a novel design project. Claw foot tubs are most often used for this conversion, because they include legs that put the bottom of the tub at seat level, but you can use the same techniques to transform any cast iron tub into a sofa.

Shape the Tub

To turn your cast iron tub into a sofa, you have to remove one side of the tub. The bottom of the tub becomes the seat, the short ends of the tub become the "arms" and the remaining long side of the tub becomes the back of the sofa. Trace the opening you'd like to cut on the long side of the tub. You can choose to cut a straight rectangle or create a softer, sloping line that follows the shape of the tub. Cut out the opening with a reciprocating saw and a carbide blade or with an angle grinder. Sand the cut edges with a coarse-grit sandpaper to make them smooth. If you do not use a claw foot tub, you may also need to add feet to the tub so the bottom is at seat level. Your options will depend on the type of cast iron tub you use, but you should be able to use standard furniture legs for most projects.

Sand and Repair the Exterior

Before you can make your cast iron tub look like a designer sofa, you need to get it ready for its makeover. Sand down the entire surface of the tub with a coarse-grit sandpaper and a sanding block or an orbital sander. You can also use a metal file to tackle really gritty areas. Remove any rust with a chemical rust remover or rust converter. Progress to a finer-grit sandpaper to make the surface as smooth as possible.

Refinish the Tub

Special paints are designed to refinish a bathtub to give it a smooth finish similar to porcelain or ceramic and to protect against corrosion. These paints require patience and skill to apply. Because you don't plan to bathe in your cast iron sofa, you can get away with repainting it with any paint that is designed to adhere to metal. Spray it on for a smooth and even finish. You can be creative when selecting your paint colors. Try out bright colors, such as turquoise, yellow or red, or consider using two colors -- one for the inside and one for the outside. You can paint the feet a different color, providing an accent.

Make Decorative Cushions

Make a decorative cushion for your new sofa. Cut a piece of 2-inch high-density foam to fit the shape of the bottom of the tub. Use an electric carving knife to make quick, clean lines through the foam. Sew a cover for the foam and your sofa is ready to use. Consider making several cushions for your tub-couch so you have options for changing your decor. Accent pillows can complete the look.

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