AZ Jane

I would be leary about cuting the seat. With the crack semi-repaired at the moment, cutting may make it very unstable.

Monroe

It's wonderful. I'd leave it as is, brushing off any loose paint and protected with some clear coating . Be careful- marine poly and indeed many poly's and varnishes can turn yellow with prolonged sun exposure. I don't know which ones are good to use. Maybe an auto wax? Find some experienced treasure hunter sites for advice.

Annaquilts

First brush off what is loose. Shellac it and do not cut out the center. Oh if it is for outside use the marine finnish.

Twisted Quilter

Okay guys, I'm still on the fence with this one. I have made the decision to not cut a hole in the seat for a planter and to look at the marine finish. This piece is really in rough condition but has so much character! I saw 2 really cute ideas on-line. One was whimsical, painted in 3 various colors, but don't want to change it that much. Another was just painted a glossy white and set in a kitchen corner to hold cookbooks. Both totally different but awesome.

Thanks for all your suggestions. I probably won't start this project until the weekend, so keep those suggestions coming! Also, a huge thank you to Tartan for reminding about the lead paint.

QuiltE

I just re-read your original post .... if you're wanting to use it for a climbing vine ... you still could do so, even with the seat in tact.

The thing you need to decide is, whether you want to have it inside .... once it goes thru a season as an outside piece, you'd be minimizing the chances of re-habilitating it as an inside piece of furniture!

Jan in VA

It looks like a primitive high chair for a baby/toddler -- see the odd pieces that stick out from the back, they look like a place where a tray might have been "hinged", and the wear on the arms looks like one rested there.
Pretty cool piece, I know you'll come up with just the right idea for your house. Be sure to share when you do!

Jan in VA

nstitches4u

I like the climbing vine idea? That would be cool!

NJS

Wanabee Quiltin

I like it as it is. I find old chairs put out by the curb with the seats knocked out and I put my big pots of flowers in them. The only problem is that they get rained on and fall apart in a few years. This time I am putting some water sealer on the wood. I do not do anything to my chairs and everyone loves them as they are.

luvstitches

I love it as is!

IdahoSandy

I think you have the right idea as it will make a beautiful plant stand and a real conversation piece. Good luck on your project. Send us the finished picture along with the before picture.