Potting benches are functional, provide storage, and add style. They range from small and simple to a more elaborate centerpiece for your outdoor space.
Building a DIY potting bench is a big task but a rewarding one. There are many ways to construct your potting bench and many designs you can use.
No matter what design or method you choose, be sure to become familiar with the plans and uses for a potting bench before you embark on the project.
Important Details to Consider When Building a Potting Bench
There are many things to consider with any DIY, but especially something like a potting bench. There are variations in the structure, design, and purpose of a potting bench to challenge even the most experienced DIY expert.
Potting Bench Size and Height
Generally, potting benches are about 48 to 60 inches long and about 50 to 60 inches tall. You should determine your needs and build a potting bench to your specifications.
For instance, if you are 6 feet tall, you would want your potting bench to comfortably accommodate hours you spend planting without causing you to bend down for a long time. Your DIY bench may be taller than others.
DIY potting benches are designed to help you garden with ease, efficiency, and comfort. They can also be dual function pieces depending on your building plan. Considering these factors will help you decide on the size and height appropriate for you and your space.
Types of Materials to Use
Most DIY potting benches are made with a type of wood. Commercially, you can find potting benches made of metal or other firmer materials, but that construction is a difficult task to undertake when building your DIY bench.
Using a weather-resistant material is a good idea. Weather-resistant woods like cedar, fir, or teak are popular choices.
Assessing the types of tools you will need is essential in any DIY.
Circle saws, jigsaws, miter saws, tape measures, and brackets or braces are common tools for this project. You will also need screws of varying lengths depending on the potting bench plan you are using.
Potting Bench Location and Use
Before beginning your DIY potting bench construction, decide where you will house it. Many people keep them on their back porches or in greenhouses on their property.
For example, if you want to add shelves and make it a dual function piece for entertaining and potting plants, you may want your DIY potting bench a bit larger than average. This method will likely require it to be housed outside on your porch.
Ultimately, the location is up to you.
Other Considerations
Decide if you will need your DIY potting bench to be mobile. If so, you may want to attach wheels to the bench or construct it out of lighter wood.
Considering whether or not you want your potting bench to be exclusively for potting plants is also decision to be made before you draw up your plans.
You should also consider if you want to store your gardening tools on the bench. If so, you may want to choose a plan that can accommodate hanging these tools to offer easy-to-reach storage.
Free Potting Bench Plans to Consider
Simple Double-Shelved DIY Potting Bench
This DIY double-shelved potting bench is a simple plan for someone good with basic woodworking skills.
The bench offers a few shelves to house your tools, potted plants, and anything else you deem necessary.
DIY Wooden Fence Board Potting Bench
This is another repurposing of old items you may have lying around. The benefit to these types of projects is minimizing waste while also creating a great DIY project.
DIY Potting Bench With Sink
A DIY potting bench with a sink is a more advanced project. Adding a sink to your bench will help you keep the area clean.
It will also help you spend more time in the garden and less time walking back and forth from the inside sinks to the outside porch.
DIY Pallet Potting Bench
Using wooden pallets is a great way to ensure stability and cut your time in half when addressing the shelving and construction for your potting bench.
DIY Potting Bench With Wire Backing
Installing a wire grid backing to your potting bench (instead of an open or wooden back) is a great way to maximize space.
A good idea for using the wire grid is to hang your potting tools on it for easy access.
DIY Pallet Potting Bench with Small Storage Compartment
Adding a covered storage compartment is necessary for people who have tools and materials that should be protected from the elements.
Since most benches are stored outdoors, having a small compartment easily made from wooden pallets is an option for this DIY project.
DIY Potting Bench With Decorative Roof
This is a plan for a more ambitious gardener looking for a potting bench. The small roof over the potting bench can keep your tools and plants in the shade and adds a whimsical feel to your backyard.
Here is the full plan for this creative potting bench.
Wheelbarrow Style DIY Potting Bench
Another wheeled option, this potting bench has a small design, but it is portable. It resembles a wheelbarrow with just two wheels and carrying handles.
The wheelbarrow style is perfect for both adhering to rustic decors and transporting the bench around the garden.
Outdoor DIY Potting Bench With a Soil Tray
Similar to the sink, the soil tray is an asset to anyone that likes to spend most of their time in the garden.
Add a soil tray to your DIY potting bench project to cut down your travel time when potting plants.
DIY Potting Bench With Wheels
As any DIY lover knows, adding wheels to anything makes it mobile. Small hooks in the design and the wheel attached to the legs make this a great DIY potting bench.
This design is also a great option if you are looking for a potting bench that can be easily stored or converted into a bar cart on occasion.
Heavy Duty DIY Potting Bench
This project uses cedar and emphasizes making tight-fitting joints for the legs to promote the longevity and stability of the bench.
The design is simple. The unique quality lies in the construction.
DIY Potting Wash Tub
If you have a small backyard or live in an apartment where you can’t fit a larger potting bench, this DIY might be for you.
Using a stool and wash bin, this plan calls for a simple and unconventional approach to a potting station for a small space.
DIY Potting Bench With Small Shutter Doors
This DIY potting bench with small, shutter-style doors is easy to make.
The smaller-sized doors make it easy to store tools or other items inside but will not add bulk to the project.
DIY Decorative Potting Bench From Two Repurposed Items
Who says you can’t make someone else’s junk your treasure? The whole premise of DIY is to minimize waste. Follow this plan and choose a couple of pieces from junk sales to make it your own.
This is a fully functional DIY potting bench with storage and a large flat surface. The uniqueness brought in by the decor of the old bookshelf and a fresh coat of paint will liven up your space.
DIY Potting Bench With a Hidden Garbage Can
Building a DIY potting bench with a garbage can is useful for any gardener who wants to minimize clean-up time.
These potting benches are not super elaborate, but the hidden trash can element is a great choice for the tidy gardener.
Easy DIY Potting Bench With Stainless Steel Top
This stainless steel top adds a place where you can easily clean your mess. It also adds a nice touch to the wooden top.
Covered DIY Potting Bench
Depending on where you live, it may be worth it to build a longer overhang or awning above your potting bench. Staying out of the hot sun or keeping the rain off the workbench is beneficial.
Fold-down DIY Potting Bench from Pallets
This is a clever use of space with pallets. This DIY potting bench is chained to the siding of a structure like a barn or gardening shed. It folds up or down depending on your needs.
This is another good option for a small space.
Greenhouse-Style DIY Potting Bench
This potting bench is greenhouse-style because it has a glass covering that hinges from the top and covers the workbench area. It helps keep any unwanted bugs or elements out of the potting bench work area and adds a nice aesthetic.
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