Simple 2x4 Potting Bench with Slatted Back

free potting bench plans
Difficulty
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How to build a potting bench - super easy and looks great - this is a free woodworking plan featuring step by step diagrams, shopping and cut list, everything you need to build your own potting bench.

We love this simple design with a back hutch with shelf and rails for hanging tools.  The bottom shelf is perfect for storing accessories and supplies for all your potting needs.

DIY Potting Bench

Why We Built this Potting Bench

This spring, I wanted to create new potting bench plans for you that are still super simple to make, but this time, I wanted to integrate more storage on the hutch and back.  

One of the things I love the most about this potting bench is the back is like a pegboard!  You can use any "over-the-cabinet" accessories to customize your hutch for your needs.

You'll also love how quick and easy it was to build this potting bench!

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Simple 2x4 Potting Bench

 

 

Dimensions
Potting Bench Plans
Dimensions shown above

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 8 – 1x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 2 – 1x4 @ 10 feet long
  • 4 – 2x4 @ 8 feet long
  • 2-1/2” and 2” exterior self tapping screws
  • Wood glue
Cut List
  • 2 – 2x4 @ 61-1/2” (back legs)
  • 2 – 2x4 @ 35-1/4” (front legs)
  • 4 – 2x4 @ 22” (side aprons)
  • 10 – 1x4 @ 39” (front aprons, short shelf boards, back shelf)
  • 10 – 1x4 @ 42” (long shelf boards, back boards)
  • 2 – 1x4 @ 24” both ends cut at 45 degrees, long point to short point measurement (cross support)
Tools
Tape Measure
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Drill
Circular Saw

Instructions

Step 1

Mark the back legs from the bottom at 11-1/4” and 35-1/4”.  Attach with 2-1/2” self tapping exterior wood screws the 22” long side aprons to the back legs, matching marks with tops of aprons.  Then mark the front legs 1-1/2” in from front edge and also 11-1/4” up from bottom of leg.  Attach other side of 22” long side aprons to the front legs.

Step 2

Attach front aprons to the side aprons with 2” wood screws and glue.

Step 3

Shelving – Place shelving boards on bottom shelf.  Attach with about a ½” gap in between shelf boards with 2” exterior wood screws.  Repeat for top shelf.

Step 4

Cross bracing – cut cross bracing at 45 degree angles on ends.  Attach to back legs and the back shelf board with 2” exterior wood screws and glue.

Step 5

Step 6

Hutch Shelf – Screw through back boards and back legs into the hutch shelf board sides and back to attach with 2” exterior self tapping screws.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

Comments

biz_kid1

Sat, 04/11/2015 - 14:46

And I need to make one, too, so I can work on our garden! :) Thanks for sharing!

ilove2create

Sun, 04/12/2015 - 22:36

I just built this bench and love it. I also really like those hooks. Where did you get them? Thanks for all the great plans, I've made quite a few pieces.

Kimber1216

Thu, 06/16/2016 - 01:14

Hi Ana,

So excited to make this bench! Was wondering, on the video you have a material list:

(8) 1x4x8

(2) 1x4x10

(4) 2x4x8

Could you please tell me what cuts are made to the (2) 1x4x10's? Thank you so much!

Rowland A Shepard

Thu, 03/11/2021 - 08:37

# Panel Cut Result
1 4×120 y=39 4×39 \ -
2 4×81 y=39 4×39 \ -
3 4×42 y=39 4×39 \ surplus
1 4×96 y=24 4×24 \ -
2 4×72 y=24 4×24 \ -
3 4×48 y=42 4×42 \ surplus
1 4×96 y=42 4×42 \ -
2 4×54 y=42 4×42 \ surplus
1 4×96 y=39 4×39 \ -
2 4×57 y=39 4×39 \ surplus
1 4×96 y=42 4×42 \ surplus

seansun01

Sun, 06/02/2019 - 15:39

This was an awesome project. I shopped for the materials in the morning and built it in the afternoon. The shopping list and plans were fabulous. I had to adjust slightly since I used pressure treated wood and the 1x4’s were 3/4 x 1 5/8 instead of 3/4 x 1 1/2.  It came out perfect though and seems sturdy and quite functional.  I added a piece of aluminum to the top to keep soil from falling through when potting plants. I love it when a project comes out as planned!

KendCo

Sun, 05/31/2020 - 22:45

I've only made a hand full of wood workings projects but had no problem building this (in just a day too!)
The only issue I had was which cuts went where when it came to the 1x4s (since there's two different lengths) here's what I went with so I could have a bunch of useable offcuts:
All 8ft 1x4 boards: cut a 39" and a 42" from the same board. This will give you 8 of each of those and 8 15" offcuts
Both 10ft 1x4 boards: cut a 39", a 42" and a 22" in both
You should then have all the boards you need with the most useable offcuts. They're even the same length @15"! I have another project in mind for the leftovers making this a zero waste project :)
I didn't need to predrill the 2x4s but it's pretty much mandatory for the 1x4s
Hope this helps!

aimes91225

Wed, 07/08/2020 - 09:11

Thank you so much for this easy to do AWESOME potting bench. My dad and I built this in about 2 hours as a surprise for my mom. Got it stained and varnished the next day! Such easy to read instructions and pictures! Thank you again!!!

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!