How to build a potting bench - super easy and looks great!
Oh man, am I ever excited to share these new plans with you today!!!
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. So I teamed up with my friends at Ryobi to create these plans for you!!!
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!
The free plans are following.
Please share a photo if you build - you can tag me on Instagram @anawhitediy or #anawhite or upload a brag post.
Thanks much!
Ana
Pin For Later!
Preparation
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
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)
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.
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
seansun01
Sun, 06/02/2019 - 15:39
Fun Project!
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
Some tips
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!
jess8336
Wed, 06/17/2020 - 12:11
Wood thpe
Is there a specific type of wood that should be used?
aimes91225
Wed, 07/08/2020 - 09:11
AWESOME POTTING BENCH!!!!!!
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!!!
Copper21786
Tue, 03/09/2021 - 18:51
Do you think rolllers could…
Do you think rolllers could be put on this to move in and out of garage/shed? Too heavy?