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LZ Cathcart

Custom designs, hand lettering and illustrations.

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DIY

How to Build a Potting Bench with Reclaimed Wood

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Have you always wanted to create your own potting bench? You’re in luck! Learn how to build a potting bench from reclaimed wood and windows here!potting table ideas

Hello everybody! I have an extra special surprise for you today! I’ve teamed up with the incredibly talented Ananda from A Piece of Rainbow and we’re going to show you How to Build a Potting Bench with Reclaimed Wood. I know, I know. I’m excited too!

What I absolutely LOVE about this collaboration is that while I will be showing you the actual photos of the potting bench during its creation Ananda will be showing you in her post the nooks and crannies (that can be hard to see!) with her design software that will help clear up any confusion. Here’s just a taste of what she can do and to give you a better idea of these overall dimensions:DIY gardening benchIsn’t she amazing?!?

Like most of my projects, it all starts with a walk to the reclaimed wood pile that is hidden away on my husband and I’s property. We typically have a nice selection to choose from, but it’s very important to have at least a decent idea in my head of what I would like to construct. For instance, a quick sketch in my notepad or even on a computer program like Adobe Illustrator works out just fine.potting table ideas

How to Build a Potting Bench with Reclaimed Wood

As mentioned earlier, you can definitely customize this potting bench to any dimensions that you need for your space, but with this particular bench it measures out to be 6′ H x 7′ L x 2′ W. Needless to say, we have been using this potting bench for anything and everything that comes our way, and couldn’t be happier! So, let’s get started:

Materials Used:

  • 2×4’s (reclaimed wood)
  • 1x 8’s (reclaimed wood)
  • fence pickets
  • 1/2″ plywood 4’x8′
  • 1/4″ underlayment
  • salvaged windows
  • wood screws
  • hinges
  • hangers
  • 12″ x 12″ mosaic tiles
  • tile mortar (adhesive)
  • tile grout
  • exterior wood glue
  • stain and polyurethane or primer and paint

**all lumber is pressure treated**

Tools Suggested:

  • drill and bits
  • 3/16″ v-notched tile trowel
  • foam rubber grout float
  • jigsaw
  • sandpaper
  • level
  • table saw
  • miter saw or circular saw
  • pencil
  • screw gun
  • measuring tape
  • framing hammer
  • nail gun (brad)
  • ruler or anything with a straightedge
Steps:
1.) First things first, go ahead and remove any old nails, screws, or other bits that aren’t needed. We used treated 2X4s for the framework so they may look old and weathered, but are structurally sound!
2.) Now it’s time to frame the potting bench. As you can see in the below picture you should begin with your legs. Measure and cut the backs, front and support braces and assemble with 3″ wood screws . If you’re working with reclaimed wood you may have to pre-drill all screw holes to avoid splitting your wood.
potting bench made from pallets

How to Build a Potting Bench with Reclaimed Wood

3.) Stand the frame up, and then install the top shelf and supports. Our inner supports were evenly spread out to 16″-20″ to disburse the weight of the countertop since the tile and mortar will be quite heavy! Not to mention all of the pots, dirt, and other items we may want to put on top.
4.) Add the bottom frame which will also support the shelf. Again we used 3″ wood screws for this step.
how to build a potting table
5.) At this point we ripped 2×4’s (split a 2×4 lengthwise) into 2×2’s, and installed to receive the middle shelf later on.
how to build a simple potting bench

6.) For the baseboards of our bottom shelf we used treated 1″x6″ fence pickets. Thankfully, we ended up not having to trim any to fit, this was done by adjusting the spacing slightly. Like a deck or steps the gaps between the boards would allow any spills to come through rather than saturate the wood.

7.) Draw marks on all of your boards so you know where to cut out notches for your back legs.
diy potting table 8.) Start placing and nailing in all of your boards.
how to build a gardening bench

Looking for more reclaimed wood inspired DIY projects?

  • DIY Reclaimed Wood Paneled Door
  • How to Build a Potting Bench with Reclaimed Wood
  • Fairy Tale Reclaimed Wood Signs

reclaimed wood potting bench

 9.) Then, it’s time to install your countertop/tile top. We used a sheet of plywood which was cut and fit into place as a base to support the weight of the tile.
potting benches
 10.) A reclaimed weathered 1″x6″ was used as a border for the tiles.
11.) Aren’t these mosaics just gorgeous?!? Can you believe they were only $5 a piece?
DIY potting bench easy

How to Build a Potting Bench with Reclaimed Wood

12.) To raise the tiles up to level with the top of the border a piece of 1/4″ underlayment was fit and installed by glueing and stapling into place. However, it could also be screwed into place as well with 1″ wood screws.
DIY potting bench plans
13.) Use an acrylic adhesive that is recommended for small tiles that comes pre-mixed and ready to apply. Then apply with a 3/16″ V-notched tile trowel. Make sure your adhesive is applied evenly since it will affect how your tile lays.
 14.) Lay out your tiles to the pattern of your liking on top of the adhesive, and apply firm and even pressure to set them in place.
DIY gardening bench plans
15.) Wait 24 hours to allow your tile to dry, and then mix up the grout to fill in all of the gaps to seal them into place.

gardening ideasHow to Build a Potting Bench with Reclaimed Wood

16.) Mix the grout according to the instructions. Just make sure that your mix is well-blended without lumps and clumps.
Then apply the grout with a foam rubber grout float forcing it into the spaces and gaps. Make sure all the spaces are filled and even, and remove all the excess with a large sponge and a bucket of clean water.
17.) Next, we added the top shelf for support as well as our top window. The top is a 1″x8″ and the shelf is a 1″x6″.
18.) Once we added the top sides we decided to give it a little bit of curve. In order to do this put three screws in place, bend your metal yardstick, and trace the curve. Then use a jigsaw to cut it out and copy it onto the opposite side and repeat.
19.) Add your sides! Our favorite economically friendly fence pickets were used yet again, then cut to length, and beveled on top 10 degrees with the table saw. An alternative to doing this could be to actually use lap siding or plywood. The front face of the “lap siding” was covered by a reclaimed fence picket cut to fit and nailed in place.
DIY gardening ideas
20.) You are not required to do this next step, but we decided at the last minute to use plywood to add backing to both of our sides that would have doors in front of them (aka. the windows).
21.) Next, a middle shelf was installed using 2″x2″s and more cut fence pickets.
how to DIY gardening bench
22.) Using a brad nailer we installed the shelf boards.
DIY gardening bench
23.) Then, install your reclaimed windows as doors with simple hinges.
24.) Check for rough edges and then sand down anything you don’t like.
25.) Stain or Paint! I decided to keep a rustic look and used a small amount of gray paint mixed with a lot of water to achieve this particular color.
26.) YAY. We’re almost done!! All you  need to do now is add the final touches to make it your own. Think: hangers, containers, birdhouses, signs, etc.
reclaimed wood diy potting bench

Happy building :)

Pssttt…. Don’t forget to check out my DIY projects page chocked full of DIY and decorating goodness!
Have you always wanted to create your own potting bench? You're in luck! Learn how to build a potting bench from reclaimed wood and windows here!


49 Comments

About LZ Cathcart

LZ is an artist who loves creating illustrations, custom hand lettering and patterns for gifts, home decor, fabric, and wallpaper. She is also the creative mind behind The Summery Umbrella where she shows you how to make handmade signs, various DIY projects and gorgeous home decor.

When she’s not dreaming up new projects and designs you can typically find her drinking her fair share of coffee, hanging out with her super handy husband and her sweet and sassy daughter. They all have a hard time sitting sit so this family is constantly on the go!

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Comments

  1. ananda says

    September 25, 2015 at 12:07 pm

    LOVE LOVE this bench!! the storage ladder looks amazing too!! xoxo

    Reply
    • LZ Cathcart says

      September 25, 2015 at 8:46 pm

      Thank you so much, Ananda! Your drawings are simply amazing, and I truly enjoyed working with you on this project :)

      Reply
  2. Linda Pemberton says

    September 27, 2015 at 10:19 am

    OMG!! That potting bench is A WORK OF ART! I absolutely love it! Especially love the little windows put in as doors! I want this!

    Reply
    • LZ Cathcart says

      September 30, 2015 at 6:31 pm

      Hi Linda! Thank you so much for your kind words :) I absolutely adore this little beauty too.

      Reply
  3. Colleen says

    April 26, 2016 at 8:40 am

    I absolutely LOVE this!!! I think I see a new project in my husband’s future :)

    Reply
    • LZ Cathcart says

      May 1, 2016 at 3:41 pm

      Hi Colleen and thank you! Just don’t tell him it’s my fault!! ;)

      Reply
  4. Karren Haller says

    April 26, 2016 at 10:34 am

    I love it, love it love it, I wish I had room for one this size. We certainly have access for the pallets at our warehouse but I would have to have a smaller version!! Pinned to share!

    Thank you for sharing on the Oh My Heartsie Girls WW this week!!

    Hope you have a beautiful week!
    Karren

    Reply
  5. Marie, The Interior Frugalista says

    April 26, 2016 at 1:37 pm

    I LOVE your reclaimed wood potting bench and I’m swooning over the mosaic tiled top! I made one similar a few years ago but I’m loving your use of reclaimed wood and windows which gives it much more character. Pinning to share ☺

    Reply
    • LZ Cathcart says

      May 1, 2016 at 3:54 pm

      Thank you so much, Marie! The tiled top was a last minute idea for this project, but I have to admit it was the best decision :)

      Reply
  6. Grandmas House DIY says

    April 26, 2016 at 2:07 pm

    LOVE this idea! I saved it to my Build Projects Pinterest board so I have the plans later! I have several old windows I’ve been trying to figure out a use for, this is perfect, thanks!

    Reply
    • LZ Cathcart says

      May 1, 2016 at 3:55 pm

      Yay! So happy to help! You’ll definitely love it :)

      Reply
  7. Crystal says

    May 1, 2016 at 10:33 am

    Wow! So beautiful! I am not handy with a hammer but I am showing this to my husband! I love it. Hope to see you again at #HomeMattersParty

    Reply
    • LZ Cathcart says

      May 1, 2016 at 7:24 pm

      Aren’t husbands the best?! I definitely like to keep mine around when I need help with the bigger projects :)

      Reply
  8. Ashleigh says

    May 1, 2016 at 6:27 pm

    This is amazing! I love how rustic it looks and that it’s made entirely of reclaimed wood. A piece like this is a must when the hubs and I buy a house. He doesn’t know it yet, but he is going to build one of these for us ; ). Thanks for sharing!

    I would love it if you would share this on my weekly link party : )

    http://www.twentysomethinginthe2010s.com/peace-love-linkup-005/

    Reply
    • LZ Cathcart says

      May 1, 2016 at 7:29 pm

      Yea… he doesn’t need to know about it yet! Let him find out later ;) Thank you so much for dropping in again!

      Reply
      • Ashleigh says

        May 5, 2016 at 9:47 pm

        My pleasure! Stop by the next link party, tomorrow at 6 if you have anything you want to share! Heck, stop by if you don’t too ; )

        Reply
        • LZ Cathcart says

          May 10, 2016 at 8:30 pm

          Lol. Sounds like a plan! I’m a little late, but better late than never, right?!

          Reply
  9. jessica bures says

    May 2, 2016 at 2:23 pm

    OMGEEE! I have a ton of old windows and I need to make this, like yesterday!!

    Thanks for linking up at Totally Terrific Tuesday!
    Cant wait to see what you have up your sleeve next!
    Jess

    Reply
    • LZ Cathcart says

      May 10, 2016 at 6:41 pm

      Get it, girl! Lol. I love windows too! Sooo many things to create with them :)

      Reply
  10. Pili says

    May 2, 2016 at 4:39 pm

    I fell in love with your potting bench, LZ!! I wish I had a garden big enough to make one for myself, your pictures are of great help as well as Ananda’s drawings, amazing!!

    I am featuring this at our Two Uses Tuesday link up party later today, don’t forget to stop by and grab your button!!

    Have a wonderful week!

    Reply
    • LZ Cathcart says

      May 10, 2016 at 7:30 pm

      Thanks so much, Pili! I had so much fun creating this gigantic beauty, and Ananda definitely is amazing artist :)

      Reply
  11. Judy says

    May 3, 2016 at 7:32 am

    Extremely impressive. It really came out beautiful. I will be featuring this tonight at my Swing into Spring party that opens at 8pm EST. Please stop by and pick up an I’ve Been Featured button. Thanks. http://diybydesign.blogspot.com

    Reply
    • LZ Cathcart says

      May 10, 2016 at 7:36 pm

      Yay!! So happy that you love it, and it will be featured :)

      Reply
  12. Frugal Hausfrau says

    May 3, 2016 at 10:25 pm

    I love this! Not only is it darling, but it is perfect!! I can see this in my yard!!

    Thanks for linking up with us on Throwback Thursday!

    Mollie

    Reply
    • LZ Cathcart says

      May 10, 2016 at 7:46 pm

      Hi Mollie, and thank you so much! :)

      Reply
  13. Theresa @DearCreatives says

    May 4, 2016 at 2:14 pm

    Love this tutorial. We have some wood laying on the side yard. I’d love to have one made. Thanks for the DIY! & joining the inspiration spotlight party. Pinned & shared.

    Reply
    • LZ Cathcart says

      May 10, 2016 at 8:23 pm

      You are so sweet, Theresa! Thank you so much for stopping by :)

      Reply
  14. Jamie says

    May 4, 2016 at 9:55 pm

    That is amazing!! I would love one of those for my garden area. Pinning to try and talk my hubbie into building it! :)

    Reply
    • LZ Cathcart says

      May 10, 2016 at 8:13 pm

      I will cross my fingers for you, Jamie! Thanks so much :)

      Reply
  15. Linda Bouffard says

    May 4, 2016 at 10:57 pm

    Pinned. Thanks for this fabulous diy garden bench. GORGEOUS! ave a great weekend, Linda @Crafts a la mode

    Reply
    • LZ Cathcart says

      May 10, 2016 at 8:20 pm

      Hi Linda, and thank you so much!!

      Reply
  16. Julie says

    May 7, 2016 at 7:08 am

    This is just such a beautiful potting bench. I remember both my dad and granddad had their own home made potting benches but they were made for old kitchen units and were NO WAY as attractive as this.

    Reply
  17. Maimoona says

    September 15, 2016 at 8:17 pm

    This bench looks simply amazing and you people have done a neat job of using reclaimed wood. It has certainly provided that rustic appeal to the bench. I’ve also just started my woodworking blog, hope you visit it some day. Thanks for sharing such a fabulous post.

    Reply
    • LZ Cathcart says

      September 22, 2016 at 7:59 pm

      Hi and thank you so much! Best of luck, and have a great weekend :)

      Reply

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Hi! I'm LZ, and welcome to my humble abode! Don't be shy. Come on in! This is my happy place where I share my life, creativity as well as my quirky and country sense of humor on a daily basis. So, grab yourself a tall glass of something yummy, and let me introduce you to my realm. :)

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