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!
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:Isn’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.
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

How to Build a Potting Bench with Reclaimed Wood


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.


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


How to Build a Potting Bench with Reclaimed Wood


How to Build a Potting Bench with Reclaimed Wood




Happy building :)
LOVE LOVE this bench!! the storage ladder looks amazing too!! xoxo
Thank you so much, Ananda! Your drawings are simply amazing, and I truly enjoyed working with you on this project :)
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!
Hi Linda! Thank you so much for your kind words :) I absolutely adore this little beauty too.
I absolutely LOVE this!!! I think I see a new project in my husband’s future :)
Hi Colleen and thank you! Just don’t tell him it’s my fault!! ;)
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
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 ☺
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 :)
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!
Yay! So happy to help! You’ll definitely love it :)
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
Aren’t husbands the best?! I definitely like to keep mine around when I need help with the bigger projects :)
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/
Yea… he doesn’t need to know about it yet! Let him find out later ;) Thank you so much for dropping in again!
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 ; )
Lol. Sounds like a plan! I’m a little late, but better late than never, right?!
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
Get it, girl! Lol. I love windows too! Sooo many things to create with them :)
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!
Thanks so much, Pili! I had so much fun creating this gigantic beauty, and Ananda definitely is amazing artist :)
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
Yay!! So happy that you love it, and it will be featured :)
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
Hi Mollie, and thank you so much! :)
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.
You are so sweet, Theresa! Thank you so much for stopping by :)
That is amazing!! I would love one of those for my garden area. Pinning to try and talk my hubbie into building it! :)
I will cross my fingers for you, Jamie! Thanks so much :)
Pinned. Thanks for this fabulous diy garden bench. GORGEOUS! ave a great weekend, Linda @Crafts a la mode
Hi Linda, and thank you so much!!
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.
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.
Hi and thank you so much! Best of luck, and have a great weekend :)