LZ Cathcart

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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!

DIY gardening bench

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.

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    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?!?

    potting table ideas

    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
     
    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

    How to Build a Potting Bench with Reclaimed Wood

    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
     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!

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    This post was originally created in September 2015, and then updated in September 2020.

    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

      • LZ Cathcart says

        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

      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

    4. Karren Haller says

      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

      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

        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

      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

    7. Crystal says

      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

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

        Reply

      • LZ Cathcart says

        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

          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

    9. jessica bures says

      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

    10. Pili says

      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

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

        Reply

    14. Jamie says

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

      Reply

    15. Linda Bouffard says

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

      Reply

    16. Julie says

      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

      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

    18. Mary says

      I had someone make this beautiful potting table for me. I added a small sink and faucet. Unfortunately there’s not much reclaimed wood here in my area so we used new lumber. I love it!
      Would love to send you a picture but I don’t see a place to add it.

      Reply

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