Welcome to the blog! Thank you so much for buying my book and I hope you are enjoying it so far! You have stopped here because you want to learn how to build your own Potting Bench! It is very simple and such a fun DIY that can be a great addition to any outdoor space. You can use the Potting Bench for actual potting, or as a display piece to tie together some of your favorite cozy plants.
The potting bench is a very easy build, that only requires a miter saw, drill, and a tape measure.
Start by building the legs for your bench. The Best way to describe the legs is that you are essentially building an upside down “U”. You will use a treated 2×4 for this, given it is most likely going to be kept outside. The long section of the legs are 30 1/2 inches, and the cross bar is 14 1/2 inches.
Once all three legs are built, attach the legs together with 2×4 cut to 29 inches. Do this to the frontside and backside of the legs. Also attached the lower support boards at the bottom of the legs 3 inches from the ground. This will hold the lower base shelf.
Add lateral support to the backside towards the bottom with a 2×4. This will be a backboard to the lower shelf as well as keep the legs vertically level.
Next install the top board. Keeping a 1 1/2 inch over hang on the front and sides (an overall dimension of 72 inches long by 17 1/2 inches deep) and flush on the back attach the top board by screwing down into the 2×4 legs and cross bars. Once attached, stall the upper shelf mini-legs. You can either pocket screw them on the sides, glue them in place, or screw for a seamless look, screw them into place from the bottom. The mini legs are 6 inches tall, placed in line with the legs below. The back mini-leg is flush with the back, and the forward leg is gapped 6 inches, and 2 inches inward from the edges.
Lay a 1×8 cross the top for that upper setting shelf. This is a great spot to set plants that have been potted or if used as a display a great way to add both depth and heigh within a vignette.
That is it! I hope you enjoyed the project and are enjoying the book! Keep reading and visit back here whenever to get started on this DIY Potting Bench.
