How to Build a Potter's Planting Bench

Potting benches are useful for gardeners. This permanent potting area not only serves as a place to get your hands dirty but offers storage space for extra pots or tools. The height of the bench helps prevent some of the backaches that often accompany gardening. The simple construction technique makes this bench a quick afternoon project for even a first-time builder. Your choice of shelf brackets and wood make each bench a decorative addition to your gardening space. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Build the upper and lower frame sections of the potting bench. Lay out 4 of the 2-by-4-inch boards on edge in a rectangular shape (2 of the 48-inch length and 2 of the 24-inch length). Position the boards so that edges meet up and there is no overhang. Drill two pilot holes, one above the other, centered at each connection point. Using the drill and screwdriver bit, attach the boards using a wood screw in each pilot hole. Build 2 of these frames.

2

Position 5 of the 1-by-4-inch boards on the rectangular frames. The first board should be positioned so that the front edge of the board is even with the front of the frame. There should be no overhang (to prevent problems attaching the legs later). Using measuring tape as a guide, space the next 4 remaining 1-by-4-inch boards behind the first board, leaving a 1/4 inch gap between boards for drainage. Drill 2 pilot holes at the ends of each board, centered on the frame. Secure the 1-by-4-inch boards to the frame with wood screws.

3

Attach the front legs to the shelves. Set the upper and lower shelf frames on edge with the front sides facing up. Position one of the 36-inch-long 2-by-4-inch boards so that one end is at the right front edge of the top shelf frame. The board should be at a 90 angle to the frame. Drill 2 pilot holes and secure with wood screws. Attach the left front leg in the same manner.

4

Slide the lower shelf frame into place under the legs. Using measuring tape as a guide, position it 4 inches above the bottom of the legs. Drill 2 pilot holes and secure each leg to the bottom shelf with wood screws.

5

Turn the project over to attach back legs to the bench. Using measuring tape and a pencil, mark both of the 6-foot-long 2-by-4-inch boards at 36 inches. Position the back right leg so that the 36-inch mark is exactly even with the top edge of the upper shelf frame. Drill 2 pilot holes and attach with wood screws at both upper and lower frames. Repeat with the back left leg.

6

Set the project upright and build the topmost shelf. Center a 1-by-4-inch board across the rear side of the back legs. Drill pilot holes and secure with wood screws, being sure to keep the top edge of the 1-by-4-inch board level with top edge of the legs. Position 1 of the decorative brackets at the exact center of the front side of the 1-by-4-inch board. Position the 2 other brackets on the 1-by-4-inch board 1/4 inch inside the back legs of the bench. Lay another 1-by-4-inch board centered across the top of the brackets. Secure with the screws that came with the brackets.

7

Finish the project by adding the back splash to to the work area. Position the last 1-by-4-inch board above the main work surface. Set it vertically in the gap left between the back legs and the tabletop. Drill two pilot holes in each end and secure to the back legs with screws. The back splash will help keep items from accidentally being pushed off the back of the work surface.