How to Build a Deck Potting Bench

If you spend a lot time on your deck caring for your plants, you've probably gotten to a point where bending over to work all the time just isn't any fun. Potting benches provide a higher working platform, as well as a place to keep tools and accessories organized and close to where you need them. Use a durable wood like cedar for extra lasting power outdoors and to create a more attractive addition to the deck. With some preparation, you can make a 7-foot tall potting bench that has three potting shelves. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Build the leg section first by selecting two of the 84-inch long legs. Set them on a level surface, standing them on the long narrow edges, and place a leg brace across them, flush to the bottoms. Hammer in two of the 16d nails where the brace meets the legs. Repeat this to build the second side.

2

Measure 16 inches from the top of the legs to place the first shelf support on the first set of legs, and hammer in two of the 16d nails to connect the shelf to the legs. Repeat this step at 32 inches from the top for the second shelf support. Follow this same procedure for the second set of legs.

3

Separate out the two pieces of 72-inch long roof supports and stand them on the long, narrow sides, 2 feet apart. One at a time, lay each of the 14 roof slats at a 1 1/2 inch interval from the last--each should stick out for 1 foot from one of the sides--and nail each slat to both roof supports with two of the 6d nails at each junction.

4

Select two of the 72-inch long, middle shelf frame pieces, and set them on their edges, 2 feet apart. Choose 20 boards of 24-inch length, and lay them, without gaps, across the frame pieces. Attach them to the frame by nailing in two each of the 6d nails at each junction.

5

Construct the bottom shelf by arranging both bottom shelf frames (45 1/2 inches) on their edges and 2 feet apart. Connect the remaining 13 shelf slats by laying them side by side and nailing in each junction with two of the 6d nails.

6

Return to the framing modules that you created in Steps 1 and 2, and stand up one on its feet with the nailed-on brace to the inside. Nail a two-foot long shelf slat onto the upper brace so that the shelf lays flat, and up against the back of the frame. Nail on another one directly in front of it. Place the second frame so that you can attach the other side of the shelf, and nail on the shelf. Repeat all of this step with three more shelves on the lower brace. Always use two nails per meeting place.

7

Measure and mark with a pencil the spot where you will drill 3/8-inch holes into the top of the legs for the shelf. Measure and indicate the place where the bottom shelf will sit on the bottom brace. Drill holes in all of these places. For the middle shelf, decide how high or low you would like it to sit, and measure, mark, and drill holes there.

8

Fit together each section to the frame, and attach it with the carriage bolts, washers, and nuts using the wrench.

9

Lightly sand all of the cut ends, and then apply two coats of a water repellent stain. Allow each coat to dry for 12 hours.