Building a New Potting Bench

Building a new potting bench has been on my mind for at least a year. When we moved here I threw together a makeshift potting bench that cost me nothing in materials out of an old palette and some scrap lumber. It did well for what it was but I decided that this year I would upgrade. I used many of the old materials for my new potting bench minus the palette. The gaps between the slats were problematic and I really wanted something more efficient. It’s not finished yet but most of the construction is complete. When finished the potting bench will have a removable top to access a dirt container, a shelf underneath, a sink built into the top surface, and a series of shelves for holding containers. Here’s how its coming along after two work sessions.

The bench is kind of tilted at the moment because of the rocks underneath. I’ll level it when I get a chance. There is a planting bed to the left of the bench and a dryer vent to the right which helped to determine the length of five feet for the potting bench. The width is around 30 inches deep as is the height. It’s made from pressure treated lumber that I plan on staining with the leftover stain from the arbor project. I considered doing the 48 Hour Challenge with a potting bench but decided to do it on a project that didn’t exist yet rather than one that I already had even if my old bench was looking rather sad. There is room in the front to either add cabinet doors or a nice curtain made from outdoor fabric. I would rather have doors but in a pinch curtains will do. A shelf to hold more pots is in the also in the long range plan.

Underneath the bench I’ve put together small platform for the soil container. This will get the soil container close enough to the potting bench surface to be accessible through the top. The platform is removable and retains a little spot for storing small things. Maybe all those 2″ pots I keep collecting!

Here is the removable top surface made from decking. I still need to add a hinge and a handle for easy soil access.

On this side is where the sink will go. I’m trying something special with the surface area around the sink that I’ll tell you about later – when I install the sink. I think my plan will be rather creative but it all depends on my execution!<

I wouldn’t mind incorporating a water proof drawer system for storing tools but that isn’t in the immediate plans. I hope the sink will add some convenience for outdoor cooking as well as gardening. What elements would you put on your ultimate potting bench?