It’s spring time again, which means it’s time to get back to doing some gardening. If you do a lot of flower pot gardening, these simple potting bench plans can help guide you in building a workstation that also provides some storage for extra flower pots and tools. We recommend building your potting bench out of cedar so that it weathers better with less maintenance, but it can also be built out of standard construction lumber found at the big box stores.

If you build a potting bench from these simple potting bench plans, or build anything from any of our plans, we would love to see how your project turns out. Please take a few minutes to share your build so we can appreciate your work and know that our plans are helping a community of DIYers.

Materials Needed

• 2 – 2x4s @ 8′
• 2 – 2x2s @ 8′
• 3 – 1x6s @ 8′
• Exterior grade wood glue
• 2 1/2″ exterior pocket hole screws
• 2″ exterior pocket hole screws
• 2 1/4″ exterior wood screws

Tools Needed

• Table saw, miter saw, or circular saw
• Drill / driver
• Pocket hole jig
• Sander & sandpaper

Cut List

• 3 – 1×6 @ 42″ for the bench top
• 1 – 1×6 @ 44″ for the top shelf
• 6 – 1×6 @ 14″ for the bottom shelf slats
• 2 – 2×4 @ 35 1/8″ for the front legs
• 2 – 2×4 @ 53 1/8″ for the back legs
• 5 – 2×2 @ 33 3/8″ for the long crosspieces
• 5 – 2×2 @ 14″ for the short crosspieces

Step 1: Cut and prep the pieces

We’ll start these simple potting bench plans by cutting and drilling the pocket holes in all of the pieces so that assembly can go quick and easy. Start by cutting the pieces based on the cut list above. Once you have the pieces cut use a pocket-hole jig to drill two holes at the ends of each of the the shelf slats, each of the 2×2 crosspieces (both long and short), and drill two more pocket holes at the top of the 2×4 back legs.

Step 2: Assemble the sides of the potting bench

Now that the pieces are cut, we’ll start assembly by building the sides. Using wood glue and 2 1/2″ exterior pocket hole screws, attach a short 2×2 crosspieces to the top of each front leg and another 6″ up from the bottom, both flush to the outside edges. Then glue and screw into the back legs at 31 5/8″ and 6″ from the bottom. This should result in the crosspieces being level when the potting bench sides are stood up.

Step 3: Join the potting bench sides

With the potting bench sides laying with the back legs on the ground, use glue and 2 1/2″ pocket hole screws to attach the two long crosspieces between the front legs – the lower at 6″ and the top one flush to the top of legs. Then attach the crosspieces between the back legs at the same heights as the two in the front. Then install the remaining short cross piece in the center of the long cross pieces.

Step 4: Add the bottom shelf

The bottom shelf slats should be attached with their tops flush to the top of the crosspieces. Use exterior wood glue on each end, and the 2″ pocket hole screws to attach the slats. Keep the pocket holes on the underside of the each slat. The outer two slats should be pushed against the short crosspieces, the middle slats should be installed with a 7/8″ gap in between each.

Step 6: Add the bench top and top shelf

The bench boards should be centered on the upper crosspieces, leaving approximately a 13/16″ overhang on each side. Drill two pilot holes per board through the short crosspieces and partially into the 1×6 top boards. Then secure with the 2 1/4″ exterior wood screws.

The last piece to add in these simple potting bench plans is the top shelf. Center the top shelf on the crosspiece and leaving a 7/8 overhang to the back edge of the top crosspiece. Add wood glue then secure it in place with the 2 1/2″ pocket-hole screws through the back legs and into the top shelf. Finally, drill four pilot holes up through the crosspieces and into the shelf, then secure with 2 1/4″ exterior wood screws.

Step 6: Sand, paint or stain

Time for the finishing touches in these simple potting bench plans. Use at least 120 grit sandpaper to lightly sand the entire piece. Then finish with a few coats of stain or your favorite exterior grade paint or stain to help protect it from the elements.

Not certain what type of finish you want to add to your new piece? Check out our series on eco-friendly wood finishes. We detail options for oils, waxes, water-based finishes, shellac, milk paint, and citrus and plant based solvents. We give you all of the details you need to make an informed choice about the right type of finish to choose for your latest project.

If you have any questions or comments about these simple potting bench plans, leave us a note in the comments section below.

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