Build A Potting Bench

Build the Frame

1. Using a table saw, we cut our pressure-treated lumber to size. We cut four 36" x 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" wood for the two back and front legs and then cut two 20" x 3" x 2" cross members and upper and lower rails.
2. Next, we cut the two sides of the shelving units from 5/4" x 6" decking boards, and we also cut the 5/4" decking boards to make the lower shelf and the countertop.

1. We first pre-drilled the 5/4" decking boards and laid one decking board on the lower shelf to check the fit and alignment.
2. Using 2" screws, we attached the board to the frame (figure E).
3. We butted the remaining 5/4" decking boards together and attached them.
4. On the boards going on next to the legs, we needed to mark for a notch cut to be made in the 5/4" decking boards. We made the notched cuts on the table saw on two of the 5/4" decking boards so they could fit around the legs (figure F). Then we attached them to the lower shelf.
5. Next we moved to the tabletop and attached the remaining decking boards (figure G).

Potting Soil Tub

1. We needed to make a hole in the tabletop so we could insert a plastic tub for potting soil. To mark our cut, we traced around the bottom of the tub. After we had our circle made, we used a 7/16" paddle bit to make a hole to start cutting the circle out.
2. Using a jigsaw, we cut out the opening in the countertop for the plastic tub. Be sure to use a sharp blade in your jigsaw to make cutting easier. The sharper blade will keep the wood from burning.

1. We stood the first upright shelf support in place and attached it to the table using screws (figure I).
2. Then we placed and attached the second shelf support.
3. Next, we measured and determined the height for our shelves, be sure not to make your top shelf to high so you can reach it.
4. We cut a 30-degree angle on the shelf support cleats and attached the cleats to the uprights with screws.
5. We measured for the shelves between the two uprights. Once we had the measurements we cut the shelves to length using the miter saw.
6. We placed the bottom shelf in place on top of the cleats (figure J).
7. Next, we pre-drilled and attached the shelf to the cleats using screws.
8. Then we placed and attached the top shelf to the cleats.
9. To give additional support to the shelves we used scrap pieces of 5/4" decking to create center supports (figure K). This will help keep the shelves from sagging in the middle .

1. Using a router with a round over bit we rounded the front and side edges on the tabletop (figure L). Then we routed the front edge of the bottom shelf.
2. Next, we used the random orbit sander with 150-grit sandpaper on the potting bench to smooth out any rough areas and to prep the surface for the stain.
3. To remove the dust from the potting bench we used a shop vacuum and then wiped it down with a damp cloth.
4. Finally, we used brushes to apply an oil-based stain to the potting bench (figure M).

   * When using an oil-based stain, make sure that you are in a well-ventilated area. Also, be sure to use brushes and rollers that are made for applying oil-based paints and stains. If you want to add a second coat, let the stain soak in for about 20 minutes and then apply the second coat while the bench is still wet.