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Step by step woodworking project about potting bench plans free. If you want to build simple bench for your greenhouse or for your garden projects, you should pay attention to our free instructions. In this article we show you the basic stages required for the job, as well as the tools and materials needed for this carpentry project. As any other woodworking activity, you have to measure the components with great care and make the cuts with proper power tools. Work with good judgement, making sure the plans fit your needs and tastes, before starting the actual job.
In order to build a durable wooden potting bench, we recommend you to buy lumber designed for outdoor use, such as: pine, cedar or redwood. Make sure the slats are in a good condition, paying attention to cracks, twists or knots. Drill pilot holes in the wooden components, before inserting the screws, otherwise the wood might split. Moreover, don’t forget to leave at least 1/2” from the edges, for the same reason. See all my Premium Plans HERE.
Projects made from these plans
Cut & Shopping Lists
- A – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber 35” long, 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber 50” long LEGS
- B – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber 22” long SIDE BRACES
- C – 16 pieces of carriage bolts 3 1/2” carriage bolts BOLTS
- D – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber 40” long FRONT AND BACK APRONS
- E – 12 pieces of 2×4 lumber 40” long SLATS
- F – 40 pieces of galvanized decking screws 2 1/2” long SCREWS
- G – 1 pieces of 2×6 lumber 40′ long TOP SHELF BOTTOM
- H – 2 pieces of 1×6 lumber 6” long, 1 piece of 1×6 lumber 40” long TOP SHELF SIDES
- 11 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
- 1 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 6′
- 1 piece of 2×6 lumber – 6′
- 100 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws
- glue, stain
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
Time
Potting Bench Components
A potting bench is a great weekend project, especially if you like to grow flowers and take care of them. If you want to surprise your wife with a nice gift, this woodworking project is perfect for your needs. Any person with basic carpentry skills can get the job done in a professional manner, if you choose proper plans.
Top Tip: Buy proper materials for the bench, such as cedar, redwood, pine or pressure-treated. Align all the components at both hands and lock them together with wooden screws. Don’t forget to drill pilot holes in the wooden elements, before inserting the screws.
Potting Bench Plans
First of all you have to build both sides of the potting bench. Therefore, cut the front and the back legs at the right size, using a miter saw with a sharp blade and lock them together with wood screws. Make sure the corners of the panels are right-angled, using a carpentry square. Use 3 1/2″ carriage bolts or 2 1/2″ galvanized screws.
Top Tip: Assemble the sides of the diy potting bench on the ground, making sure you choose a level surface.
After you have assembled the sides of the potting bench, you should lock them together with galvanized screws. Plumb the components with a spirit level before inserting the wood screws.
Top Tip: Drill pilot holes in the wooden components, to prevent the wood from splitting. Moreover, leave at least 1/2” from the edges, when making the pilot holes. Check the corners for squareness, using a carpentry square.
Next, you should attache the 2×4 slats on the counter-top and on the bottom shelf. Work with great care and judgement, if you want to obtain a professional result. Before inserting decking screws at both ends, you should drill pilot holes and countersink the head of the screws.
Make sure you place the slats equally spaced, in order to obtain a neat look. Place a block of wood between the slats, to obtain consistent gaps.
One of the last steps of the project is to build the top shelf, as in the free plans. In order to get the job done in a professional manner, we recommend you to use 2×6 lumber for the bottom part of the shelf and 1×6 lumber for its sides.
Top Tip: Align the components at both hands, using a spirit level. In addition, attach the sides of the shelf and lock them into place with finishing nails.
After you have built the outdoor potting bench, you should take care of the finishing touches. Therefore, you have to fill the head of the screws and the holes with a good wood putty. Let the compound to dry out for several hours, before sanding the surface with medium-grit sandpaper.
Top Tip: Apply several coats of wood stain, in order to protect the components against water damage and decay. Make sure you also check put these plans for you to build a potting bench with sink.
This woodworking project is about outdoor potting bench plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.
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