A garden work station with a backboard and an upper shelf. Finished size 47½ × 24¼ × 52¾ in. About 5–7 hours for a first build, 12 boards to buy.
Quick facts
| Plan | PS-12, in The Garage Starter Collection |
| Level | 3 of 3 (Advanced beginner) |
| Finished size | 47½ × 24¼ × 52¾ in |
| First build | About 5–7 hours |
| Parts / boards / screws | 29 parts, 12 boards to buy, 92 screws |
| Wood | Cedar or exterior-grade pine |
Parts list
| Part | Name | Qty | Board | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Leg | 4 | 2x4 | 35 1/4" |
| B | Back upright | 2 | 2x4 | 52 3/4" |
| C | Long apron | 2 | 1x4 | 46" |
| D | End apron | 2 | 1x4 | 20 1/2" |
| E | Long rail | 2 | 1x4 | 46" |
| F | End rail | 2 | 1x4 | 20 1/2" |
| G | Top slat | 4 | 1x6 | 47 1/2" |
| H | Shelf slat | 6 | 1x6 | 22" |
| I | Backboard slat | 2 | 1x4 | 44 1/2" |
| J | Upper shelf | 1 | 1x6 | 46" |
| K | Shelf bracket | 2 | 2x2 | 4 3/4" |
Lengths are finished lengths. Boards are listed by nominal size; see the actual lumber sizes. The plan also gives the shopping list by board length and a cutting diagram.
Materials and tools
Hardware
- Exterior wood screws #8 x 1-5/8 in x 60
- Exterior wood screws #8 x 1-1/4 in x 28
- Exterior wood screws, 2-1/2 in x 4
- Exterior wood glue
Tools
- Miter saw, circular saw or hand saw
- Drill/driver with a pilot-hole and countersink bit
- Tape measure, speed square and pencil
- Clamps (two or more)
- 80 and 120 grit sandpaper
What the plan includes
- Shopping list by board length and a cutting diagram, so you buy once
- Dimensioned drawings and an exploded view with lettered parts
- Step-by-step assembly, with a 3D view of every step
- Square Checks: the exact numbers to measure as you build
- Cut tags and a maker’s label to print
- A Letter edition to print and a Phone Edition to read in the garage
Before you build
- A work bench for pots and garden tasks. It is not rated for heavy loads or for standing on.
- Keep the upper shelf for light items such as small pots and gloves.
- Wear safety glasses and hearing protection when cutting, and a dust mask when sanding.
- Always pre-drill before driving screws near the end of a board, to avoid splitting the wood.
- Clamp or firmly hold the workpiece before cutting and keep your hands out of the cut line.
- This plan has been modeled and cross-checked in 3D, but it has not yet been physically built and tested. Dry-fit the parts before you drive screws and use the Square Checks as you go.
Our plans are modeled and checked in 3D and have not yet been built and tested. Dry-fit before you drive screws.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Potting Bench take to build?
We estimate 5–7 hours for a first build.
How many boards do I need for the Potting Bench?
The shopping list in the plan is 12 boards, listed by length, with a cutting diagram.
What wood is the Potting Bench made from?
Cedar or exterior-grade pine.
What size is the Potting Bench?
The finished size is 47½ × 24¼ × 52¾ in.
Get the Potting Bench plan
The Potting Bench is plan PS-12 in The Garage Starter Collection: 12 beginner plans, 4 guides and a Start Here guide. One payment of $27, instant download, 14-day money-back guarantee.
See the collectionNew to this? Try the free Box Ledge Shelf plan first, or read how to read a cut list.