Top Inexpensive Potting Bench Ideas for Gardening Enthusiasts
There are potting bench ideas that can suit one’s needs or many needs. Whether you use a plan or design the bench yourself, you can make it match your tastes. The garden is an important part of the yard. When you have a potting bench, it makes working in the garden so much easier.
You can keep all your tools by the bench and repot plants from the nursery. The best way to make a bench for the garden is with wood and other things you might have around the house or something you find at a garage sale. You can make portable or stationary potting benches.
If you’re an avid gardener, you know the importance of having a potting bench. A potting bench provides a dedicated space for transplanting, repotting, and nurturing your beloved plants. However, finding an affordable yet functional potting bench can be a challenge. Fret not! We’ve compiled a list of top inexpensive potting bench ideas that will elevate your gardening experience without breaking the bank.
1. DIY Pallet Potting Bench
One of the most cost-effective ways to get a potting bench is by building one yourself using pallets. Pallets are readily available and can be repurposed into sturdy and rustic potting benches. With a few basic tools and some creativity, you can customize the design to fit your space and aesthetic preferences. Plus, DIY projects like this add a personal touch to your garden.
2. Repurposed Furniture
Think outside the box and consider repurposing old furniture into a potting bench. An old dresser, table, or even a workbench can be transformed into a functional and stylish potting station with a fresh coat of paint and some added features like hooks for hanging tools or shelves for storing pots and supplies. Not only is this option budget-friendly, but it also adds character to your garden.
3. Cinder Block and Wood
For a durable and budget-friendly potting bench, consider using cinder blocks and wood. Simply stack the cinder blocks to create the base and use wooden planks as the tabletop. This simple yet effective design provides ample space for potting and organizing your gardening essentials. You can even add additional features like hooks or a pegboard for extra storage and functionality.
4. Foldable Potting Bench
If space is limited in your garden or you prefer a portable option, a foldable potting bench is the perfect solution. These compact benches can be easily folded and stored when not in use, making them ideal for small gardens or balconies. Look for models with built-in storage shelves or compartments to maximize functionality.
5. Recycled Materials
Get creative and use recycled materials to construct your potting bench. Old doors, window frames, or even discarded wooden pallets can be repurposed into a charming and eco-friendly potting station. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also be reducing waste and doing your part in the environment.
6. Modular Potting Bench
Invest in a modular potting bench that allows you to customize and expand your workspace as needed. These versatile benches come with interchangeable modules, such as shelves, drawers, and tool racks, so you can tailor the setup to suit your specific gardening needs. While they may require a slightly higher initial investment, the flexibility and functionality they offer make them well worth it in the long run.
7. Vertical Potting Bench
Maximize space in your garden with a vertical potting bench that utilizes vertical space for storage and organization. These innovative benches feature shelves, hooks, and compartments stacked vertically, allowing you to make the most of limited space. Look for models with adjustable shelves or modular components for added versatility.
Stationary Potting Bench Ideas
Stationary potting benches are nice for patios where you want to work in the sun or the shade. These benches can have drawers for supplies as well as one or more shelves for storage. The nice thing about these types of potting benches is that they can be used for multiple projects.
Those who like to grow their own plants instead of buying them from a nursery could use the top part of the bench as a little greenhouse for starting new plants. This is ideal for those who like to grow their own plants instead of buying them from a nursery.
Read More: A Perfect Go-Anywhere Outdoor Garden Bench
How to Make the Stationary Potting Bench
Things you will need:
- Ten 4×4’s six feet long
- One piece of plywood – for the bottom shelf, tabletop, and greenhouse bottom)
- Thirty-two screws- two inches long
- One single stainless steel sink (find at a garage sale or demolition site)
- Plexiglas- large enough to make the top, sides, front, and back of the greenhouse
- Four smaller hinges for the front Plexiglas doors
- Two cabinet doorknobs
- Screwdriver
Step 1
Cut two front legs and two longer back legs to accommodate the benchtop and the top shelf greenhouse. (52L x (72H back legs) (50H front legs) x 30W) Cut 6 side braces (22 inches) out of the 4x4s to fit between the legs. Cut 4 4×4’s to fit between the front and back of the bench legs on the bottom, benchtop, and greenhouse shelf (44 inches).
Cut 2 4×4 pieces to support the front of the greenhouse from the benchtop to the greenhouse top (12 inches, measure to confirm the length needed from the benchtop to the top of the back leg top).
Step 2
Lay the two pieces for the front legs down and attach the front center brace with two screws on each side. Then do the same for the back legs. The braces should be about three feet from the ground.
Step 3
Attach the center brace to one side of the back leg and the other side to the front leg. Do the same for the other side. Use two screws on each side. Then attach the center brace between the front and back legs for the benchtop.
Step 4
Attach the greenhouse front braces to the benchtop. Use two screws on each brace. Screw the braces from the bottom of the benchtop. Attach the greenhouse front legs to the 4×4 braces on the side braces of the benchtop.
Step 5
Attach a front center, back center, and two side braces to form the bottom of the greenhouse. Then attach the front, back, and side braces for the top of the greenhouse. These braces should be even with the front and back leg tops.
Step 6
Measure the stainless steel sink and make the appropriate cut on the benchtop on the far left or right side. Insert the sink and use chalking to seal the sink edge on the benchtop.
Step 7
Measure the Plexiglas and cut it to fit the sides and back of the greenhouse area. Cut the top piece and attach it to the top of the legs. Drill holes in the Plexiglas and attach them to the 4×4 legs with screws. Cut a front piece from leg to leg and then cut it in half.
Attach each side to the legs with two hinges on each side. Drill a single hole in each section for the doorknobs. Seal the edges with clear chalk if needed. Do not do this on the front, only on the sides and back.
Step 8
Cut the benchtop, greenhouse floor, and bottom shelf out of the plywood. Measure to fit. You can stain or paint the potting bench to protect the wood from the weather. If you do use a stain, you will want to treat the wood with a repellant of some type. If you are painting the bench, you can add a polyurethane coat to repel water.
Potting Bench
A Potting Bench is a perfect addition to every garden. Not only is a Potting Bench stylish and attractive, but it is very versatile and practical as well.
By utilizing a Potting Bench, you can have all of your seeds, pots, and gardening utensils within easy reach. You can store items such as potting soil, pots, and planters on the bottom shelf. Your Potting Bench will double for many other activities, such as a work table, carving area, and anything else you can imagine.
The Potting Bench is the perfect location for transplanting, rooting, pruning, and cutting your plants. Not only will your Potting Bench lend organization to your garden, but you will also save labor on your back and knees.
Many Potting Benches will contain a guard on the back to keep soil on your bench and not allow it to fall onto your deck or patio. This is also a wonderful way to keep your area clean and neat while keeping up to date with your planting needs.
The Potting Bench: Assembly and Purchase
You may decide to purchase your Potting Bench or build it yourself. Many companies will sell the specs, and equipment needed, and even go so far as to pre-drill the holes into your bench. If you build it yourself, you will also need to finish it.
Whether you purchase or build your Potting Bench, make sure that you have your bench weatherproofed. Choices abound in coloring finishes and your imagination, creativity, and outdoor decor limit your decision on finishing your bench only.
Potting Bench and Your Back
As many gardeners can testify, bending over to the garden can take its toll on your back and can be a great source of back pain. With your potting bench, you can avoid lifting and bending and work on your plants at your level.
This is a much better alternative than overstraining your muscles planting and transplanting while on your knees. Not only will your garden look better with your Potting Bench, but your back will thank you for it too.
Conclusion
Gardening doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and neither does your potting bench. With these top inexpensive potting bench ideas, you can create a functional and stylish workspace without breaking the bank. Whether you opt for a DIY pallet bench, repurpose old furniture, or invest in a modular solution, there are plenty of budget-friendly options to suit every gardener’s needs.
