Reclaimed Wood Potting Bench
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Looking for a versatile outdoor piece that does more than just hold your garden tools? This DIY potting bench, built from reclaimed wood, is not only functional for gardening tasks—it also makes a charming beverage station for your next backyard gathering. With built-in storage, a spacious work surface, and rustic good looks, this bench is a hardworking addition to your outdoor space all season long.
I love using reclaimed wood to make projects, and y’all know that! The reason? The cost! The only thing I have invested in this reclaimed wood potting bench are some screws, paint, time and energy.
How to Build a Potting Bench from Reclaimed Wood
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I gathered these materials to design my potting bench: an old door, reclaimed pickets, and some reclaimed lumber.
Make Two Sides for Reclaimed Wood Potting Bench
I quickly decided against using the door after realizing I had enough reclaimed wood to make the potting bench. First, I started making 2 identical sides.
Notice I put the bottom boards toward the inside so I could rest a bottom shelf on them.
Reclaimed Wood Potting Bench Design Stage
Nothing is secure yet; this is a dry fit to ensure I’m okay with how things are going.
Use Exterior Wood Screws to Secure Your Boards
I secured each of the boards with screws and cut an extra board for the front of the base.
Then, I used more pickets for the back of the reclaimed wood potting bench. I clamped it in place as I used screws to secure it to the base.
Make Any Minor Adjustments as Needed
There was a gap between the picket top and the base leg, so I filled it in with a scrap board.
Simple Potting Bench | Outdoor Beverage Station
The potting bench was nearly finished, but I thought it needed a little something else. Something that would also make this project perfect for an outdoor beverage station!
Add an Upper Shelf
I wanted to add a shelf, and this is where I make extra work for myself. I wouldn’t run into these issues if I were to make sketches, but I’m here to “teach” you so that you can get it right from the beginning. After doing a temporary dry fit for my shelf, I noticed I could see the board in the back.
I clamped another board to the back, directly behind the shelf board. Not only will it look better, but it will help make the shelf sturdier. After attaching the shelf and the new board, I removed the board on top.
I love fast, easy, cheap projects! Did you see all the reclaimed wood I got last week? I have so many more projects in the future! Let’s take one last look.
Who Doesn’t Love Whitewash?
I whitewashed it!
This isn’t just a potting bench; it easily doubles as an outdoor beverage station! See how easy it is to achieve matching decor with spray paint!
Whether you’re potting plants in the morning or serving drinks in the evening, this reclaimed wood bench easily transitions from practical to party-ready. Its dual-purpose design proves that with a little creativity, your DIY projects can work double duty. Ready to build your own?
gail
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Dear Gail, Thank you I have been looking for exactly this project. I am not a woodworker. I may have to purchase the picket fence. How many sections would I have to get? Thank you.
Madeleine
It’s hard to say. I would buy individual boards-that way you won’t have to take anything apart. Buy more boards than you think you need, then you can return the unused boards. 🙂
gail
I just love your site and your wonderful, creative ideas for recycling materials! I need to make this potting bench! Do you think my neighbor would miss just a few sections of his fence? Keep those designs, and fabulous step by step directions coming!
How sweet of you!! thanks!
You can pick up boards pretty cheap at the hardware store… ask on FB, I bet some family member or friend has some they want to get rid of. 🙂
gail
What a perfect use of your reclaimed wood! this would look super cute in the garden! And I just love the way you rock those power tools!
The bench is great, and all reused wood… perfect. I’ve been wanting to make one for years and never got around to it.
My potting shelf is going to be removed. It is attached to the playhouse-turned potting shed-turned back into playhouse to make room for the mud pie station. Soooooo I am going to be in need of a potting bench. I don’t think I will have one before I need to plant flowers this year.
Love!
this is adorable, gail! i love the look and size!
just awesome! i really like it a LOT! i am working on a table that uses 4 pieces of picket fence and a drawer i found near the dumpster. what did you use for your “white washing”? i would LOVE to do that to the picket pieces i have. thanks!
Thank you Nova!
I used the exterior white paint from my new porch posts. I watered it down and applied it with a chip brush. If you find you get too much on, just wash it away (I used the water hose on another project when I got too much paint applied)
be sure to share your project on #SundayShareDay on FB
gail
Love this! The way the pickets create the little circles up top since they’re placed right next to each other is great.
And I especially love that you shared what you were thinking along the way — including the mistak– er, the ‘learning opportunities’! I’m learning just as much about putting things together for their appearance as I am about the construction & structure. Thanks & keep ’em coming!
Thank you Ashley for your comment….
I love sharing the whole process. If I can save someone the time to not do it wrong–then it’s a good day!
gail
Yay!! This is such a fun project Gail! I love all of it’s rustic goodness down to the perfect white washing!
gail i love this and you made it look easy, love the white wash too xx
WOW….you really lucked up finding all this free fencing. Love the white wash finish!!
Fantastic. Been wanting to do a potting station but I think mine will be one that attaches to the shed and folds down. But I love this one. Great job.
This is the cutest and so rustic…..I love it. How great to use this old fence and build such a beauty. My mom would absolutely love this.