I love using reclaimed wood to make projects, 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. You will notice in the end, this also makes a great outdoor beverage station.
How to Build a Potting Bench from Reclaimed Wood
This is what I gathered 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 I realized that I had enough reclaimed wood to make the entire 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 make sure I’m okay with the way 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 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 basically 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. This is the point where I make extra work for myself. If I were to make sketches, I wouldn’t run into these issues. But I’m here to “teach” you so that you can get it right from the beginning. After I did a temporary dry fit for my shelf, I noticed that 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? So many more projects in my future! Let's take one last look....
Who doesn't love whitewash?
I white washed 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!
gail
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Hi, there! Iām Gail, the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. Iām obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believe that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful againāmyself included! I hope youāll enjoy the journey and pick up a few tools along the wayā¦ literally!
Madeleine Fuchs
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.
Gail Wilson
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. š
gail
Sullyteach
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!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
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. š
gail
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co.
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!
Julie @ follow your heart woodworking
The bench is great, and all reused wood... perfect. I've been wanting to make one for years and never got around to it.
Bliss
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.
Suzanne
Love!
cassie @ primitive & proper
this is adorable, gail! i love the look and size!
girlfromwva
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!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
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
Ashley
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!
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
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
Mindi
Yay!! This is such a fun project Gail! I love all of it's rustic goodness down to the perfect white washing!
chris aka monkey
gail i love this and you made it look easy, love the white wash too xx
Terri Hughes
WOW....you really lucked up finding all this free fencing. Love the white wash finish!!
Pam
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.
Tracy@www.bluridgevintage.com
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.