This is how we built our Easy DIY Potting Greenhouse Table for free. The entire table was made from salvaged and reclaimed materials left over from the greenhouse construction.
DIY Greenhouse
Did you know that we recently built a Greenhouse using reclaimed doors? Before finding the doors, I had started collecting windows for the project. Since we had a supply of windows, we decided to use them to build a potting table for the Greenhouse.
You can see all the Greenhouse details.
DIY Greenhouse Projects
In order to fill the greenhouse with a storage cabinet, we repurposed an IKEA Cube and made an Apothecary Cabinet. It’s hard to believe this used to be a 16-cube IKEA storage unit. Please look before and after.
In addition, I found an old chandelier at the thrift store and converted it into a solar chandelier for the greenhouse.
So we added the potting table, and here’s how we made it.
Supplies
So here’s what you need to build a potting bench.
- 2 – identical windows which together will be the length of your table
- 2 – 8′ salvaged porch posts.
- 2 – treated 2 x 4 boards
- 2 – treated 4 x 1 boards
- Wood Screws
Easy DIY Potting Table or Gardening Bench Instructions
First, make sure to build your table at the correct height. I personally feel that 36″ is a good working height for a garden or potting table.
Therefore, cutting the excess length from the bottom of each 8′ post would be necessary before cutting them in half.
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Begin by cutting the excess length off each post using a chop saw, and then cut the post in half. As a result, you will have four identical posts.
Measure windows for the table length
Next, let’s measure the length and width of the windows used to build the potting greenhouse table or gardening bench.
Using a chop saw, cut your 2 x 4 lumber the exact length of the windows. At this point, begin attaching each board to the top of the posts using wood screws and a cordless drill.
In addition, align each board with the edge of the posts to form the front and back length of your table.
The end is a thinner 1″ board and is used to attach the two lengths together. Similarly, you will want to cut these end boards the exact width of your window.
Build Frame
Next, attach the end boards to the 2 x 4 boards using wood screws and a cordless drill.
However, these boards should be attached from the outside so the end can rise above the 2 x 4 boards to form a slight lip. In other words, allow the end board to create a frame for the windows to sit inside.
Add Windows to complete your Potting Table
Now, place your windows on the frame and attach them to the base using wood screws from underneath.
Above all, avoid using screws longer than your board and window thickness because they will show on the top of your table. In addition, be sure to attach wood to wood and don’t allow the screw to come in contact with the glass.
The DIY Potting Greenhouse Table is a very rustic gardening bench that works perfectly inside the greenhouse.
If you plan to use your table outside, you want to use all-treated lumber or seal your potting table with exterior paint. As a safety precaution, I plan to add a sheet of Plexiglas to the top of the table.
More Favorite DIY Projects
- DIY Apothecary Cabinet IKEA HACK
- Over The Table Rod Stand Tutorial
- How to Make A DIY Potting Table from Old Windows
- Copper Hanging Pot Rack
- DIY Copper Spice Rack
- Nautical Rope Mirror Tutorial
- Easy Rustic Ladder Tutorial
- Distressed Decoupage Lamp Makeover
- Easy Thrifted Lamp DIY – Pottery Barn Hack
- Pottery Barn Leaf Napkin Ring Hack
Click Image For Details
So this is a simple way to re-purpose old windows and other architectural salvage into a functioning potting table/gardening bench.
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Linda Wilson
Thursday 23rd of July 2020
One of the most stunning projects I've seen! Very nice.
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Thursday 23rd of July 2020
Linda, That just made my day. Thank you for this. I have a wonderful day. Rachel
Shelly
Monday 6th of July 2020
I love this Rachel! Now I am going to see how you did the greenhouse. I have a conservatory made of old windows. It is big and fits on top of an old table.We had to cut it's top off to fit it in our screend in porch and put it back on inside! I told my husband at least nobody can take it! LOL
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Tuesday 7th of July 2020
Oh my gosh! How fun is that. Thanks for sharing! Rachel.
Cindy@CountyRoad407
Monday 6th of July 2020
One of my favorite things to do is repurpose old goodies and this is a fantastic idea. Pinned BTW, you are doing a great job on your blog! I'll be your # 2 fan. I bet the hubby is your #1. ;) Hope you have a great week!
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Tuesday 7th of July 2020
Cindy, Wow what a compliment! I’m still learning so much and have a long way to go. I appreciate you so much for these kind words. Rachel.