--- title: "14 Potting Bench Plans for Building an Outdoor Garden Prep Space" description: "DIY your own garden potting bench with these 14 easy-to-follow plans. This guide includes a variety of potting bench styles for beginners and experts." date: "2021-12-06" modified: "2026-09-15" authors: - name: "Deirdre Mundorf" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/deirdre-mundorf.md" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/potting-bench-plans/" categories: - "Building & Installing" - "DIY" - "Gardening" - "Lawn & Garden" - "Lawn Care & Gardening" tags: - "News" --- # 14 Potting Bench Plans for Building an Outdoor Garden Prep Space ![Potting bench behind rose of Sharon tree.]() *Photo: Gregory Hansen via Shutterstock* A potting bench provides a spacious work area to simplify gardening tasks such as repotting plants or transplanting seedlings, and offers a convenient spot to store gardening tools. Whether you’re an avid gardener or just starting to test out your green thumb, you might be interested in adding a potting bench to your shed, garage, or outdoor gardening area. The idea of building your own potting bench to meet your specific needs, add your personal touch to the design, or save money might be more appealing than purchasing a pre-made product from a store. If so, look through the downloadable potting bench plans featured below to find just what you’re looking for. ## 1. Potting Bench with Side Shelves ![potting bench plans]() *Photo: J.S. Woodworking via Etsy Photo: [J.S. Woodworking]() via Etsy.com* Download these plans from Etsy merchant J.S. Woodworking to make your own cedar potting bench. The bench, which is 54 inches wide, 22 inches deep, and 60 inches tall, provides ample surface space on which work. The two lower shelves, two side shelves, and five hooks give you plenty of room to store your tools and supplies. The plans for this potting bench include a cut list, cutting diagrams, and clear assembly instructions. **[Get the J.S. Woodworking Potting Bench Build Plans at Etsy for $10.34]().** ## 2. Greenhouse Bench ![potting bench plans]() *Photo: EasyPlans Woodwork via Etsy Photo: [EasyPlans Woodwork]() via Etsy.com* This potting bench from UK-based Etsy seller EasyPlans Woodwork is 41 inches wide, 19 inches deep, and 35 inches tall. It's sized to fit inside 6-foot by 4-foot [greenhouses](), but you can also place multiple benches next to each other to create a more spacious work and storage area in larger [greenhouses](), sheds, or garages. What's cool about these are that you can make the bench with a flat tabletop or with a shelf top; the shelf sections are also removable in order to accommodate taller pots. The plans are available for instant download, and include detailed instructions and a full cutting list. **[Get the EasyPlans Woodwork Greenhouse Staging Plans With Removable Shelves and Potting Table at Etsy for $5.92.]()** ## 3. Upper Shelf with Mesh for Tool Storage ![potting bench plans]() *Photo: I Like to Make Stuff Shop via Etsy Photo: I Like to Make Stuff Shop via Etsy.com* The mesh back of this potting bench offers a convenient space to store your [gardening tools](), gloves, and other small gardening gear. If you’re looking for a potting bench with a sink, these plans can help you incorporate a sink and drain into the design. The downloadable plans from Etsy seller I Like To Make Stuff Shop offer step-by-step guidance through construction, in both imperial and metric measurements. **[Get the I Like to Make Stuff Shop Potting Bench Plans at Etsy for $9.99]().** ## 4. Solid and Sturdy ![potting bench plans]() *Photo: Old World Vintage via Etsy Photo: [Old World Vintage]() via Etsy.com* Made using only 2x4s, 2x6s, and one 2x8x8, this DIY potting bench is both easy to make and, once complete, very sturdy. The plans include directions for adding a built-in tub or adding casters to the legs to create a movable bench. **[Get the Old World Garden Vintage DIY Potting Bench Plans at Etsy for $10]().** ## 5. 2x4s Potting Bench ![potting bench plans]() *Photo: Whitt's Workshop via Etsy Photo: [Whitt's Workshop]() via Etsy.com* If you have some spare 2x4s lying around from old projects, get ready to upcycle them—this is the only kind of wood you'll need to build this gardening accessory. Once you download the plans, you’ll receive an e-book full of all the info you need to make the bench. However, these plans are not recommended for beginners, since they do not include step-by-step directions for each cut and step in the assembly process. **[Get the Whitt's Workshop Potting Bench Plans at Etsy for $8.95]().** ## 6. Hidden Storage Bench ![potting bench plans]() *Photo: Charleston Craft via Etsy Photo: [Charleston Craft]() via Etsy.com* With these downloadable plans you can construct your own potting bench with [hidden storage compartments](). The bench’s counter is divided into three different sections, each of which can be removed to reveal a storage bin underneath where you can store soil, tools, or other gardening essentials. These plans are designed to be easy enough for most beginners to follow. [**Get the Charleston Craft DIY Potting Bench With Hidden Storage Plans at Etsy for $10.99.**]() ## 7. Small Folding Table ![potting bench plans]() *Photo: DxfStlDigital via Etsy Photo: Etsy.com* If space is at a premium on your deck or patio and you don’t have room for a full-sized potting bench, consider downloading the plans to build this small folding table. It's 48 inches long, 24 inches wide, and 39 inches high. The table mounts to the wall, and when it's not in use can be folded against the wall. The plans to construct this folding table include detailed drawings and images and clear directions for assembly. **[Get the DxfStlDigital Wood Folding Table Plans at Etsy for $5]().** ## 8. Built-to-Last Potting Bench ![Photo of a cedar potting bench, shelves lined with colorful flower pots, against a wood-shingled house.]() *Photo: Kreg* Kreg's free potting bench plan is for intermediate-level DIYers and includes both a cut list and a tool list. The step-by-step instructions for this three-tier bench are super easy to follow; each step includes both written directions and a schematic drawing of how the piece should look at each step. Kreg recommends using cedar, which can withstand years of outdoor use. **[Get the Built to Last Potting Bench Plans at Kreg for free.]()** ## 9. Bench for Beginner DIYers ![]() *Photo: DoItYourselfPlanner via Etsy.com* If you don’t have a lot of woodworking experience, this garden potting bench plan might be for you. The downloadable file includes a shopping list, clear directions, cut instructions, and diagrams to help you know where to place screws or nails. Once complete, the potting bench offers two lower shelves, a high upper shelf, and space to attach hooks to organize tools. [**Get the DIY Easy Woodworking Potting Bench Plans at Etsy for $4.12.**]() ## 10. Farmhouse Potting Bench ![Farmhouse-style potting bench with potted plants on top shelf]() *Photo: DigitalTutoriaStudio via Etsy Photo: [DigitalTutoriaStudio]() via Etsy.com* If your interior decor is modern farmhouse look and you want to keep that vibe going out of doors, this potting bench is just the ticket. We love the X detailing on the outside edges (and if you love the farmhouse look, it probably matches a console table in your home). The table measures 55 inches tall by 50 inches long by 20 inches deep; though the plans include cut details, instructions, and diagrams, take note—some buyers comment that it isn't a novice-level project. **[Get the DigitalTutoriaStudio Farmhouse Potting Bench Plans at Etsy for $10.32.]()** ## 11. Potting Bench With Hidden Storage ![Wood slatted potting bench with a removable counter panel that reveals hidden storage underneath.]() *Photo: Charleston Craft via Etsy* The work surfaces of some potting benches are interrupted by sinks. In this clever design, Etsy seller Charleston Craft has built in hidden storage bins under the removable counter panels that can store soil, tools, or other gardening gear. The seller calls this a "very beginner-friendly project." Measures 54 inches tall, 54 inches wide, and 24 inches deep. The counter height is 36 inches. [**Get the Charleston Craft DIY Potting Bench With Hidden Storage for $10.99.**]() ## 13. Potting Bench With Bin ![potting bench plans]() *Photo: Lowe's Photo: [Lowes.com]()* Try these plans if you’re looking for a potting bench with enclosed storage. The plans include directions to add a bin to the potting bench, where you can store tools, [soil](), or other supplies you want to protect from the elements. Available for free, these plans include a tools and materials list, project diagrams, a cut list, and step-by-step instructions. [**Get the Potting Bench Plans at Lowe's for Free**]() ## 14. Wall-Mounted Folding Bench ![potting bench plans]() *Photo: Etsy Photo: Etsy.com* This large potting bench designed by Australia-based Etsy seller CE Carpentry mounts to the wall and folds up when it's not in use. The downloadable PDF includes a hardware list, cut list, step-by-step assembly instructions, and clear drawings to help individuals construct the bench. At 83 inches long, this potting bench offers more work space than many other DIY potting bench plans we've found. [**Get the CECarpentry Folding Work Bench Plans at Etsy for $7.45.**]() *The prices listed are accurate as of September 15, 2026.* ## Author Deirdre Mundorf is a former teacher turned writer who most enjoys working on topics related to homes, family, and pets. 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