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Starting seeds in flats and transplanting seedlings can be messy. Very few gardeners have their own greenhouse complete with a gardening workstation. A tabletop bench at a comfortable height makes it easy for the enthusiastic gardener to complete the necessary propagation tasks that go into growing healthy vegetables and beautiful flowers. Enter the potting bench.
The best potting benches offer enough space to perform basic planting tasks. Ahead, learn what to look for when shopping for a potting bench and find out why the following models are all well suited to backyard gardening.
- BEST OVERALL: Convenience Concepts Deluxe Potting Bench
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Best Choice Products Garden Workstation With Drawer
- BEST WOODEN: Aivituvin Outdoor Garden Bench With Sink & Lid
- BEST HIDDEN SINK: Best Choice Products Wood Garden Potting Bench
- BEST MULTIPURPOSE: Best Choice Products 2-Shelf Wooden Console Table
- BEST STORAGE: Yaheetech Potting Bench Table With Sink
- BEST WITH CABINET: Yaheetech Garden Potting Bench Table
- BEST MOBILE: Luckyermore Wooden Potting Bench Table
- ALSO CONSIDER: Vingli 4-ft. Adjustable-Height Portable Folding Table
How We Chose the Best Potting Benches
When gathering our top picks for this handy garden accessory, we considered the aspects shoppers care about most when looking for a new potting bench.
Storage is a vital feature, so we did our research to find the best range of small, medium, and large bench sizes—each offering an array of storage options. Many of our top recommendations include narrow upper shelves for keeping small potted plants and garden tools alongside drawers and cabinets for more secure—and dry—storage. Some options also have large lower shelving spaces to house larger garden materials and tools such as plant stands, large bags of potting soil, or watering cans.
Material was another important factor we took into account: All of our picks are made from durable wood, including fir, teak, eucalyptus, or MDF (medium-density fiberboard). Some are already treated and stained, while others are raw wood that users can stain to their desired finish.
Our Top Picks
To qualify as a top pick, a potting bench should be made from durable, weather-resistant materials and be solid and stable enough to hold a variety of pots, plants, and tools. The size and height of the work surface are mostly a matter of personal preference, but having adequate storage is essential. The following potting benches vary in the features they offer, but each is well suited to outdoor planting and repotting tasks.
Best Overall
Convenience Concepts Deluxe Potting Bench
Start seeds, transplant seedlings, and perform other plant and garden tasks on the ample work surface provided by the Convenience Concepts Deluxe Potting Bench. The top shelf of this bench stands 46 inches high. It comes with a molded plastic dry sink that lifts out for easy cleaning, and it features three additional shelves, two below the work surface and a narrow one at the top back. It also comes with hooks on the side and a drawer just below the work surface.
The Convenience Concepts potting bench is made from natural wood, and some assembly is required.
Products Specs
- Material: Wood, plastic sink
- Dimensions: 46 inches long by 17.75 inches deep by 47.62 inches high
- Additional features: Storage drawer, sink, 2 lower shelves, upper shelf, and side hooks
Pros
- Plenty of shelving space for storing all sorts of gardening tools and items
- Rubber foot pads help keep bench in place even on wet outdoor surfaces
- Plastic sink basin is easily removed for cleaning or preparing the next garden project
Cons
- Particleboard construction is not the best for longevity in harsher outdoor conditions
Get the Convenience Concepts potting bench at Amazon, Target, Hayneedle, or Bellacor.
Best Bang for the Buck
Best Choice Products Garden Workstation With Drawer
This Best Choice Products Garden Workstation has clean lines and a trellis-back support. The bench is made from durable fir that’s been sealed for extra weather resistance. In addition to the work surface, the bench comes with two shelves—a narrow upper-back shelf to hold small pots or tools and a full-length bottom shelf for storing larger items. Side hooks and a small pull-out drawer round out the storage options.
The Best Choice Products potting bench requires some assembly.
Products Specs
- Material: Wood
- Dimensions: 44 inches long by 20 inches deep by 45 inches high
- Additional features: Cabinet drawer, side hooks, upper and lower storage shelves
Pros
- Attractive lattice design on the back shelf looks great in most outdoor settings
- Includes plenty of side hooks for hanging garden tools and other accessories
- Bottom shelf is deep enough to store larger items and objects
Cons
- This model does not include a dry sink, a feature some users may miss
Get the Best Choice Products garden workstation at Amazonor Best Choice Products.
Best Wooden
Aivituvin Outdoor Garden Bench With Sink u0026 Lid
The Aivituvin Garden Bench features a removable sink with a lid, plus a full-width PVC layer that can cover the entire work space (including the sink) when a sizable waterproof surface is necessary. The Aivituvin bench is made from weather-resistant fir that can be left as is or painted to suit the gardener’s style.
In addition to the dry sink, the bench comes with a pull-out drawer beneath the work surface and a full-width shelf for holding supplies. It also features a narrow shelf at the back of the bench for holding small pots and tools. Assembly is required.
Products Specs
- Material: Wood, PVC layer, plastic sink
- Dimensions: 44 inches long by 19 inches deep by 45 inches high
- Additional features: Drawer, top and bottom shelves, sink with lid
Pros
- Includes a waterproof PVC layer for the work area, which helps maintain the wood
- Sink area can be covered over to create a larger work surface
- Small drawer is useful for storing more delicate items
Cons
- Upper shelf is quite narrow; not ideal for storing anything more than decorative items
Get the Aivituvin potting bench at Amazon or Aivituvin.
Best Hidden Sink
Best Choice Products Wood Garden Potting Bench
Now you see it; now you don’t. The dry sink on the Best Choice Products Outdoor Potting Bench is recessed in the middle of the work surface, and it can be covered with the sliding tabletop panels to form a solid work surface when desired. Made from Chinese fir, the bench is designed to weather the elements. It features two small upper-back shelves for holding tools and supplies and comes with front hooks on both sides and a slatted bottom rack for extra storage.
This Best Choice Products bench requires assembly.
Products Specs
- Material: Wood, plastic sink
- Dimensions: 39.5 inches long by 18 inches deep by 55.25 inches high
- Additional features: Sliding tabletop, sink, front hooks, 2 upper shelves, lower shelf
Pros
- Work area is extendable to create more space whenever needed
- Hidden sink function keeps the sink out of the way when not required
- 2 upper shelves provide plenty of additional storage space
Cons
- Untreated wood may require coating for better weather protection
Get the Best Choice Products garden potting bench at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Best Choice Products.
Best Multipurpose
Best Choice Products 2-Shelf Wooden Console Table
Made from eucalyptus, which is durable and weather resistant, the Best Choice Products table can be used as a potting bench, a plant stand, or even to hold drinks and snacks for entertaining.
This all-purpose bench is suitable for several uses, including repotting plants and starting seeds in trays and pots. Both the top work surface and the full-width lower shelf are made from wood slats to allow water to drain through. The bench is countertop height and requires assembly.
Products Specs
- Material: Wood
- Dimensions: 48 inches long by 16 inches deep by 30 inches high
- Additional features: Lower shelf
Pros
- Suitable as an outdoor storage accessory or as indoor decor
- Extra-long table provides users with plenty of work space; ideal for large garden projects
- Eucalyptus wood is naturally weather-resistant; can last for years outdoors
Cons
- This unit does not include any sinks, drawers, or additional shelving space
Get the Best Choice Products 2-shelf potting bench at Amazon, Target, or Best Choice Products.
Best Storage
Yaheetech Potting Bench Table With Sink
Crafted from 100 percent weather-resistant fir, the Yaheetech Outdoor Potting Bench offers space to store all the soil, seeds, and pots needed to perform multiple gardening tasks. The bench features a dry sink recessed into the work surface, a narrow upper shelf, and two adjustable shelves below the tabletop. A pull-out drawer and three handy side hooks round out the storage options.
The Yaheetech potting bench has a weathered gray look, but it can be painted to suit any outdoor decor. Assembly is required.
Products Specs
- Material: Wood, plastic sink
- Dimensions: 45.2 inches long by 17.7 inches deep by 47.6 inches high
- Additional features: 2 lower shelves, upper shelf, sink, drawer, side hooks
Pros
- More than enough storage for busy gardeners with its shelves, drawers, and hooks
- Sink is removable; allows users to easily empty and rinse when needed
- Rubber feet help keep the potting bench from sliding during use
Cons
- Some users report difficult assembly instructions, resulting in a poor experience
Get the Yaheetech potting table at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Target.
Best with Cabinet
Yaheetech Garden Potting Bench Table
Those looking to store gardening supplies out of sight need look no further than the Yaheetech Outdoor Potting Bench, which comes with a slide-bolt cabinet to secure items. The bench also has a durable galvanized zinc work surface and a pull-out drawer to store small items. Side hooks, a narrow upper shelf, and a lower shelf round out the bench’s storage options.
The Yaheetech bench is crafted from 100 percent weather-resistant fir. The addition of the enclosed cabinet helps reinforce the overall stability of the potting bench. Some assembly is required.
Products Specs
- Material: Wood, metal tabletop
- Dimensions: 44.1 inches long by 18.3 inches deep by 49.2 inches high
- Additional features: Storage cabinet, lower shelf, upper shelf, side hooks
Pros
- Large storage cabinet is great for items that should be kept dry
- Lightweight pieces are easy to assemble, and bench feels sturdy once built
- Cabinet has a latch on it; ideal for keeping items safe from animals or kids
Cons
- Finish can be quite light compared to what’s shown in the pictures; consider varnishing for added protection
Get the Yaheetech potting bench at Amazon, The Home Depot, Overstock.
Best Mobile
Luckyermore Wooden Potting Bench Table
With two legs on wheels, the Luckyermore Potting Bench is easy to relocate when desired. Just lift the other end and roll it along as you would a wheelbarrow. The Luckyermore bench has storage hooks on the side of the work table, and it comes with both a dry sink and a pull-out drawer for additional storage. A narrow upper-back shelf and a full-length bottom shelf add space for storing pots and gardening supplies.
The bench is made from solid fir, and the dry sink is removable for easy cleaning. Some assembly is required.
Products Specs
- Material: Wood, plastic sink
- Dimensions: 36 inches long by 18 inches deep by 47 inches high
- Additional features: Drawer, sink, side hooks, lower shelf, upper shelf, wheels
Pros
- 2 wheels help users easily cart this bench around; great for large gardens
- Made from durable—and weather-resistant—fir wood; ideal for keeping outdoors
- Raw wood can be a great blank canvas to stain this bench to match existing outdoor furniture
Cons
- Quite small compared with other options; work space is slightly limited
Get the Luckyermore wooden bench at Amazon, Wayfair, or Luckyermore.
Also Consider
Vingli 4-ft. Adjustable-Height Portable Folding Table
Those who might not have the room (or the need) for a dedicated potting bench may want to check out the Vingli outdoor folding table. It provides a work surface for all potting and repotting chores then folds away for easy storage. The Vingli table has three adjustable heights, from 22 inches to 28 inches. The table is crafted from aluminum to resist weathering. When folded away, it measures fewer than 24 inches wide and long and less than 4 inches thick.
The table comes with a stainless steel hinge to steady it when open and anti-slip feet for stability, and it features a handle for easy carrying. No assembly is required—just fold and go.
Products Specs
- Material: Aluminum frame with MDF tabletop
- Dimensions: 47.2 inches long by 23.6 inches deep, adjustable height 22 / 24 / 28 inches
- Additional features: Foldable, adjustable height
Pros
- Folds completely flat into a compact carrying unit; easy to transport and set up
- Made with strong aluminum with side bracing to provide more stability
- Adjustable height caters to specific requirements for the task at hand
Cons
- Not as attractive a potting bench as other options if using as a permanent fixture
Get the Vingli folding table at Amazon or Vingli.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Potting Bench
Potting benches are designed chiefly for function—offering the gardener a comfortable spot for performing limited planting duties that might otherwise require kneeling or sitting on the ground. Some provide additional outdoor storage for small items and accessories to help expedite gardening tasks. Best of all, a potting bench keeps the mess outdoors where it can be swept or hosed away.
Material
Potting benches can be used in a garden shed, a greenhouse, or a garage. However, many are used outdoors, so they must be able to withstand the elements. Weather-resistant wood species, such as fir, cedar, or teak, are good options because they naturally resist warping and insect infestations. Wood is also relatively lightweight, making it relatively easy to move the bench from one spot in the garden to another.
Stainless steel potting benches are less common, but they also withstand the elements. Some of the newer material options feature polyresin shelving that’s both water resistant and durable. However, for longest-lasting results with any potting bench, consider storing it in a garage over the winter. Wood potting benches may also benefit from an application of penetrating sealer once a year to help keep them in top shape.
Surface Area
Most potting benches offer a work surface that ranges from 18 to 20 inches deep (front to back) and 32 to 40 inches wide. Working space needs will vary, so consider the type of projects the bench will be used for. Even for minimal gardening tasks, a potting bench should offer a surface area that’s large enough to hold a bowl of potting mix, a variety of pots or growing trays, a few packets of seeds, and some gardening tools.
A potting bench with a sink typically offers a smaller working surface, but on some sink models, sliding boards cover the sink when it’s not in use to provide additional surface area. For those who plan to keep the potting bench in a shed or garage, measure the available floor space before buying to ensure it fits.
Storage
Many potting benches come with one or two shelves beneath the working surface for storing gardening necessities, such as a watering can, transplanting tools, a bag of soil or potting mix, and additional items. Others offer a shallow upper shelf or two that’s convenient for holding a row of newly planted pots or small pails. While many potting bench shelves are open, some have a cabinet door to conceal items.
A drawer is another handy feature for storing smaller tools and items to help keep the bench organized. If the bench doesn’t have storage hooks on the side, they can be added later and will prove useful for hanging a variety of small items, such as hand trowels.
Design Features
Outdoor potting benches don’t come with a lot of bells and whistles, but the amenities they offer can make gardening tasks more comfortable.
- Slats or grates: Shelves made from slats or grates allow soil and water to drain away beneath the potting bench.
- Sink: Unless the potting bench is a high-end model, any sink it contains likely will be a dry sink, which means it doesn’t come with a faucet that attaches to a spigot. A sink is one of the handiest options for many gardeners, and it also can be used to hold dry or moist potting mix. A dry sink is removable for easy cleanup.
- Wheels: A set of wheels on one end of the potting bench allows the user to lift the other end and move the bench—much like pushing a wheelbarrow—to another spot in the garden when desired.
- Height: Buyers can choose from a variety of workbench heights, ranging from around 30 inches high up to 45 inches or higher. In comparison, the average kitchen counter is 36 inches tall.
FAQs
Having a dedicated spot to store gardening tools and supplies tops many gardeners’ wish lists. A potting bench meets that need. If looking to organize gardening tasks, tools, and supplies in one area, you likely have a few questions. Keep reading to learn more about potting benches.
Q. What is the purpose of a potting bench?
Potting benches are helpful work surfaces for gardeners. They also provide storage space for garden tools, materials, and equipment, while simultaneously being an appropriate table-height work space to help users avoid bending over for too long.
Q. Why do potting benches have a sink?
Many potting benches include a dry sink, usually made of lightweight plastic that’s easy to remove and rinse. The dry sink is often used to hold moist or wet potting soil while users fill plant pots.
Q. How do I organize a potting bench?
Depending on the model, a potting bench may have drawers, cabinets, side hooks, and upper and lower shelves. All of these areas can be used to store a variety of handy garden items. Consider the items you will use the most while working at the potting bench, and see if they can be stored nearby for quick access.
Q. Where should a potting bench be placed?
Many potting benches are designed to withstand the elements, so they can be placed outside in a suitable spot in the yard or garden—it also looks great and adds some interest to the space.
For those looking to work during colder months, consider placing a potting bench indoors, in a large shed, greenhouse, or garage.
Q. How high should a potting bench be?
The potting bench should be a comfortable height for you. Potting benches range in height from around 30 to 45 inches. This is the average height of most tables where users can stand and work at them.
Q. How long will a potting bench last?
A potting bench’s lifespan depends on the type of material it’s made from, the amount of upkeep it receives (such as an annual sealing), and its exposure to harsh elements, such as full sun, rain, and snow. A wooden potting bench in harsh conditions with no upkeep is likely to last only about 3 years; however, with an annual coating of wood sealant and winter storage out of the elements, it could last 20 years or more.
Q. What is the best wood for an outdoor potting bench?
A weather-resistant wood species, such as fir, redwood, cedar, or teak, is the best option for an outdoor potting bench. Some benches already come with a finish on them, while others are raw wood that users can coat with their preferred sealant and varnish to match existing items in the garden.
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