Home»Garden

Last Updated on August 10 , 2023

I require to start off by apologizing . When I first exhaust ourBeginner ’s Guide to Using a Hobby Greenhouse , I enthusiastically anticipate that a tutorial on how to establish a nursery pot judiciary was “ on the style presently ! ” Welp … that was over a yr ago now . My badness ! So , I ’m very sorry it has taken me this long to write this up for you .

Article image

See , I was waiting because we had design to build a new potting bench and written document thestep - by - step processfor this tutorial . We have n’t done that yet , so I put off sharing . However , a college buddy of mine recently reached out to ask how we built our greenhouse benches ( after he saw my unrealised hope on the greenhouse article … lol ) . I admitted I was relax , but sent him some tips along with many exposure of our complete redwood benches to use as a template . Not only did he nail the design , but he took a crew of progress film for us to share here . give thanks you Luke !

revealing : This post may contain affiliate link to products for your convenience , such as to items on Amazon . Homestead and Chill hit a small commission from purchase made through those links , at no extra cost to you !

Would you like to save this?

We ’ll e-mail this mail to you , so you may come back to it later !

I check to experience email update .

DIY Greenhouse Bench Design: General Notes and Alternatives

What type of wood should I used to build a greenhouse potting bench?

Our greenhouse pot bench or table are fabricate withredwood lumber(a compounding of heart and common ) , which has excellent natural rot - resistance . Cedaris another great choice . In oecumenical , hardwoods like redwood and true cedar have higher-ranking durability , termite - resistance , and an increase lifespan than softer woods like true pine . Since your greenhouse benches in all likelihood wo n’t be in direct touch with food and stain , you could use deal timber if you want ( unlikeconstructing a raise garden bed , where I advise against that ) .

Should I seal the wood?

As you could see in the photos , the tops of the benches are slot with place between the wood board to set aside water to freely drain . Even so , our benches do n’t get A-one wet very often . We keep the legal age of our glasshouse seedling and plants nestled inside 10×20 tray or with other disk below , so there is n’t water supply running onto the benches on a unconstipated basis . Because of this wechose not to sealthe redwood and simply left it raw , as - is from the store .

If you happen to endure in a very humid surround , or if you plan to water in a manner that is always drain onto the Bench , you may require toapply a sealerorwood oilto help protect them . Or , if you ’re implicated about keep their appearance . When our greenhouse benches get wet ( particularly with dirty weewee ) it does leave water mark or light stains on the Sir Henry Joseph Wood . But we do n’t listen , and the mark could also well be sanded away .

Other options

As an alternative designing , you could also build a glasshouse potting bench with a wire top instead . employ our intent to make a similar frame / base , and then unattackable sturdygalvanized ( rusting - proof ) wireon top of the work bench or else of Grant Wood slats .   Be sure to include the horizontal top supports so the wire wo n’t sag though ! This general plan can also be used to create bench or table for other applications . For example , we used a very alike process to build our DIY potting bench – just a spot taller , deeper , and with a strong woods top . ( Photos of our potting terrace are include below )

Greenhouse Bench Sizes

Our greenhouseis 6 feet all-encompassing and 8 foot farsighted . So , we built two benches that are 68 inches farsighted ( just shy of 6 infantry ) , 22 column inch encompassing , and 28 inches tall to equip along the side walls , and one bench that is a shade wider but shorter to check along the back bulwark ( 66″ long and 24″ full ) . See the photo below .

Use this general purpose to build a greenhouse potting judiciary of any size . appraise your place , and do whatever best fits your glasshouse ! Here are some considerations when opt dimensions :

Length

We designed our bench to maximize every inch of usable space inside . Together , the three benches ( just under 6 understructure long each)create a U - shapethat lines the three side of our greenhouse , with just enough space to work between them and the entrance . My buddy Luke followed a similar layout as ours , but on a expectant scale . In his 8×12′ greenhouse , he built a bench that is just under 8 feet for the back rampart , and one just under 9 feet for the side . Do keep in mind that the longer they are , the heavier and more awkward they ’ll be to move or rearrange .

Width

We prefer for22 - column inch wide(deep ) benches for a pair of reason . One , that is what match best in our fairly belittled nursery while still supply room to move around . Also , we study the size ofaverage seedling suppliessince that is what we primarily use our nursery for – raising veggie , flower , and herb seedling for the garden . Mostseedling high temperature matsare just under 2 feet full , design to equip common10×20 traysused for holding container of seedling . ( 10×20 tray get their name from their dimension ) . in conclusion , about 2 feet is a comfortable breadth to gain across . Yet if our greenhouse were wider than 6 foot , we may have made the benches a tad wide like Luke ’s too .

Height

Our greenhouse benches are about28 in tall(28.5″ once the final top boards are instal ) . Standard table height is 28 to 30 inch . This stature works utterly for raising seedlings and is well ergonomic to work around . Luke is a tall dude and also has a taller glasshouse , so he constructed his pot benches at 34 inches tall .

Take into history the types of works you intend to turn , and the overall stature of your glasshouse . I have also look much shorter greenhouse bench , which will provide moreheadroomabove for tall plants – such as pottedtomato plants , cannabis plants , or similar lanky ally . Of course , large potted industrial plant could also be set the right way on the trading floor of the greenhouse .

to boot , our glasshouse is located in a tight stain between our theatre and a fencing . hold on the plants up off the floor provides them the most natural light and less shade . We also build and installed our nursery on top of a 12 ” tallhomemade concrete block foundation , which hold us an additional foot of clearance inside .

Aaron is standing over a greenhouse bench as it is being constructed. There are three benches throughout the patio, all of them in the same stage of construction, the only remaining step is to attach the top finishing planks. The patio table is littered with canteens of water, electric drill, screws, work gloves, and a notepad of the design.

Supplies Needed to Build a Greenhouse Potting Bench

INSTRUCTIONS

1) Plan & Prep

I suggest work on a flat and story surface , such as a table , work bench , concrete patio , or service department floor to work up your nursery pot bench .   Make asketchof your design if that help you , and jot down the measurements .

Start bycuttingthe four 4×4 legs and table top frame baseball bat ( four pieces ) to your desire dimensions . In our design , the four 4×4 leg measure 28 ” grandiloquent , and the top frame consist of two 68 ” 2×4 ’s and two 21.5 ” 2x4s . We waited to measure , curve , and infix the additional board top and leg livelihood until after the main frame was assembled .

Note : Keep in mind that depending on how you delineate up your outer frame boards , the benchcould advance or suffer a twosome inchesin either direction . See the photos below to see what I mean . Most 2×4 ” instrument panel really evaluate 1.5 ” by 3.5 ” . So , if you crest the ends of your long display board with the shorter ones , the bench will end up being 3 ” longer ( 1.5 ” on each final stage ) . This matters if you ’re work with a very fuddled quad / fit like we were , and could also change how long your slatted benchtop boards require to be cut . Therefore , cut your longest control board at 69 ” inches rather than 72 ” if you desire to build a greenhouse potting bench that is exactly 6 feet long once over .

The greenhouse is shown from the outside. The three greenhouse benches line the inside walls in the shape of a U. Some smaller containers used for starting seeds are partially visible to the left of the inside of the greenhouse. Build a greenhouse bench to make the most of its space.

2) Assemble the Bench Frame and Legs

Secure a 4×4 leg ( for sum of 2 ) at each end of your tenacious 2×4 add-in . It ’s easiest to consist the 2×4 ” on top of the legs . See the photograph below . The 2×4″ should be wealthy at the top of the 4×4 ” legs , and arrange perpendicular to one another . Use a carpenter square to ensure everything is square . Or , valuate the distance between the top and bottom of each match leg to check they ’re equal ( straight ) .

We secure the lumber together with deck screws ( two screws per junction ) , which we find can be easily screwed in with an electric drill without making pilot cakehole first . Repeatwith the second long 2×4 ” dining table and remain two legs .

Next , put up the two long sides of the bench upright and attach the short close to complete the orthogonal material body . You could do this right - side up , or upside down with the bod on the earth and legs in the air . Whatever is easy for you . Before securing the short side , ensure that the legs are allstraight and evenly spacedas you did before . Now , sequester the shorter 2×4 dining table to each branch in the corners .

The inside of a greenhouse is shown with three benches lining its walls in a U shape. There are dimensions superimposed on the image to illustrate the dimensions of the greenhouse and each of the three benches. The greenhouse floor is pea gravel with flagstone pathway.

take down : You could also do this whole performance in reverse , and confiscate the shorter side to the leg first , then attach the retentive front and back . Your call ! Truth be told , I recall that is what we did . It was over 4 years ago now …

3) Add Leg Supports

Now we need to give this thing some excess stability withthree horizontal supports . First , add a gameboard between the leg across the backside of the terrace , about midway down the legs . Next , do the same on the two brusque sides . look on how you forgather the top of the bench , the side supports may be slightly shorter ( 1.5 column inch shorter ) than the top frame piece on the same side because you need to keep it moneyed with the front side of the branch . There will not be a support across the front of the workbench , which leaves the underside easily accessible for lay in item below your bench . Secure the supports to the leg in the same manner as the top frame .

Variation : You could also secure the side supports along the interior of the 4×4 leg , making it easier to create a lower shelf if you so desire . This is what I did when we build our pot workbench ( photo below ) .

4) Add Benchtop Supports

Next , enter several horizontal support inside of the benchtop chassis . One supportevery 13 to 18 inchesis sufficient , so simply play around with your bench dimensions to see what lick best . For our 68 - in prospicient bench , we add a sum of four support , about every 13 to 14 inches . Luke ’s retentive bench was 106″ , so he impart a totality of 5 supports every 16 inch on that one .

Measure and trim the supports to fit the interior distance between the long top boards . I always mistake on the long side – it’sbetter to have a smashed fit(or have to shave a little more off ) than stop up with too - brusque of reinforcement boards . If needed , softly tap the supports into lieu with arubber mallet . We installed our support piece with the encompassing flat side of the 2×4 ” facing up . Secure them to the outer frame with deck screws ( or interchangeable ) .

5) Install Benchtop Slats

Now it ’s time for the final finishing step ! thin your lissom top boards to the same distance as your benchtop . We kept ours flush with the top frame since we were after a precise and tight fit . Or , you could make them a few inches longer – with a slight overhang on each oddment .

Place the boards on top and decide on the spacing you like between them . We leave approximately1 in of spacebetween each panel . Once you figure out the layout , I suggest attaching the very front and back edge board first , and then evenly space and secure the inner board between them .

Secure the top slat to the frame below using trim top dog finishing roll in the hay . deploy the screw propeller so that they ’re flush or sunk just inside the Earth’s surface of the wood , creating a smooth and snag - free finish .

The inside of a greenhouse is shown with two benches lining its walls. There are dimensions superimposed on the image to illustrate the dimensions of the greenhouse and each of the two benches. The greenhouse floor is gravel.

And… you’re done!

Now , all you need to do is move your nursery pot benches into their young habitation . Our terrace are slightly wider than the threshold itself , so we had maneuver them in sideways and legs - first … pivot , anyone ? Finally , sit back to look up to your beautiful craftsmanship with a nice frosty brewage ! Or , homemade kombucha . Or a cup of deliciousgourmet loose - leaf tea . Whatever suit your partiality . You deserve it !

I hope this tutorial on how to build a glasshouse pot bench was helpful and easy - to - follow , and will enable you to swimmingly make your very own squawk - butt benches . Please let me roll in the hay if you have any questions , and feel free to spread the love by sharing this C. W. Post . Thank you so much for tune up in . well-chosen building !

Do n’t miss these have-to doe with articles :

The inside of the greenhouse is shown with the benches full of tender young seedlings. There are grow lights hanging down from the greenhouse ceiling on one side and there are a number of watering cans and other seedling supplies stored away underneath the benches. Build a greenhouse bench and be able to store supplies below the benches as well as grow plants on top of them.

One side of the greenhouse is shown full of tall tomato and tomatillo seedlings. Lights are hanging from the greenhouse ceiling and the seedlings are growing into them. There is a bag of soil and seedlings trays being stored below the benches.

The corner of a greenhouse bench is shown where the 4x4 leg is connected to two 2x4’s to make up the frame. The corner of the bench as a superimposed circle to illustrate how the placement of the boards can alter your dimensions.

Two sides of a greenhouse bench are laying on the ground. Each side has two 4x4’s which are connected together at the top by a long 2x4 board.

A greenhouse bench partly constructed with four 4x4 legs and four 2x4 boards attached to the top ends of the 4x4’s create a rectangular frame. An “X” with a line showing the distance between the top of the 4x4’s and the bottom of the 4x4’s illustrates the even spacing.

A greenhouse that is almost fully constructed. The frame and supports are fully attached, the only step remaining is to attach the finishing planks to the top of the frame to create the top of the bench. A trailer sits just behind the bench.

A greenhouse that is almost fully constructed. The frame and supports are fully attached, the only step remaining is to attach the finishing planks to the top of the frame to create the top of the bench. Two circles with dimensions are superimposed on the image at the top corner of the bench and the bottom support beam to show how they may differ in dimensions to make the attachments flush. Build a greenhouse bench even if you don’t have a greenhouse to better display potted plants.

A two part image collage, the first image shows a potting bench almost fully constructed. It has a similar frame design as the greenhouse benches yet it has an old window attached as a backboard to the top of the bench. There are supports on the top and towards the bottom of the bench that will allow for boards to be attached on top, making a shelf below and a surface for the top of the bench. The second image shows the bench after boards have been added to the top as well as the bottom to finish the shelf.

The large greenhouse bench is almost fully constructed, its frame and table top supports are installed with only the finishing planks left to attach on the top.

Two greenhouse benches are in the process of being constructed on the back yard patio. They are each almost fully constructed with only the top finishing planks remaining to be attached. Garden beds are in the background with tender seedlings, an arch connects two of the beds with a gate that leads to the backyard. A chicken can be seen through the gate as it peers inside the patio.

A close up image of the top of one of the greenhouse benches. The finishing screws are only slightly visible on the top of the bench. Build a greenhouse bench to maximize your space inside.

A large greenhouse bench is pictured, 4x4 legs with 2x4 supports make up the frame, with smaller finishing planks that are used for the top portion of the bench.

Inside the greenhouse a new bench is placed against the back wall of the greenhouse. Two glasses full of beer are sitting off to the side with a can in front of the glasses. The greenhouse sits atop a paver foundation, the floor is pea gravel with a flagstone paver pathway. Build a greenhouse bench to use your greenhouse more successfully and effectively.

DeannaCat is sitting on her newly made greenhouse benches while she is holding a frosty cold glass of beer. There is a tilandsia hanging on the inside of the greenhouse to the right of the image. Build a greenhouse bench so you can start seedlings and grow various other plants.

Gravel hardscape with flagstone pavers lead to a greenhouse that is full of seedlings. There are two pots flanking the greenhouse door, one has an agave inside and the other is a succulent of some sort. There is also a trellis with a passion fruit vine filling it out just outside the greenhouse door.

DeannaCat signature, keep on growing