DIY Network

Potting Station: Bench Construction From "Weekend Remodeling" episode WKR-308

After the weekend: the completed potting bench workstation.

With the upper portion of the potting station completed, it's time to create the custom potting bench.

On a difficulty scale of 1-5, this project receives a 2 ranking.
Time to complete: 16 hours over 2 days

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F
	Figure G
	Figure H

Materials:

Storewall/slatwall
4 x 4 lumber
2 x 4 lumber
1 x 6 and 1 x stock
Cedar 1 x 12
Clamps
Grid
Rubber bin
Dog food dispenser
Nails
Screws
Hooks
Brackets
Tape measure
Level
Chalk line
Hammer
Utility knife
Circular saw
Chop saw
Drill
Framing square
Trim nailer
Stud finder
Table saw

1. This bench will measure 8' long x 2' deep. For the lumber needed, Reveiz cuts 4 x 4s to 34-1/4" long. Next, he cuts the banding that will connect all fo the posts at both the bottoms and tops of the 4 x 4s.

2. To assemble the bench, lay 1 x 4s out on floor and tack together using a brad nailer. Build the frames for both the top and bottom of bench (figure A).

3. Use scrap 4 x 4s to raise one of the frames from the floor and tack the frame together using a brad nailer. Set the six posts into position and tack to 1 x 4 banding (figure B). Attach in the four corners and center the other two.

4. Pre-drill the 1 x 4s with a countersink bit and secure the posts with 2" wood screws. Place clamps on the two center posts, then set banding into place (figure C).

5. Use a 3/4" block as a spacer, tack the banding in place as for the bottom. Add screws to secure.

6. Cut and install 1 x 2s to fit between the posts around the interior of the lower banding. Use a spacer block to position as needed.

7. Add braces in center (figure D), running from front to back, then cut 1 x 6 boards, set over interior bracing and nail in place (figure E). Leave one 1/2" spacer to leave an even gap between the boards. Notch boards around posts to fit.

8. Now, move on to the bench top assembly that will incorporate a removable and hidden soil bin. To get started, attach 2 x 4s between the front and back banding and secure with wood screws. At the back of the table, attach a 1 x 2 brace between the 2 x 4s.

9. Attach a brace to support the bin across the front, then test fit of bin.

10. Install 1 x 2 braces around the interior of banding (figure F), then create removable bin top. Lay out three slats and place 1/4" spacers between. Attach cleats (figure G), while making sure everything remains square. Flip top over and remove spacers.

11. Cut several slats from the 1 x 6 cedar boards. Making sure top is aligned directly over the bin, begin attaching the slats. Work from center toward one end and use spacers to keep everything aligned (figure H). When the end is reached, measure for width of last board, rip on table saw and drop in place.