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Potting Bench

Ana White
Ana White
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Ana White
Ana White
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This potting bench is a great addition to your backyard and keeps all your gardening tools organized and easily accessible.

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  1. Project Steps

    1. Step: 1

      Cut List: 2 – 2x4 @ 61-1/2” (back legs) 2 – 2x4 @ 35-1/4” (front legs) 4 – 2x4 @ 22” (side aprons) 10 – 1x4 @ 39” (front aprons, short shelf boards, back shelf) 10 – 1x4 @ 42” (long shelf boards, back boards) 2 – 1x4 @ 24” both ends cut at 45 degrees, long point to short point measurement (cross support)

    2. Step: 2

      Mark the back legs from the bottom at 11-1/4” and 35-1/4”. Attach with 2-1/2” exterior deck screws the 22” long side aprons to the back legs, matching marks with tops of aprons. Then mark the front legs 1-1/2” in from front edge and also 11-1/4” up from bottom of leg. Attach other side of 22” long side aprons to the front legs.

    3. Step: 3

      Attach front aprons to the side aprons with 2” deck screws and glue.

    4. Step: 4

      Shelving – Place shelving boards on bottom shelf. Attach with about a ½” gap in between shelf boards with 2” exterior deck screws. Repeat for top shelf.

    5. Step: 5

      Cross bracing – cut cross bracing at 45 degree angles on ends. Attach to back legs and the back shelf board with 2” exterior deck screws and glue.

    6. Step: 6

      Hutch Back – Attach hutch back boards to back legs with 2” exterior deck screws, leaving about 2” gap in between boards.

    7. Step: 7

      Hutch Shelf – Screw through back boards and back legs into the hutch shelf board sides and back to attach with 2” exterior deck screws.

    8. Step: 8

      Accessories – Add hooks and towel bar for additional accessories.

Comments (25)


  • This is exactly what I have been looking for! Thanks so much Anna White.
    By Betsyj59, on April 13, 2015
  • its GREAT for small space but got whst u neef
    By MISSDEE, on April 28, 2015
  • Made this as part of my wife's mother's day gift. Sanded all the corners and added a nice stain. Came out beautiful. Thank you.
    By rudyalvarado7, on May 13, 2015
  • Отлично!!!!!!!!!!
    By Vladimir, on August 23, 2015
  • on my 2Do list now ... tysm
    By uWishuCould, on October 5, 2015
  • Starting this build next week, I am making it as a christmas gift for my Mother whom loves gardening. I am thinking maybe using Cedar? Any recommendations as it will be kept outdoors all the time.
    By Mike Mercer, on November 15, 2015
  • I am assuming all these measurements are in inches?
    By Mike Mercer, on November 19, 2015
  • It looks like the tool bench my dad built for me when I was 4. Except the back has pegboard and the bottom shelf has plywood on the bottom of the 2*4's so it makes a scrap wood storage shelf with the 2*4 lip around it. I still have it if you want a photo. (I am 11 now) We have the same initials Anna. A&W like the rootbeer. I have an A&W shirt for that reason. (I don't really like the rootbeer, but fun to have a shirt with my initials on it.
    By Tech-nic-Allie, on December 4, 2016
  • Thanks for the plans Ana.
    By rick.norris, on August 7, 2017
  • Where can I get the plans for this item?
    By sthorne1221, on February 14, 2018
    • I found the step-by-step instructions. However, there apparently is no way to print it out, am I correct?
      By sthorne1221, on February 14, 2018
    • Correct, it is not a downloadable file but can be viewed from the screen. However, if you have a MacBook you could always take a screenshot of the instructions and print that screenshot picture.
      By RYOBI NATION, on February 14, 2018
  • I know this video is 3 years old, but is there a reason why there is no audio? I tested to see if earphones weren't working, but that is not the case and my volume is up to max level.
    By Janaseven7, on April 1, 2018
    • Nevermind, I fou d the video and watch directly on youtube instead of on the ryobi website.
      By Janaseven7, on April 1, 2018
    • Sorry you had trouble and glad you found the solution!
      By RYOBI NATION, on April 13, 2018
  • My son is building this potting bench for me. Id like to know where i can get hooks like the ones in the project. 
    By Wongnmbr, on April 22, 2018
  • was a fun first project for me!
    By dmtuck55, on April 27, 2018

  • Where can you get the measurements for this project? 

    By OverboardHud, on May 7, 2018
  • This was a great one day project! Thanks Anna.
    By Phishlips81, on May 12, 2018
  • This bench turned out great.  I modified the dimensions slightly to fit on my deck.  It is 33" wide x ~18" deep.  It doubles as the platform for my bird feeders.  Is there a way to post pictures?  Thank you Ana White.
    By edspyhill09, on July 1, 2018 (edited)
    • You can upload a new project showing how yours turned out! We would love to see!
      By RYOBI NATION, on July 17, 2018
  • Where do you find the cut list and all the other information on how to do this. Can;t find it anyhere.  let me know
    By Penquin17742, on January 25, 2020
  • I made this potting bench for my wife and gave it to her as a gift for Valentine's she loved it. Plus I also made two short stools so she can sit on while in the garden.
    By The Texan palletteer , on February 14, 2020
  • Thanks for the details on how to. very very helpful


    By soutrnatl_17150, on May 21, 2020
  • I have never used a circular saw before. You make this look so easy. I just need a circular saw lesson, first. My husband has me scared to death of this equipment. I want to see if my local Home Depot offers some sort of training or hands on instruction, then next time he leaves town I'm going for it. You'd think after 40 years he'd know better than to tell me "No". It's true what they say about old dogs, I guess. I can't wait for him to travel..lol.
    By user_teeters_1783159, on April 19, 2021

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Potting Bench

by Ana White
Mar 31, 2015

This potting bench is a great addition to your backyard and keeps all your gardening tools organized and easily accessible.

Project Steps

  1. Step: 1

    Cut List: 2 – 2x4 @ 61-1/2” (back legs) 2 – 2x4 @ 35-1/4” (front legs) 4 – 2x4 @ 22” (side aprons) 10 – 1x4 @ 39” (front aprons, short shelf boards, back shelf) 10 – 1x4 @ 42” (long shelf boards, back boards) 2 – 1x4 @ 24” both ends cut at 45 degrees, long point to short point measurement (cross support)

  2. Step: 2

    Mark the back legs from the bottom at 11-1/4” and 35-1/4”. Attach with 2-1/2” exterior deck screws the 22” long side aprons to the back legs, matching marks with tops of aprons. Then mark the front legs 1-1/2” in from front edge and also 11-1/4” up from bottom of leg. Attach other side of 22” long side aprons to the front legs.

  3. Step: 3

    Attach front aprons to the side aprons with 2” deck screws and glue.

  4. Step: 4

    Shelving – Place shelving boards on bottom shelf. Attach with about a ½” gap in between shelf boards with 2” exterior deck screws. Repeat for top shelf.

  5. Step: 5

    Cross bracing – cut cross bracing at 45 degree angles on ends. Attach to back legs and the back shelf board with 2” exterior deck screws and glue.

  6. Step: 6

    Hutch Back – Attach hutch back boards to back legs with 2” exterior deck screws, leaving about 2” gap in between boards.

  7. Step: 7

    Hutch Shelf – Screw through back boards and back legs into the hutch shelf board sides and back to attach with 2” exterior deck screws.

  8. Step: 8

    Accessories – Add hooks and towel bar for additional accessories.